Carole Bright-Alvarez, owner of iN TEA
Rachel Mains returns to historic downtown Littleton to visit one of her favorite local gems: iN-TEA, a family-owned tea house that has been welcoming guests since 2008. If you’ve ever stepped inside, you know it’s more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a warm, inviting space where generations gather, conversations unfold, and time seems to slow down just a little.
Rachel sits down with owner Carol Bright-Alvarez to explore the story behind In Tea, from Carol’s childhood memories of tea at home to the moment she decided to turn a lifelong passion into a business. What began as a concept in an MBA class—originally called “Moon Dollars,” a tea-centered counterpoint to coffee culture—became a real-life destination that now serves the Littleton community and ships tea all over the world.
A Different Way to Experience Tea
In this conversation, Carol explains what sets In Tea apart. From loose-leaf blends sourced from growers around the globe to carefully timed brewing methods, every cup is crafted with intention. Tea here isn’t rushed—it’s measured, timed, and served in a way that brings out its full complexity.
Rachel and Carol also talk about the experience of tea itself: how it differs from what most people are used to, why whole-leaf tea offers richer flavor and nutrients, and how discovering “real” tea often becomes a point of no return.
And it’s not just tea. In Tea offers thoughtfully paired food, baked goods from a local French bakery, gluten-free options, light snacks, and even tea-infused cocktails—drinks that blend relaxation with antioxidants in creative ways.
Community, Education, and Atmosphere
One of the heartbeats of In Tea is education. Carol shares her love for teaching through in-house classes that function much like wine tastings, guiding guests through five different teas in each session. It’s a continuation of her former life as a teacher, now expressed through cups and kettles instead of classrooms.
The episode also highlights the care that goes into building a knowledgeable staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and helping customers navigate a menu that can feel overwhelming at first. At In Tea, the goal isn’t just to sell tea—it’s to “fit” each guest with the right blend for their mood, the weather, their caffeine needs, or even how they’re feeling that day.
Small Business, Big Community
This conversation is a reminder of what makes small, local businesses so powerful. In Tea isn’t trying to be everywhere. It’s focused on being exactly where it is—serving its community well, collaborating with neighboring shops, and staying fresh through creativity, seasonal menus, and even pop-culture-inspired drink boards.
It’s a story about passion, place, and purpose—and about how “more” isn’t always better. Sometimes, doing one thing well, in one meaningful location, is exactly what makes something special.
If you love discovering the heart behind Colorado’s small businesses, this episode is for you.
Listen now and experience In Tea through the eyes of Pinpoint Colorado.
Or watch the interview here:
To learn more about In Tea or plan a visit, head to in-tea.net.
