ABOUT US
Our Vision
In a world of constant noise and stimulation, we believe in the power of a prelude—a beautiful, intentional moment of quiet that prepares the mind and senses for what comes next.
Our vision for Prelude Tea Company is to craft these moments. We are not just sourcing tea; we are composing multi-sensory experiences. By pairing the nuanced flavours of exceptional, directly-sourced teas with the emotional depth of music, we aim to create a space for connection—to the tea, to the music, and to yourself. We seek to be a bridge between ancient traditions and a modern, global community of people who appreciate artistry and authenticity.
Our Story
The story of Prelude Tea Company is a story of two worlds meeting.
For thirteen years, my life as a professional pianist and singer took me to the grand lounges of the world's finest hotels, from The Savoy and Dorchester in London to the Shangri-La and Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo. It was a life of performance, energy, and meticulous standards. In the quiet hours between these performances, I found my own personal prelude in a simple cup of tea. It became a ritual—a way to ground myself, to find clarity, and to appreciate a different kind of artistry. But it was meeting Misaki in Canada that turned a personal passion into a shared dream.
We fell in love, and made the journey back to her home country, eventually settling in the historic heart of Japanese culture, Kyoto. Here, our two passions—my music and Misaki's deep-rooted connection to Japanese tea, aesthetics and design—began to intertwine. We spent our days exploring small, family-run tea farms, listening to the stories of the farmers, and tasting teas that carried the unique spirit of the soil.
The decision became clear: we would build our dream here, starting with the incredible teas at our doorstep, but with a vision that was global from day one.
Meet the Founders
Austin Nash Park
As the co-founder and "composer" for Prelude Tea, Austin's palate and musical artistry are the driving forces behind our unique pairings. His years as a performer in the world's most demanding environments gave him a unique appreciation for quality and atmosphere. He personally selects each tea for its story and character, and composes the original music that accompanies it, creating the multi-sensory experience that defines our brand.
Misaki Park
As the eye and heart of our brand, Misaki ensures that every detail is handled with precision, care, and a deep respect for Japanese culture. A trained illustrator and designer, she is the architect of our visual identity. With a professional background as a nurse, Misaki brings a profound sense of wellness and meticulous attention to detail to our operations. She guides our sourcing, building personal, lasting relationships with our farm partners and ensuring the authenticity of everything we share.