Time for Tea!

Who are the owners of Tea Time?

Husband and wife Cole and Anna Lutkin grew up just miles apart from one another in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were friends throughout high school and dated shortly after serving LDS missions abroad, finally getting married on September 10, 2022. 

Cole is student of business management at Utah Valley University, while Anna is a recent graduate in the European Studies program at Brigham Young University. They share a passion for designing and creating across a wide variety of media, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sewing, cooking, and (best of all) hosting. 

Where did the name Tea Time come from? 

Nothing motivates us more than hosting small events and bringing people together. We want to be a friend to anyone around us, hopefully making them feel like someone likes having them around. This brand is one to bring people together and celebrate the small moments.

“Tea Time” refers to dinner hour in the UK, and we wanted to make a brand that showcases apparel, homeware, and tableware that are centered around casual hosting. We want to make hosting more accessable with items that are unique but not so expensive and delicate that they wait in the china cabinet all year long. Tea time is not a special occasion–it’s all about dressing up your every day. 

What made you want to create your own store? 

We have always been drawn to finding the small, independent shops ranging from local makers to those quiet spots located off the beaten path. Supporting small artists is something we enjoy more than anything else in this process–we love watching other people express themselves in their own way! There is a huge, backwards way of doing things in the fashion and textile industry. We are not naive to the environmental and human rights issues provoked by mass production. Not only this, but it is almost impossible for small artisans using more sustainable materials to compete with major brands’ price points. These sustainable innovators need to be appreciated much more than they are now. We want to be a part of this shift of working with small producers and making that our norm. Although our efforts are small, they are meaningful to us and our community. Promoting people and the planet are at the forefront of our model. 

What inspires you? 

Color, comfort, natural materials, and small imperfections that make each piece unique.