In this episode of Leadership Talks, Dr. Kate Vawter speaks with Melissa Harlan, Owner & Founder of Drink Me! Tea Room.

Tune in to this episode as Melissa talks about: 

*  working at Disney early in her career, and the hospitality training she still uses today 

*  her corporate journey, and the experiences that led to her entrepreneurial pursuit

*  living and working in her community

*  her modern twist on traditional British afternoon tea

*  eco-friendly practices, and how she embraces sustainability

In the Summer of 2020, with inspiration from her favorite book, Alice in Wonderland, Melissa opened a Gluten-Free, Plant-Based, Afternoon Tea Room where guests enjoy allergen-friendly chef confections, organic teas, and local spirits to celebrate and escape their own corporate craziness. As someone who lives with food allergies, it was extremely important to Melissa to ensure that there was a place that anyone could visit and to be able to enjoy all the treats of an afternoon tea without the worry. 

Over her career, Melissa worked for some of the top companies known for their customer experience, including Disney, Southwest Airlines and Verizon. She knows how important attention to detail is in creating an outstanding and unforgettable experience. Now retired from spreadsheets and head counts, Melissa puts all her detail-focused talent into ensuring guests have an amazingly immersive time with premium tea, wonderful treats and hand-crafted cocktails in collaboration with local Tempe distilleries, Wild Hare & Arizona Distilling Co.

Drink Me! Tea Room is a unique experience providing Tempe, Arizona a charming and magical tea escape.

Learn more about Melissa Harlan: 

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-harlan-69809a6/ 

Visit Her Website: https://drinkmetearoom.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkmetearoom/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkmetearoom/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkmetearoom 

About the Leadership Talks Podcast

In the Leadership Talks Podcast, Kate Vawter speaks with successful leaders across industries — real people and local leaders. In each episode, the conversations explore different people's leadership styles, how people achieve unbelievable success, how a few become the best in the world, and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-talks/id1690609428 

Subscribe to the Leadership Talks Video Series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadershiptalks6061 

Connect with Dr. Kate Vawter 

Website:  https://ascentsolutions.net/ 

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatevawter/