This series from World Tea News aims to shine light on the different roles and jobs in the tea industry.
In each installment, we’ll take a deep dive into a different segment of the tea industry to learn more about the roles, responsibilities, and risks associated with the job. Miss an installment? Catch up here!
For this installment, we reached out to Cynthia Fazekas, wholesale sales manager & tea specialist at Adagio Teas, which is an American specialty tea company that sells teas and tea accessories.
Here's what Cynthia had to say about a day in the life of a tea wholesaler/specialist:
Hello! I’m Cynthia Fazekas. I was born in Connecticut, spent part of my childhood in South Florida, and have been drinking tea nearly all my life. Even as a child, I noticed how tea could be both soothing and energizing—helping with colds, focus, and even emotional balance.
My journey into specialty tea began when higher-quality teas appeared at a mall where I worked. A colleague recognized my passion and introduced me to a mail-order tea company, where I first discovered fine black teas, oolongs, and green teas. Later, I joined that company during a career transition, where I was mentored in tea tasting, blending, and the workings of online retail. Those experiences set the stage for my current role with Adagio.
My Morning Routine
I start each day with a cup of a hearty Keemun with breakfast before checking emails and internal communications. Working remotely, I focus first on urgent messages from our team, as so not to be a bottleneck for colleagues. Once the inbox is under control, I move on to tea projects for the day—tasting or blending.
Tastings may involve:
- Evaluating teas for purchase
- Assessing new vendors
- Quality control for received shipments
- Reviewing new ingredients for blends (including culinary spices and herbs for our Selefina division)
Since all blends at Adagio are created in-house, maintaining quality is critical. I prefer to taste mid-morning when my palate is sharpest, but sometimes decisions must be made quickly, so tastings may extend into the afternoon. On those days, I keep lunch light and neutral in flavor to preserve accuracy.
The Art of Blending
Blending is one of the most creative parts of my work. I’ll gather ingredients, check my notes, and prepare several variations of a formula. Each version is compared side by side. If one isn’t quite right, I’ll adjust ratios and repeat until the flavor feels balanced and distinctive.
Once a new blend is finalized, I often draft its web copy right away. Even if the tea won’t launch for months, writing in the moment helps capture the excitement and ensures we’re ready when release day comes. If it’s for a client’s custom blend, I’ll prepare a few versions as well, to maximize their tasting session and better analyze feedback when they provide it.
Supporting Wholesale Clients
Another part of my day involves shifting into sales and client support. I connect with wholesale clients and prospects through scheduled calls or by responding to inquiries. These conversations might cover Adagio Wholesale’s custom services, product selection, or brainstorming marketing ideas.
I also monitor sales data and flavor trends. Sometimes a blend suddenly surges in popularity, hinting at an emerging trend. Spotting these early helps us stay ahead with both inventory and product development.
A Lifelong Student of Tea
Despite working with tea since 1999, I still set aside time each week for education. Tea is endlessly fascinating: cultivars, terroir, and production techniques create a stunning variety across regions and traditions. Add in the world of herbs and spices, and the possibilities feel limitless.
That sense of discovery is what inspires me daily. Tea isn’t just my profession—it’s my lifelong passion.
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