Founder: Piya Mitra

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East Bay Tea Societea grew out of a lifelong relationship with tea.

Tea is part of my heritage. My family comes from the tea regions of India, and tea has been a constant presence throughout my life. Across cultures and generations, tea has always been where conversations unfold naturally and people come together without pretense.

Over time, I noticed how few spaces existed for people to simply slow down and connect in person. So much of our lives now happen online, and meaningful, unhurried connection has become rare.

I created East Bay Tea Societea to change that.

EBTS is not just an online group. It was built to foster real, in-person connection through tea. From seated teas to outdoor Sip & Hike gatherings, each experience is designed to feel welcoming, calm, and grounded.

Giving back is central to why this work matters to me. A core focus of EBTS is creating dedicated tea spaces for seniors, where people can gather, share stories, and feel heard. At a time when loneliness is increasingly common, especially among older adults, I believe small, consistent moments of connection can make a meaningful difference.

Alongside events and programs, I am also building a Bay Area tea directory to support local tea culture and make it easier to discover tea rooms, chai spots, tastings, and tea experiences across the San Francisco Bay Area.

East Bay Tea Societea reflects my belief that tea can be a bridge — between people, generations, and communities.