Meet Mia Fraser | Researcher & Tea Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Fraser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Firstly, I really believe there should be no shame in giving up or cutting your losses; that may be the healthiest thing you can do for yourself. For me, knowing when to press on through adversity or make a 180 depends on how much internal motivation I have for a project and the odds stacked against me. The amount of faith you have in yourself to complete a task is the most important thing anyone can have but that faith should not bind you to a seemingly hopeless situation. It’s always encouraging to hear stories of persons persevering through sheer grit and self-motivation. However, having faith in yourself and your dreams should also allow you the leeway to step back and assess that a situation may not be ideal. Putting a project on pause or completely re-strategising may be the best thing for your sanity. Self-motivation should also function as recognition that you can fulfil your dreams, perhaps not immediately but in due time, without the pressure of instant results. Doing things for your own peace of mind is the ultimate goal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Exploring the stories of tea from across the world gives me joy. It’s always amazing to see how one tea can be transformed into different delicacies across the globe and the history that connects our foods. It can be difficult at times to find accurate histories or recipes for foods outside of my native English language but the supportive community I’ve build always step in. Building a community of persons who share your interests and support you in your adventures is one of the most important lessons I could share with anyone. The community may not be large at first but size is the least of your worries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Kingston Jamaica is my home and you can get a little bit of everything there from the sea to the hills.

A place to be:
1. Holywell National Park is tucked in the UNESCO protected Blue and John Crow Mountains. It has the most scenic views of Kingston along with mountain trails to camp, hike or bike. It wouldn’t be a Blue Mountain trip if you didn’t stop for Blue Mountain coffee from the onsite cafe- Blue Brews Bistro or Cafe Blue on route to Holywell. If you feel adventurous and physically fit you can even arrange an expedition to hike Blue Mountain Peak, the highest on the island.

2. Fort Clarence Beach: While not exactly in Kingston it’s close and you’ll get to have the Caribbean Sea at your fingertips. Trying Escovitch Fish is a must when you come here

3. Museums, Galleries & Murals of Downtown Kingston

4. Live Music at 22 Jerk on Thursday evenings

5. Taking a walk along palisadoes, it’s a bonus if you explore the museums of Port Royal which are relatively close by

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my fellow blogger friend Rochelle Knight @adventuresfromelle who helps me to stay motivated!

Website: http://theteafile.com

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7UpW9cz7R30lI8hYiWVW4Q