our story

Meet Shannon & Guerby Joseph

CEO & President of Joseph's Tea Enterprises

Some stories begin with a gentle whisper rather than a grand announcement. Joseph’s Tea is one of those stories. It started with two New Yorkers searching for meaning, health, and a soulmate… and found all three at the same time.

When Shannon and Guerby Joseph first shared a simple pot of tea on a date in Manhattan, something unexpected happened. Conversation flowed easier. Stress melted. They felt present in a way that dinner tables and busy schedules were never allowed. Tea became their quiet ritual, their daily grounding, and eventually, the heart of a dream they would build together.

A Dream Born from Love, Wellness, and the Desire to Serve

As Shannon faced health challenges, she turned to naturopathic medicine and discovered the healing world of loose-leaf tea. Together, the couple searched for quality blends that supported wellness and tasted extraordinary. They didn’t just find tea—they found a calling.

In 2020, at a time when the world was craving comfort and connection, they launched Joseph’s Tea as an online shop with 20 handcrafted blends. Encouragement poured in quickly from customers who embraced the brand’s warmth, purity, and purpose. Within a year, they opened their first tearoom in Clearwater, Florida.

A Tearoom Designed to Feel Like an Escape

Joseph’s Tea Room isn’t simply decorated; it’s composed. Every detail was designed and built by co-founder and President Guerby Joseph, whose background in graphic design, fashion, and business shaped the space into a dreamy European-inspired oasis.

Soft blues. Marble. Velvet. Cascading florals. Sunlit corners that invite you to slow down.
Guests often describe it as “stepping into another world,” which is exactly what Guerby wanted: a place where people reconnect, celebrate, and breathe again.

The Tea Room now seats up to 90 guests and has earned the Tampa Bay Times “Best of the Best” award every single year since opening, along with features in leading publications including TeaTime Magazine.

Family Recipes, Made with Heart

Joseph’s Tea doesn’t hide its family roots—it celebrates them.

Many of the tearoom’s most beloved recipes come from Head Chef Cynthia Martin, Shannon’s mother. Her scones, savories, and petite desserts carry the warmth of home, the comfort of tradition, and the pride of generations. Every afternoon tea service feels deeply personal because it truly is.

With over 100 blends—each curated and blended in-houseguests “see, smell, and taste the difference” in every pot. The menu is welcoming to all dietary needs, designed with love by Shannon herself, who is gluten-free and lactose-intolerant.

Two Locations, Two Experiences

Joseph’s Tea has grown thoughtfully and intentionally:

Joseph’s Tea Room – Clearwater, FL

A bright, elegant sanctuary for traditional afternoon tea gatherings, celebrations, and whimsical themed events.

Joseph’s Tea Bar – Dunedin, FL

A cozy, intimate concept offering tea mocktails, tea flights, lattes, coffee, and light bites—perfect for everyday rituals and small get-togethers.

Each space reflects a different chapter of the Josephs’ creativity and passion.

A Community Hub Filled with Magic

What began as a tearoom has transformed into a destination known for unforgettable experiences.

Bridgerton-inspired soirées with live classical music.
Alice in Wonderland tea parties.
Great Gatsby jazz nights.
Flower workshops.
Jewelry-making classes.
Corporate events and milestone celebrations of every kind.

The Josephs set out to create a place where people come to feel something—and they have succeeded.

Growing a Family, Growing a Legacy

Through all the milestones—expanding their locations, building a full events program, and perfecting their blends, Shannon and Guerby have done it side by side.

They welcomed their son Denzel in 2023 and their second son Kairo in 2025. Balancing two businesses, two children, and countless responsibilities would seem impossible… but their purpose carries them forward.

Guests constantly ask, “When will you open a Joseph’s Tea near me?”
That overwhelming love inspired the next chapter:

The Joseph’s Tea Franchise Program

In 2024, the couple launched a franchise opportunity for passionate entrepreneurs who want to bring either the Tea Room or Tea Bar concept to their own communities. It’s an invitation to join a brand built on authenticity, quality, and heart.

For a small family business run by two people and their devoted team, franchising allows their dream to grow without losing the intimate, soulful touch that defines Joseph’s Tea.

More Than Tea. More Than a Business. A Movement.

Joseph’s Tea stands for wellness, beauty, and togetherness. Every blend is crafted with intention. Every event is designed to spark joy. Every guest is treated like family.

From a small online shop to two beloved Florida locations, from pandemic uncertainty to national recognition, from childhood recipes to handcrafted blends… this is a love story steeped in resilience, creativity, and purpose.

And it’s still just beginning.