About Us:

Ilana Dunkle is a certified tea expert with over 20 years of industry experience. In 2024, she founded Smiling Fox Teas to help people slow down and truly appreciate tea through traditional gongfu tea sessions and curated tastings. In addition to these experiences, she offers consulting services to businesses looking to enhance or expand their tea offerings. Ilana also runs a free monthly newsletter called "A Bit About Tea" and regularly shares tea reviews on Instagram. Ultimately, she hopes to sell her own tea blends, as well as a carefully selected range of teas from around the world. Ilana draws inspiration and emotional support from her beloved pets, Loki (may he rest in peace, 2025) and Pyewacket, her current "supurrvisor."

F.A.Q

  • Smiling Fox Teas provides tea tastings and traditional gongfu tea sessions for individuals, available both in-person and virtually. Ilana is also available for consulting services aimed at businesses seeking to enhance or expand their tea offerings. This includes restaurants looking to start offering loose-leaf tea service and corporate venues interested in hosting regular tea events.

  • Inspired by the kitsune mask hanging above her beloved tea set, Ilana named her tea business "Smiling Fox Tea", reflecting her fondness for foxes. As she prepares the tea, Ilana imagines the mask's expression is one of delight.

  • I choose to list only starting prices because they can vary based on several factors, like whether our service is in-person or virtual. There might also be transportation or shipping costs to consider. Additionally, the price of tea for tastings or ceremonies can change yearly. I'm genuinely excited to collaborate with you in crafting a unique tea experience that truly delivers value and joy!

  • Item descriptionJoin us for "A Bit About Tea," our monthly newsletter filled with delightful content! Discover updates on Ilana's journey and explore the wonderful world of tea with insightful analyses. Enjoy fun trivia and savor a charming tea haiku. It's all about tea and connection! For more information, email ilana@smilingfoxteas.com.

  • Owner and Founder

    From a young age, I have been passionate about tea and have long aspired to turn this passion into a business. Over the past decade, I have honed my palate, extensively tasting and analyzing teas. I have hosted numerous public tea-tasting events at local shops and have created custom blends for friends and family for years. To share my expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience, I maintain a regular tea review on Instagram and publish a monthly newsletter, "A Bit About Tea." In 2024, I founded Smiling Fox Teas.

  • Loki was Ilana’s purrfect supervisor and a source of support of 17 years. In loving memory, 2007 - 2025.

  • Pyewacket is Ilana's new supervisor and emotional support. Born in February 2025, this lively Siamese cat is proving to be a source of endless entertainment and affection.

Meet the Owner

With over ten years as a passionate tea expert, I’ve honed my palate and embraced the enchanting art of tea. My journey has been all about enriching the tea-drinking experience, whether it's through crafting delightful blends or sharing the subtle joys of brewing the ideal cup. I truly believe in the magic of taking a moment to pause and fully savor the remarkable diversity that tea offers.