About Us

Amy Pham
Founder: The Australian Olive Oil Soap
Founder: Timeless and Mindful by Amy

Amy’s Journey: A Path Guided by Shan Ancient Camellia Sinensis Tea Trees (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)

Amy’s journey into tea was unexpected—a path she never planned, yet one that seemed destined to find her.

Her story began with a commitment to family and wellness. Over a decade ago, Amy started crafting natural, safe products for her children, seeking gentle, chemical-free solutions for their sensitive skin. Back then, tea was a quiet presence in her life—mostly herbal teas and tisanes. She avoided green tea, recalling its bitterness and sharpness that didn’t suit her taste.

But life has a way of unfolding in surprising ways. In 2022, Amy felt an inner calling she couldn’t ignore. She joined a tea master class without knowing where it would lead, guided only by her instinct to explore. With no plan, no guidance, and knowing no one, she embarked on a journey that would change everything. Through the Australian Tea Master program, Amy discovered the delicate intricacies of tea, earning her certification and igniting a passion that would take her across continents.

Her path first led to Japan, where she immersed herself in the profound culture of Japanese tea. She earned a second certification in Japanese tea, learning about the care and craftsmanship behind every leaf. A visit to a tea farm deepened her reverence for the ancient art, showing her how tea is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the land and the hands that nurture it.

But it was Vietnam that awakened something truly sacred within Amy. In the misty highlands of northern Vietnam, she encountered Shan Ancient Camellia Sinensis tea trees, a rare and extraordinary treasure that thrives in remote, high-altitude forests. These majestic trees, some of them 200 to 600 years old, have roots that stretch deep into the earth, standing as silent witnesses to centuries of history. Their leaves and buds shimmer with a silvery frost, embodying the purity and vitality of the mountains.

Amy was mesmerised. The tea harvested from these ancient trees carries a naturally sweet, delicate flavour, with no bitterness or astringency. It offered more than a unique taste—it carried the spirit of the land, an invitation to experience the serenity of the mountains. She spent days tasting teas from these sacred trees, each sip unveiling a story of the land, the people, and their timeless traditions. This discovery became her inspiration—a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty.

For Amy, tea became more than a drink; it became a profound teacher. It offered calm, inner peace, and a connection to something greater. It awakened her desire to share these treasures—teas that carry the spirit of centuries-old traditions and the purity of nature—with others. Today, she curates a collection of handpicked teas from the ancient Shan Camellia Sinensis trees and other rare varieties from Vietnam, inviting tea lovers to taste not just a beverage but an experience rooted in mindfulness, heritage, and connection.

Amy’s passion extends beyond tea. She dreams of crafting her own tea ware one day, bringing her love for ceramics to life. For now, her collection of tea ware from Japan and Vietnam reflects her appreciation for artistry and her belief in the beauty of everyday rituals.

Her journey feels as if it’s been guided by the very essence of tea—a quiet force leading her to where she belongs. Her words capture the soul of her experience:

"Tea brings our hearts back to ourselves, connects hearts to others, and unites souls from afar. Even across vast distances, beautiful souls can find one another in peace and calm."

Through Timeless & Mindful, Amy invites you to share in this journey, to discover the rare beauty of teas crafted from Shan ancient Camellia Sinensis trees, and to embrace the quiet magic they bring to life.🌱🍵✨