Roots in Tea and Family
From her earliest days, Denise grew up in a home where the kettle was the answer to every question. Her father often told stories of her Nan during the Blitz, calmly brewing tea even as sirens wailed. That simple act of resilience planted the seed of Denise’s lifelong love for tea.
Tea as Comfort and Connection
As she grew older, tea became more than a drink. It offered Denise warmth, calm, and a moment of pause in busy days. Having worked in nursing and training, she understood how wellbeing could be nurtured through small rituals—and tea was her favourite way to care for herself and others.
The Crazy Tea Lady Dream
When Denise began to dream of taking her passion beyond her kitchen, Geoff was the one who nudged her forward, urging her to “just give it a go.” In July 2017, she set up her first market stall under the name Crazy Tea Lady, a nickname long given by her family. Though nerves ran high, the day revealed her true calling: sharing tea, sparking conversations, and discovering the joy of running her own small business.
Markets and Momentum
For two years Denise lived her dream as the Crazy Tea Lady, travelling from market to market with Harriet’s blends. Each weekend brought laughter, conversations, and a growing circle of loyal tea lovers who looked forward to her warm smile and her lovingly brewed cups.
The Leap to Ownership
In 2019, Denise was offered the chance to purchase High Tea with Harriet. It was a daunting step, and one she might not have taken without Geoff—who once again urged her forward, reminding her that this was the next chapter she had been waiting for. With his encouragement, and her family by her side, she signed the papers and set out to bring Harriet home. Soon after, she packed Harriet into a truck in Melbourne and brought her west to Perth—an adventure filled with nerves, excitement, and plenty of tea.
Learning and Growing
The early days were busy and often overwhelming. Denise learned how to manage orders, master social media, and care for a national community of customers. Amidst the chaos, tea kept her steady, and slowly she found her rhythm as Harriet’s custodian, supported always by her faithful Border Collie, Tully.
Challenges and Triumphs
Denise’s years with Harriet brought both joys and trials. From bustling markets to the difficulties of the pandemic, she described her journey as steering a small boat across shifting seas—exhausting at times, but deeply rewarding, filled with moments of connection and comfort.
A New Chapter Begins
By 2025, Denise felt it was time to pass Harriet into new hands. Emma and Michael stepped forward as the new custodians, warmly receiving Harriet’s story and future. Standing beside Denise, as he always had, was Geoff—her husband, steadfast supporter, and trusted Chief Tea Packer—along with Tully the ever-watchful Office Manager. Denise’s heart was lightened knowing that the business she and Geoff had nurtured together would continue to thrive with such devoted care.
A Legacy of Love
One photograph captures the transition perfectly: Denise and Geoff standing together, smiling beside Emma and Michael, with Harriet’s treasures packed into the truck and ready for their next journey. It marked not only the passing of a business, but the handing on of a shared dream that Denise and Geoff had built side by side. Though no longer at the helm, Denise remains forever Harriet’s Crazy Tea Lady—the dreamer who nurtured a legacy in every leaf and cup, with Geoff always at her side.