Programs

Echo Program visits Westholme Tea Farm

Tasting passion and resilience

Shortly after turning off the bustling highway, we wound our way through fields and woods before entered the peaceful grounds of Westholme Tea Farm. Nestled in the Cowichan Valley, Canada’s only commercially grown organic tea farm sits at a surprisingly high latitude given the typical latitudes of tea cultivation. We were here not only to relax and sample its menu, but also to learn more about its creation story, and Victor Vesely, who co-founded the tea farm with Margit Nellemann (an incredibly talented ceramicist), offered us some reflections on his approach to life, to business, and to the pursuit of excellence without compromise.

A number of themes settled upon different group members:

“What struck me was their way of attracting customers with an amazing overall experience rather than with cheap prices.” – Nick A.
“I valued the idea of building a business slowly and ensuring there is the right culture behind everything.” - Colby W.
“I appreciated the calm, relaxed setting, as well as listening to how much the founder cared about and connected to Cowichan Valley.” – Anna K.
“Not everything works the first time around, and in order to be successful, you must first believe in yourself and in what you can achieve.” – Mitchell C. 
“In order to make something as good as possible, you must insist on quality control at every stage of the process.” – Mitchell C.

Ultimately, escaping the pressures and structure of campus routines to be rescued by cups of tea and slices of cake was a welcome way to spend a sunny autumnal afternoon. Mr Vesely’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence whispered to us as we sipped the subtle notes of Westholme’s tea from the exquisitely designed handmade cups, which are crafted and sold on site.

Engaging with and learning from our community is one lance of Echo’s three-pronged approach, and we hope this brief foray has inspired new avenues of thinking, as well as providing a fascinating insight into a growing business. It was not lost on our group that in order to achieve something that others think is impossible – such as growing tea at the 48th parallel – one must be stoked by passion, one must build a strong culture, and one must partner with resilience.

 
– Submitted by Mr. Ander Monro, English teacher & Echo Program instructor
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.