chafolio
“CHA” is the Chinese word for tea, and “FOLIO” comes from portfolio.
How it all began
Our beginnings
Chafolio began with a simple question: why is it so hard to find real tea here?
When our founder Joey Zhou first came to the United States, he realized that most people only had access to paper tea bags and broken leaves. The depth, fragrance, and spirit of true loose-leaf tea were missing. That discovery sparked a passion to share the tea he grew up with and to show what tea can truly be.
Joey was raised in Fujian, surrounded by tea gardens and a family workshop. For him, tea was never just a drink but a way of life, shaped by the seasons and the quiet dedication of tea masters. Many of these masters, now family friends, continue to uphold the traditions of handcraft and discipline, and their spirit remains the heart of Chafolio.
Our name reflects this vision.“Chá”is the Chinese word for tea, and“folio”comes from portfolio. Each tea we offer is not simply a product, but a piece of art and a story to be shared. Together they form our living portfolio, carrying heritage, craftsmanship, and heart into the world.
Why our origins matter
Nothing Less Than the Best
Most of our teas come from Joey’s hometown in Fujian, where the mountains, soil, and mist create the perfect conditions for tea. For us, this is not just a supply chain—it is home. The farmers and masters we work with are people we have known for years, many of them family friends, and we share the same pride in what the land produces.
We visit every garden ourselves. We walk the fields, feel the leaves, and talk with the growers about each season. This closeness gives us the confidence to choose only the places where the environment and the care truly align to bring out the finest leaves.
Every tea is also checked with modern testing to ensure safety, and every farm follows sustainable methods that protect the soil and the people who work it. These relationships are built on trust and respect, and they allow us to share tea with you knowing that it carries both integrity and heart.
What is the equal spirit of tea
The Way We See Tea
For us, tea should always feel free. You do not need the perfect kettle, the exact temperature, or years of practice. What matters is the way you enjoy it. If the cup in front of you brings comfort or joy, then that is the best cup of tea.
We also believe tea is equal. Whether you are a lifelong tea drinker or trying loose leaf for the very first time, the experience should belong to you. At Chafolio, everyone receives the same leaves at the same price, because we want tea to be an open door, not a closed circle.
What makes tea sustainable
Where Land and People Thrive
We believe that caring for the land is inseparable from caring for the people who cultivate it. That is why we support responsible, science-based farming methods that protect the soil and ensure a steady income for farmers.
For too long, tea growers faced uncertainty, never knowing how much of their harvest could be sold, with countless hours of labor often wasted. Our vision is to change that, creating stability for farmers and sustainability for the future of tea.