188 | Scared in the Dark

Renee Rubens is the founder of Symphony of Leaves, a luxury tea company rooted in ethical sourcing and sensory sophistication. After decades in global media sales, she followed her passion for tea into a new venture that blends her business savvy with botanical elegance. In this episode, she dishes on premium pu-erh, purposeful partnerships, and proper preparation. What you'll learn about: ✨ Why tea bags are basically dust in a disguise (and what to sip instead) 🍵 How a Brit’s sass and a global pandemic led to a tea empire 🏨 Why hotels and spas are the new hot spot for high-end tea 🌿 What makes real tea real—and why chamomile doesn’t count 💧 The water temperature trick that’ll totally change your cup 📱 A henna mishap + no cell signal = Renee’s wildest travel story

Om Podcasten

Top Floor is a weekly podcast with tangible tips and excellent stories from the experts and characters who elevate hospitality. Host and elevator operator Susan Barry explores the idea that everything is marketing in the hotel business. Our interviews with creators, thought leaders and hospitality groundbreakers are designed to provide practical tactics that hoteliers, restaurateurs and travel mavens can use to promote their businesses. Along the way, we answer burning marketing questions submitted on the Emergency Call Button and share the funniest, craziest, just-plain-weirdest stories down at the Loading Dock. Need to press the Emergency Call Button? Or have a story to share at the Loading Dock? Reach us at 850.404.9630 to be featured in a future episode.