Welcome to another Brand Ambassador Spotlight!
This week, we wanted to share with the communiTEA another wonderful Ambassador, Megan “May” Ireland. May’s beautiful Instagram is easy to fall in love with, from her creative videos featuring Tea Drops to her photos of the great outdoors.
As you’ll learn, she is an avid book reader and became a Brand Ambassador at the very start of our program. Since then, she has conveyed her passion for Tea Drops by sharing snapshots of the books she’s reading and her favorite tea varieties to go along with those. We truly hope you enjoy this one-on-one conversation to learn a little more about May and how she became involved with our growing community of tea lovers.
How did you discover Tea Drops?
I first found Tea Drops through an ad on Instagram. I couldn't believe that I could make Thai tea at home and had to try it out! I've never looked back, and I've expanded and have tried every variety!
What has been your favorite part of the Brand Ambassador program so far?
I really enjoy the ability to create content! Since Instagram created the Reel function, I've been able to really play around more. I especially love to research songs that I think would pair well with the tea I'm making. I also will hear a song on the radio, (yes, I like listening to the radio when I drive), and try to pair it with a fun tea/theme!
Do you have any Tea Drops combinations or recipes you would like to share with us?
I have really enjoyed pairing up my Pumpkin Spice drops. Since they're a seasonal variety, I like to be intentional about each use. I want to set the mood, savor, and enjoy every sip. I have really enjoyed Chai Spice with Pumpkin Spice and Copper Cow Creamer, as well as my personal favorite, Thai Tea with Pumpkin Spice and Copper Cow Creamer!
Books seem to be a huge part of your daily life, so how did you first discover your love for books?
I come from a family of readers, so some of my fondest childhood memories include trips to the library, getting to pick out books from book magazines that school sent home, and book fairs! The first moment I really remember that made me truly feel like a reader was in second grade when I was reading Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. I couldn't believe I was reading a book about a character who was just like me: 8 years old with brown hair, and a knack for mischief! I vividly remember reading it in the waiting room at the dentist and holding back my laughter, since I needed to be quiet! I would also walk to and from school while reading.
How long have you been a part of the book community on Instagram, and what are your favorite parts about it?
I created my @bitesbooksbrews Instagram account, in July 2018, I can't believe it has already been over two years! My favorite parts are the friends I have made. I know that sounds cliché, but it's true--we come for books and stay for the people. I also really love to be creative. I’m not very skilled at your typical arts and crafts, but this gives me the opportunity to blend my love for books, tea, and food while creating content around these passions.
We all have at least one favorite author, so who is yours?
This is a hard one! It’s like trying to pick your favorite dog, or kid. I usually say Charles Dickens when I get this question, because I read A Christmas Carol each year, and every time it takes my breath away. I haven't read all of his books, but I hope to someday! I even recently named my new puppy, Pip after the main character in Great Expectations! I also really enjoy Fredrik Backman, Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series, Lisa See, Cecelia Ahren, and Julie Valerie... just to name a few!
Many of us have had to make some adjustments to our new work from home life. Have you had to make any daily life changes since the start of this pandemic?
My heart goes out to all those who have had to make these big adjustments during this awful pandemic. I have many friends and family who have been negatively impacted and I wish I could fix it for everyone! Thankfully for me, I really haven't had to change much. I do not work outside home, and since my hobby is reading, I don't have to really go anywhere to do that. However, with the general mood of things, watching friends, family, and strangers around the world struggle is hard on the heart and psyche. So I have been intentional about setting my phone down, turning off the news and doing something that brings me peace and joy. Sometimes that's going for a walk in my neighborhood, FaceTiming with a friend, trying out a new recipe (I went through a sourdough phase), and of course, having tea while reading. 
Thank you so much, May, for taking the time to answer all of our questions about tea, books, and life in general. If you want to check out her Instagram and all her photos of Tea Drops and her favorite books, follow the links below. We hope you enjoyed this second part of our Brand Ambassador features!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitesbooksbrews/
