Esther Blacker - General Manager
Esther is the leader of our retail division. She started as a Store Manager for flagship location in Naperville and was instrumental in opening the next two locations in Old Orchard and State Street. She began her career in retail working in the floral industry, running several locations of her own. She sold those stores and moved into a bigger role - Director of Floral Sales for a 13 store chain, eventually growing it to 28 locations. Now she lives the tea life, although the two are not so different at their core level: they smell sweet, take a dedication to learning the subtle differences, and universally make people happy.
Colleen Carroll - Tea Consultant
Colleen joined Adagio Teas in September of 2010 and was instrumental in the opening of Adagio's first retail operation in Naperville. Growing up in an Irish household, tea has always been a part of Colleen's life. In keeping with the Irish tradition she still enjoys a cup of bold black tea....although her tastes have evolved to prefer an Assam or Darjeeling. Working with Adagio allows her to combine her love of tea with her passion for retail operations.
Elizabeth Johnson - Tea Consultant
Elizabeth has been with Adagio since the Old Orchard store opened in November 2010. Elizabeth began her love of tea at a very young age, starting off drinking earl grey in her china tea pot accompanied by her stuffed animals. Growing up with an English mother, she drank tea every day. While working with Adagio, Elizabeth’s palate has become more discriminating and she has developed a taste for all varieties of tea. Elizabeth’s favorite tea is Silver Needle because it delicate taste and aroma remind her of a snowy day.
Jordan Scherer - Tea Consultant
Jordan Scherer has been involved with the Tea industry for three years now. In college he founded Wiseman Tea Co. serving as an online tea retailer and wholesale supplier to numerous cafes around Chicago. Jordan is passionate about tea because he views the leaves as a window to understanding numerous cultures around the world. Stop into adagio to hear more about ways Jordan believes you can infuse tea into your lifestyle.
Pat Zumach - Tea Consultant
Visiting her neighbor Connie after school to enjoy afternoon tea was one of Pat’s favorite childhood memories! Her favorite Adagio teas would be anything involving chocolate! She also loves Golden Monkey, Spiced Green, Cinnamon, and the Adagio for Life, Happy Belly blend. Pat is an artist that specializes in Murals, faux finishes and water color. She loves to use her creativity to help customers find new and exciting teas to try!
Kate Romano - Tea Consultant
Kate's foray into tea started 5 years ago when she jumped onto the green-tea-for-health bandwagon. Green tea is still her preferred choice today, however, chais come in a close second. Adagio's Green Tea Chai is her current favorite. Licensed and schooled as a holistic esthetician, not only does Kate love to drink tea but she uses it on her skin, too, for its antioxidant benefits.
