Clare Chen was born and raised in Taiwan. She graduated from college and was working in a lab when she decided that she wanted to explore her options. She traveled to the United States at age 25 to pursue her Masters degree in Microbiology at Clemson University. It was there where she met her husband, who is also from Taiwan. They both graduated at the same time and he was offered a job in Mobile, Alabama. The couple never thought that they would stay more than a couple of years but they were wrong. The Chens adore the Eastern Shore, their neighbors, the residents and the community. “Alabama has an abundance of resources and everyone is so kind,” says Clare. Chen worked at the University of South Alabama in their Genetics Lab for some time but she didn’t like having to enroll her children in day care while she was working. After her second child was born she decided to be a stay at home Mom. When her son refused to eat meat as a small child the family adopted a vegetarian lifestyle and Clare began incorporating a lot of herbs into their daily living. Her friends became interested in what she was doing and always enjoyed her cooking and even encouraged her to open her own restaurant. Clare knew that was more than she wanted to take on but still wanted to share her knowledge and culture with her community. Chinese medicine is herb based so she grew up knowing the benefits of certain herbs. With the help of some of her friends and family, Clare started offering herbal teas for sale at a booth in the Montrose Marketplace in October of 2013. Her belief is that tea is a good first step in the quest for a healthier lifestyle and it can give you the strength and ability to work toward your total well being. When the Montrose Marketplace did away with their market space, Clare and several other small business owners were fortunate to find a new location where they all take turns manning each others booths. The Shops at Four Corners at the intersection of State Highway 181 and County Road 64 is the new home to Clare’s business Zen Tea. More than fifty different types of tea that include an assortment of pure teas and tea blends are available. The teas she offers aid with various physical symptoms such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, digestion, fatigue, headaches, memory, stress and the list goes on. More than half of the teas that she stocks are caffeine free. Zen Tea also stocks teapots, teacups, french presses, accessories and other small gift items. Be sure to stop in for a free sample and more information on what teas could work for you. The Shops at Four Corners are open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm and on Sunday afternoons. Zen Tea @ The Shops at Four Corners, 10025 County Road 64, Daphne  (251) 391-0109 • www.LivingZenTea.com • Facebook “Zen Tea of Fairhope”