Last week I had the pleasure of joining Kristi Yamaguchi for tea at Lealand Tea in San Francisco. I’m not gonna lie I was a tad nervous, it’s not every day that I get to sip tea and nibble on crustless-sandwiches with an Olympic gold medalist. Fortunately, all nerves subsided when I was greeted with a warm handshake and that beautiful smiling face. She is even more beautiful in person than on camera.
Tea was delightful and talking to Kristi was easy. She is warm, receptive, and engaging. Aside from being a gold medal winning athlete, Kristi is a mother, a NY Times Best Selling children’s book author, and a philanthropist. Kristi founded the Always Dream Foundation, whose mission is to support organizations that have a positive impact in children’s lives.
Her newest endeavor is a limited edition line of women’s activewear, Tsu.ya, set to launch at select Lord & Taylor stores (and via their website) this month. She brought samples of the line to show, which includes jackets, yoga pants, and shirts. The clothes are posh! Sounds weird to say about clothes that you can work out in, but I’m not kidding you, they are clothes that you would be happy to wear even when you have no intention of working out. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t mind owning the cute jacket pictured below.
It’s made of sturdy, breatheable fabric with four-way stretch. You can’t tell so much from the picture, but when you put it on it’s got this super cute Sergeant Pepper-ish look to it. Also if you are the type of person that likes to do a bit of good while shopping, proceeds from Tsu.ya will help support the Always Dream Foundation.
A little trivia for you: Tsuya is Kristi’s middle name and her grandmother’s name.
I really enjoyed my tea with Kristi. I first became aware of Kristi Yamaguchi when I was a very young adult and she reminds me of a time in my life where I felt like anything was possible. Turns out that there is still a part of me that feels that way. I headed home with a smile on my face and a copy of Kristi’s book, It’s a Big World Little Pig, which I promptly read to my daughters.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was invited to tea with Kristi Yamaguchi and I’m letting you know about it because why would I keep that to myself?
How neat!
What a fun time. I too am a fan of Kristi. Beautiful young woman. A good example to young girls everywhere. So glad you had the opportunity to visit with her and experience the tea and see the clothes. Way fun.
How awesome. I’m off to check out her book and foundation.
That is so cool! I would have been excited and nervous as well. The clothes are cute, and I’m glad to hear that she is involved with an organization that helps children.
That sounds like fun! Its refreshing to hear of world famous people being approachable. She’s one of those people you can imagine are down to earth and friendly regardless of what they’ve accomplished.
What a treat for you. 🙂
It really was very fun.
How awesome was that. Thank you for sharing your time with her with us. I enjoyed this post and will have to check out her book! The clothes sound/look wonderful too.
How awesome is that!
That would be a great invite to receive. “cute Sergeant Pepper-ish” – I have not heard that one before but then I’m fashion challenged but have a good knowledge of the Beatles. That album was a big turning point for them.
It looks like you had so much fun and I would wear that jacket in a heartbeat!
And the jacket looks even better on than it does on the hanger!
That is so cool! No one ever invites me to these events! 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful afternoon. It’s always refreshing to hear about people who have used their fame to support good causes.
Oooo, What F U N.
The lunch looks exquisite & how interesting to chat w/ Kristi. What a doll :)))
Friday was so amazing! I was so happy to see you there and so thrilled that Kristi was such a sweet person. Honestly I have been playing the day over and over in my head all weekend. Her new clothing line is so adorable and I hope everyone will like it as much as we do.
Love your Disclaimer! She lived, for a few years, in my neck of the woods and people who knew her spoke very highly of her!
What a lovely event!! Beautiful pictures!
Very cool! I’m a tea addict and I also love stylish activewear. A winning combo if there ever was one!
That’s so awesome! What an experience! So happy to hear she has a foundation focusing on children!
I think these are the best events, because people like her are working on helping and educating children, I love the jacket but I love more the book, it looks cute 🙂
How awesome is that! Humm posh clothing to work out in… Pretty cool for the modern mom verdad? I need to get my hands her children’s book. Glad you had an awesome time!
The ig book looks cute. I love when I’m a bit nervous about meeting someone and then you are met by a warm smile and everything feels natural…. cool experience. … yeah… why would you keep it to yourself?
I’ve always been a fan of her art. It’s great to see she’s still in the public doing fun and innovative things. I can’t wait to see the line! I need that for trapeze! 🙂 Great post. Thanks for sharing her doings and your involvement. I’ll take tea with an Olympian any day!