DROP 7: TEA & TEQUILA
Meet Sarah & Millie - co-founders of Tea & Tequila, the fashion and jewellery brand based across London and Mexico City.
Sarah and Millie! You’re our first co-founder duo. How did Tea & Tequila start and what did it look like in the early days?
"We started by bringing some of our favourite things back from Mexico to the UK - mezcal, tequila, embroidered pieces we couldn’t leave behind. It was a natural progression from there.
Over time, we grew into a brand rooted in craftsmanship, creating original jewellery and clothing with artisan partners in Mexico. We didn’t go in with a polished plan; we’ve learned everything on the way, grown organically, and followed what felt true to us."
Let’s talk knickers! What inspired this collab, and what inspired your designs?
"We were immediately drawn to the idea of using our brand colours, deep red and baby pink as they feel romantic and a little mischievous.
The frill detail was a nod to our signature silhouettes, and we loved blending softness with a bit of sass. It felt playful and personal and very Tea & Tequila."
We’ve just turned one, and you just celebrated an incredible 10 years - congrats! What’s something you’ve learned over the past decade that you wish you’d known in your first year?
"Congratulations to you too! The first year is no small feat! One of the biggest things we’ve learned is that it’s okay to evolve. You may start out selling one thing and find yourself doing something completely different down the line and that doesn’t mean you failed, it means you listened.
Trust your gut, follow what excites you, and let the path unfold as you go. The magic is in the pivot."
Reflecting back on this journey, what’s been the highlight so far? And where do you see yourself going in the next 10?
Sarah: "So many moments. Our 10-year anniversary celebration in Soho was definitely a full-circle moment for us both, our first big pop-up in London, surrounded by our amazing community. I have also loved visiting our artisan partners across Mexico over the years, particularly some visits to the Hernandez family in Chiapas that have been very special."
Millie: "In 10 years, we hope Tea & Tequila continues to be true to its origins, honouring slow craft and design, maybe with more permanent spaces in both cities, and a little more freedom for play..."
You’re based across London and Mexico City. How does that work practically?
"It’s a rhythm we’ve grown into and honestly, it works for us. There’s always someone awake and moving things forward, which gives the brand this continuous flow we really love. We’re lucky to have incredible teams in both cities who hold it down beautifully.
Of course, there are challenges, sometimes too many late-night calls and the occasional miscommunication but more often than not, the distance brings fresh perspective and momentum and when we’re back together we cherish our time and our friendship."
Finally, what does being part of the independent community mean to you?
"It means everything. Running a small business takes grit, love, and serious commitment and we feel lucky to be part of a community that truly gets that.
We try to stay close to it by sharing our process, supporting others, and staying grounded in the reality that growth doesn’t mean rushing. It just means refining your rhythm."