That global perspective began at Richmond.

When she arrived on campus as an Oliver Hill Scholar, she had never traveled outside the United States. By graduation, she had studied abroad four times. She majored in international studies. Her first trip to the highlands of Guatemala involved building stoves during spring break. It was an experience that opened her eyes to daily life in a different context. Later, she spent time in Spain and studied in India and Brazil, deepening her language skills and broadening her worldview.

“Those trips were truly life-altering,” she said. “They began my life in service and global connectivity.”

That commitment to service shaped her career. Thornton went on to serve as a Foreign Service Officer, an elected school board member, and a Peace Corps volunteer. After the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped away from what she calls “the D.C. bubble” and moved to Grenada, known as the Spice Isle, where she worked as a librarian in a rural primary school.

“Through all of those seasons, tea was a constant,” she said. “The ritual of making and drinking tea is something I find comfort in during all of my transitional phases.”

That sense of consistency eventually sparked an idea: what if tea could be more than a personal ritual? What if it could be a shared experience? The UppiTea Experience grew out of that question.

Thornton’s events are designed for everyone from longtime tea drinkers to curious newcomers. Tastings become a way to explore the world without leaving the room, as she introduces guests to teas from different regions and the stories behind them.

Rather than creating her own tea line, she partners with brands that prioritize environmental sustainability and economic justice. She gravitates towards brands that source directly from smallholder farmers, mirroring her emphasis on ethical connection and community well-being.

Her own career path, she says, hasn’t been linear — and that’s been a strength.

Thornton points to David Epstein's book Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World as a reminder that a wide-ranging resume can lead to meaningful work.

“Life is a journey of experiences, so follow your interests and see where they lead,” she said. “I tried to take advantage of every opportunity Richmond offered me. Rather than using the word ‘or’ to pick between opportunities, I prefer to use ‘and.’”

Today, Thornton hosts both private and public events, from ticketed tastings to free community gatherings. Most are intentionally small — about 20 people — formats to create warm, connection-centered experiences.

In every setting, the goal remains the same: bring people together, one cup at a time.