The Mousetrap Theatre – Introducing Michelle Comins
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The Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival takes place this year on 10th and 11th September and is one of the town’s biggest annual events. With its humble beginnings in 1999, the Cheese Festival has grown to become the festival we know today. Here at Harts of Sturwe are proud to be sponsoring the Mousetrap theatre. Over the two day festival we have some great cooking demonstrations and fun events for you to enjoy. Leading up to this great event, we will be introducing each of our guest demonstrators that will be appearing on stage at the Mousetrap Theatre.
About Michelle
Michelle Comins is the owner and co-founder, with husband Rob of Comins Tea House. During a trip to Northern India, Michelle as a tea lover, persuaded Rob to visit the tea plantations of Darjeeling. As a tea sceptic Rob agreed and immediately after changed his perception of tea. From that moment together they imagined, designed and sourced single estate teas from all around the world. They opened their first tea house in Sturminster Newton and recently in Bath. We spoke to Michelle about Comins Tea House and what she enjoys about the Cheese Festival. 
Tell us a little bit about Comins Tea House?
We are a family run first generation direct trade tea merchant travelling all over the world to source fine single estate teas. Our company is all about celebrating tea, its origins and the people who produce it, also the ceremonies and rituals associated with tea drinking around the world. We have two Tea Houses - one in Bath and one in Sturminster Newton where people can come and enjoy the teas we source prepared using traditional methods and served alongside delicious home baked cakes, Indian and Japanese dumplings, Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers and of course our take on afternoon tea.
Can you tell us what you enjoy about the Cheese festival?
The Cheese Festival is a really special event. We love the focus on quality produce and the opportunity to meet and chat to the people behind a lot of familiar local brands. We have three children so we love the entertainment put on for them and of course we love the Cider Tent! For us Sturminster is just a really special town and it is our home so it is great to have such a high quality event just behind the Tea House!
What is your favourite Cheese?
We love the Ford Farm Coastal Cheddar and use it at the Tea House in our Tartines!
What would your ideal job be if you weren't doing what you are now?
This is our dream job - there is nothing we would rather be doing. We work long hours like every other small business owner but there is no feeling quite like waking up every day and being your own boss in a job you love and care passionately about! Our plans are to continue to grow our business and in doing so support dedicated tea farmers around the world to keep doing the great but difficult work that they do everyday to bring us exceptional teas. Of course we have other interests. Having come from a background of over 10 years in big business i'm interested in the entrepreneurial mindset & culture and the impact this type of behaviour and thinking could have on the ability to innovate within large organisations. Rob has an interest in writing and a half finished book........so watch this space...:)
When and Where?
You will be able to see Michelle on stage at the Mousetrap Theatre on Sunday 11th September at Noon. Please come along and we hope you enjoy the Cheese Festival.