PART 2: OUR STORY

The journey of the Leaf Creativity Pavilion began with a simple yet powerful vision:
To connect cultures through the universal love of tea, creativity, and the stories behind every leaf.

This vision grew from two magical places: the misty peaks of Huangshan, where centuries-old tea traditions reflect patience and harmony, and the sunlit fields of Provence, where vibrant herbs carry the essence of simplicity and beauty.
These two places, though separated by thousands of miles, share a bond—a bond that inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection.

One such story lies at the heart of our journey. Growing up in Anhui Province, I was surrounded by the misty beauty of Huangshan’s tea gardens. The tea leaves, glistening with dew, seemed like tiny treasures, each holding a piece of nature’s poetry. Years later, I found myself in Provence, where the lavender fields painted the air with their calming fragrance. Despite the distance, these two places shared something profound: a quiet magic that connects people to the earth and to each other.

This connection became the soul of the Pavilion. We asked ourselves:
What if these stories could unite families across the world? What if creativity and tea could help small farmers and inspire the next generation?
The answer became the Leaf Creativity Pavilion—a place where tradition meets innovation, where the aromas of Huangshan Maofeng and Provence’s herbs inspire families to learn, create, and connect.

Inspiration Behind the Pavilion

1. Huangshan Maofeng’s Tea Traditions:
   Huangshan’s tea, cherished for its light fragrance and graceful balance, is more than a beverage. It embodies resilience, mindfulness, and the philosophy of harmony that has shaped generations.
2. Provence’s Herbs and Flowers:
   The herbal teas of Provence bloom with the spirit of freedom, simplicity, and nature’s elegance. Each sip carries the essence of the Mediterranean’s sunlit hills and its vibrant connection to life.
3. HUNTER CARD’s Global Mission:
   At its core, this project is guided by the HUNTER CARD Thought Experiment. It’s a system that bridges cultures through practical action and creativity, empowering families to make small changes with big impacts.

Our Vision in Action
This journey isn’t just about tea or herbs—it’s about turning memories, science, and creativity into tools for global connection. Through learning, creating, and sharing, we aim to:

1. Inspire Curiosity: Teach families to see the beauty in nature’s smallest details.
2. Foster Creativity: Transform simple tea leaves into stories, art, and connections.
3. Create Impact: Support small farmers and help them thrive in a changing world.

Tea Aromas: Provence Herbal Green Tea vs. Huangshan Maofeng Tea

Aspect	Provence Herbal Green Tea	Huangshan Maofeng Tea
Geographical and Environmental Impact
Region	Mediterranean, Provence, France: Renowned for its lavender fields, rosemary bushes, and sunlit hillsides.	Huangshan, Anhui Province, China: A UNESCO World Heritage site with misty peaks and pristine biodiversity.
Altitude	100–500 meters: Low altitudes enhance photosynthesis, resulting in higher levels of volatile aromatic compounds like terpenes.	800–1,200 meters: High-altitude growth increases amino acid biosynthesis, giving a smoother taste and richer aroma.
Climate	13–15°C annual average, low humidity, 2,800–3,000 sunshine hours annually.	Cool and humid, average annual temperature 12–16°C, frequent mist ensuring moisture retention.
Soil Composition	Limestone-rich soil, with calcium carbonate promoting floral and citrusy aromas.	Acidic, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter, ideal for slow-growing, flavor-intense tea leaves.
Chemical Composition and Aroma Profile
Key Compounds	Linalool, geraniol, camphor, and other monoterpenes, contributing to a calming, herbal aroma.	Polyphenols (25–30%), theanine (1–2%), and methyl jasmonate, providing antioxidant properties and complex floral notes.
Aroma Notes	Predominantly herbal and floral with undertones of citrus zest and faint earthiness.	Balanced orchid, chestnut, and fresh green notes with a lingering sweetness.
Aroma Intensity and Duration	Moderate intensity, lasting 3–5 minutes in brewed form.	Strong and persistent, lasting 6–8 minutes, particularly in spring-harvested leaves.
Production Techniques and Seasonal Variability
Harvesting	Herbs are handpicked at peak aromatic concentration, usually early summer for lavender and late spring for rosemary.	Leaves are plucked in early spring, focusing on tender buds for optimal freshness and aroma retention.
Processing Techniques	Gently dried at 35–40°C to preserve terpene profiles; often blended with complementary botanicals like citrus peel.	Involves kill-green (杀青) at high temperatures (120–140°C) to halt oxidation, followed by delicate hand-rolling.
Seasonal Variation	Sunlight and soil moisture influence terpenoid concentrations, leading to subtle aroma differences between seasons.	Spring harvests yield higher amino acid levels, enhancing umami; summer leaves tend to have more robust tannins.

A Pavilion of Connection and Creativity

As the Pavilion continues to grow, it blends the wisdom of Huangshan with the playfulness of Provence. Together, we’re building a space where families can learn, dream, and grow—transforming simple tea leaves into stories, connections, and impact.

The Scent Beyond Borders: A Dream Worth Sharing

Imagine this:
The soothing aroma of Provence’s herbal tea blending with the delicate notes of Huangshan Maofeng. These scents are more than just fragrances—they are stories waiting to be told.
But here’s the reality: Millions of families with young children don’t have the privilege to dream about such luxuries. For many, even the basic necessities are out of reach.

Did you know?
According to a 2023 UNICEF-World Bank analysis, 1 in 6 children globally—about 333 million—live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day.For these families, poverty isn’t just a lack of money. It’s about the absence of opportunities, tools, and systems that allow them to hope and grow. Traditional solutions like donations and fundraisers often provide temporary help, but they don’t solve the deeper problem.

So, here’s a question for you: What if there was a way to turn something as simple as a tea leaf into hope, opportunity, and lasting change?

A Leaf, A Bridge, A Legacy

Poverty isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a story of untapped potential. And that’s where the magic begins.

Picture this:
A young boy in a small village picks up a leaf and holds it to the sun.
“What if,” he wonders, “this leaf could change my life?”
His little sister smiles and says, “What if it could connect us to the world?”

This isn’t just a dream. It’s a metaphor for the magic we’ll share in PART 3.

At the heart of it is the HUNTER CARD thought experiment and replication system—a framework that transforms leaves into tools of creativity, connection, and opportunity.

From Huangshan to Provence, this system empowers families to create lasting change. It’s not about charity. It’s about reimagining the world where every child, no matter where they are, can build their future.

A leaf is not just a leaf. It’s hope. It’s love. It’s our shared dream.

A Shared Journey
Here’s the beauty of this journey:
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)

Every idea, every moment, and every connection we create together is part of a larger story.
A story where leaves become bridges—bridges that connect families, communities, and dreams.

The road from Huangshan to Provence is long, but it’s infinitely brighter with you on it.

A Thought-Provoking Ending
If a single leaf can spark a connection, what could a formula do?
In PART 3, we’ll uncover the formula that turns dreams into reality.
Let’s take the next step—together.