"How do you take your tea?"
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It's a question Jules Sebastian asks every guest who sits down to be interviewed on her podcast, Tea With Jules.
And it's the same question she'd ask you, if you were sitting in her home across from her on one of her kitchen stools.
Now, intimate conversations the presenter, stylist and philanthropist has had over the past six years on her program, along with her own life lessons and stories have formed the basis of her debut book, Tea & Honesty.
The title, published by Murdoch Books, was launched at The Berry Tea Shop in NSW's South Coast last Friday evening to a twice sold-out crowd of locals eager to hear from the successful career woman and mother of two.
Jules and her husband, ARIA-award-winning and multi-platinum artist Guy Sebastian, own a home in Gerroa and often frequent the South Coast, regularly dropping into Jules' favourite - The Berry Tea Shop.
When owner Paulina Collier heard Jules was publishing her book, she reached out to see if she'd like to launch it at the shop.
"I really felt like she wasn't going to reply, or reply so quickly," Paulina said. "But she did and she was so lovely about it.
"She does say this [The Berry Tea Shop] is her favourite place in the world, and I say, 'Really? You've been a lot of places!" Paulina said, laughing.
Jules and her team leapt at the opportunity to launch at the location which Jules described as being "like from a movie set".
"It's a dream for me," Paulina said. "I feel so proud of our area and the people involved ... and a little bit proud of myself for getting out there and doing it."
The launch took place on Friday evening, April 9 in two sessions with standing room only thanks to Jules' management Private Idaho Management, event co-ordinator Mills + Franks and of course host, The Berry Tea Shop.
Local award-winning photographer Rachael Tagg and content creation and production studio Vue Studio were on hand to capture all the special moments.
Guests enjoyed canapes and specially crafted G&Tea cocktails curated by Mills + Frank using The Berry Tea Shop's Blushing Beauty tea blend, while Jules made her way around the room endeavouring to speak with every person.
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She was interviewed by Paulina, who asked about the process of writing her book, what it's like being in the public eye and how she balances motherhood with her career.
Jules spoke candidly and with humour about facing her own fears, finding her identity and one of her guiding principles - kindness.
"She's just like us, she could be your best friend. We all have the same struggles and we are human," Paulina said.
"She was very genuine, warm and approachable and that made it special for everyone."
Event co-ordinator Mills + Frank ran a cocktail demonstration with Jules and Paulina, after which guests were able to purchase a copy of Tea & Honesty from retailer DeanSwift Books and have it personally signed by Jules.
Everyone was sent home with a little gift bag from Berry Tea Shop as a thank you.
Dayle Latham
An ordinary person trying to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes successful. Sometimes not. Animal lover. Coffee fanatic. Writer. Wannabe photographer. I believe everyone has a story.
An ordinary person trying to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes successful. Sometimes not. Animal lover. Coffee fanatic. Writer. Wannabe photographer. I believe everyone has a story.
