Evita Upeniece

Hospitality-focused Manager and Beverage Specialist with 10+ years' experience across luxury resorts, premium tea brands, and high-end hospitality environments. Proven ability to lead service teams, manage day-to-day operations, and deliver exceptional, personalised guest experiences aligned with brand standards. Recognised as an LQA Star Employee for excellence in luxury service delivery.

Strong background in beverage programme development, quality control, and supplier collaboration, with a recognised specialism in tea. UK Tea Academy–certified Tea Sommelier and UK Tea Brewer's Championship finalist (2020).

Senior F&B Manager & Tea Master at Joali Being (2024-09 – 2026-01)

• Delivered exceptional, personalised guest experiences within a luxury wellness resort, ensuring service standards aligned with brand and hospitality guidelines
• Led and supervised restaurants, bar and tea lounge teams, managing daily operations, staff scheduling, training, and on-the-floor service execution
• Oversaw day-to-day restaurant and bar operations, including opening and closing procedures, SOP adherence, hygiene standards, and smooth service flow
• Developed and curated a premium tea and beverage programme, including customised tea ceremony experiences, seasonal menus, and brand-aligned offerings

Tea Trainer & Junior Tea Buyer/Taster at Newby Teas (2022-04 – 2024-09)

• Supported development and execution of tea procurement strategies aligned with business goals
• Conducted professional tea cupping and sensory evaluation sessions to maintain quality consistency
• Assisted with NPD through market research and competitor analysis
• Managed supplier relationships globally, ensuring consistent sourcing and quality
• Delivered specialized tea training for HORECA clients and internal teams

Shop Manager & Tea Sommelier at Good & Proper Tea (2017-12 – 2020-01)

• Ensured product quality through regular tea cupping and recipe calibration
• Created and delivered staff tea training programs across retail and HQ teams
• Supported sourcing and introduction of new blends for retail and café channels

Shop Manager (Multi-site) at Yumchaa Retail (2013-04 – 2018-02)

• Progressed from Supervisor to Multi-site Manager overseeing three specialty tea shops
• Managed staff recruitment, training, and operational standards
• Developed practical understanding of tea sourcing, logistics, and retail presentation

Shop Manager at Camellias Tea House (2018-01 – 2018-12)

Restaurant Manager at 26 Grains (2021-01 – 2022-12)

Assistant Manager at Tea Shop "Apsara" (2007-01 – 2012-12)

Internship at Embassy of Latvia in London (2015-01 – 2015-12)

Level 2 – Tea Sommelier in Tea Sommelier – UK Tea Academy (2019-01 – 2019-12)

MA in International Security and Diplomacy – London Academy of Diplomacy, INTO University of East Anglia (2014-01 – 2015-12)

BA in Management – International Business – University of Latvia (2007-01 – 2011-12)

ERASMUS Exchange Programme – Ecole Supérieure de Commerce International (2010-01 – 2010-12)