Steve Smith (1949–2015) was one of the most influential American tea entrepreneurs of his generation — co-founder of Stash Tea in 1972 and later founder of Steven Smith Teamaker in Portland, Oregon in 2011 — whose meticulous approach to blending, quality sourcing, and elegant presentation helped define what premium American specialty tea could and should look like.
In-Depth Explanation
Smith grew up in Oregon and got into the tea business at a young age. His approach to tea was always more artisan than industrial — focused on the quality of individual ingredients and the craft of blending rather than volume and price competition.
Stash Tea (1972): Smith co-founded Stash Tea in Portland in 1972 — one of the earliest American specialty tea companies. Stash was a pioneer in the American herbal tea movement and quality tea blending, growing into a nationally recognized brand. It was sold to Yamamotoyama (a Japanese tea company) in 1993 while remaining based in Portland.
Leaves and being known: After leaving Stash’s active management, Smith remained involved in American tea culture as a figure of considerable respect — known among industry professionals for his deep product knowledge and exacting standards.
Steven Smith Teamaker (2011): Near the end of his career, Smith founded a new company — Steven Smith Teamaker — that represented his most refined vision of specialty tea. It offered:
- Small-batch numbered blends with precise ingredient sourcing
- Premium packaging and aesthetic positioning
- A mix of classic British-style black tea blends, Japanese-inspired green teas, and herbal formulations
- A flagship tea bar in Portland’s Pearl District
The company was designed as an artisan brand rather than a mass-market one — establishing a benchmark for what American fine tea retail could achieve.
Death and legacy: Smith died of cancer in June 2015, just four years after founding his final company. The company continued after his death under his family’s direction. His name on the company retains its meaning — a tea professional who cared deeply about every aspect of flavor and quality.
Related Terms
See Also
- John Harney — another American tea entrepreneur of the same era who built a renowned specialty brand
- Sebastian Beckwith — direct-trade American tea importer of similar aesthetic values
- Sakubo – Japanese Study
Research
- Heiss, M.L., & Heiss, R.J. (2007). The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide. Ten Speed Press. Context for American specialty tea development.
- Various: Steven Smith Teamaker company records and trade press coverage.