Kelly Hackman has loved writing her whole life.  While her first book release came in 2024, Hackman is no stranger to the written word.  As a writer, she has written featured articles in World Tea News, Tea Lifestyle Magazine, and for Newsbreak.  She also keeps a consistent blog on our tearoom website, The White Heron Tea & Gifts.

Hackman is a World Tea Academy Certified Tea Sommelier and Tea Specialist, and the owner of The White Heron Tea & Gifts in historic downtown New Port Richey. Hackman entered the tea industry in 2016 when she designed a unique and refreshing tearoom in her town’s historic downtown district. Breaking away from the traditional tearoom atmosphere of Victorian-era influences, Hackman chose to use her Florida location to create a destination reminiscent of a “tropical spa-like” resort. The success of her tearoom has led to expansion over the past eight years, increasing her tearoom capacity to three times the original size and garnering her several awards for “Best Tea Room”. Since opening her tearoom, Hackman has carved out a unique place in her town’s landscape, drawing guests throughout the Southeastern United States and beyond. 

In addition to the success of The White Heron Tea & Gifts, Hackman has continued to focus on providing the highest quality tea from around the world. Through her private-label tea brand, Driftwood Tea Company, Hackman works with tea growers and brokers around the world to seek out unique and flavorful teas that her guests will enjoy. Several of her personal tea blends have been recognized by various tea industry leaders as some of the best teas currently available. Her Lavender Vanilla White Tea was recognized with a “Highly Commended” recommendation in 2023 from the Leafie tea competition hosted by the UK Tea Academy and Fortum and Mason; and her Luscious Loquat Green Tea was the recipient of a Silver Medal in the 2019 Global Tea Championships.  Currently, Driftwood Tea Company teas are available at The White Heron Tea & Gifts, as well as online through the brand’s website. 

Today her tearoom and continues to draw guests to the area from throughout the United States and serves as her base of inspiration for her writing.