Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than by taking a stroll down Lover’s Lane? For this special Valentine’s Day edition of Mike Harney Spills the Tea, I have the perfect excuse to introduce my better half and wife of 45 years, Brigitte Harney.
Tell Our Fans How We Met
Brigitte: In the summer of 1977, I came to the United States to improve my English. I had just graduated high school back in France and began working as an au pair for a family in Connecticut. While the family was away on vacation, I went to visit a friend of my mother’s, Danielle Feeney, who had just bought a house in Lakeville. That’s where I met the Harneys, (The Feeney’s friends from Cornell), who lived and ran the White Hart Inn.
When did you know I was the one?
Brigitte: After our first meeting, Mike and I reconnected while he was in France for a year-long internship. I was devastated when he told me he was going back to the States. We spent three amazing days together right before he left… and that was the beginning of our relationship.
What makes us each other's better half?
Brigitte: Michael likes to discover and learn new things. He pushes me out of my comfort zone. He is also very funny and extremely thoughtful.
Mike: We balance each other out, while I push Brigitte out of her comfort zone, she pulls me into a comfort zone by just being herself.
What is your role at Harney?
Brigitte: My role at Harney has been to create a store that can be a one-stop shop for all your needs and gifts. That includes finding the best home goods and accessories for the store. I enjoy being at the store and meeting our customers, who often share fond memories of how they discovered our teas or when they met John, the founder, and my father-in-law.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
Brigitte: We’ve been working together for over 20 years now. We try not to talk too much about work when we’re at home, but this is very much a family business. Michael runs the company with his brother and the help of our two children, Emeric and Alexander.
What’s it like working in the tea business?
Brigitte: I do love it and it has been amazing to witness the growth of the business while still keeping the quality of our teas. I enjoy drinking tea and I love to travel, so I have been very privileged to visit international tea territories with Michael on his buying trips.
Favorite Harney & Sons memory with each other?
Brigitte: From the first days when we came back from Chicago and started working with John Harney up at his old house, in the tiny little workspace in the garage. Later taking trips with our growing family. One memorable trip was to Vienna to see Andrew Demmer, a supplier, who became a great friend. To see what he had developed with his business and tea shops… from that came the inspiration for our first shop. It was an idyllic location along a little stream; someone even hung a swing up for the kids. It was on a quiet side street, just a lovely location and great memories.
Mike: We’ve taken many trips visiting tea regions. Two years ago on our first trip after COVID, we visited the Nilgiris in southern India and then down Sri Lanka. Visiting Amba Estate was a highlight. An Eden out in the jungle. We loved spending time with the owner, Simon Bell. That reminds me of the tea trip we took to London several years ago with a few customers; we drank Gin & Tonics with the same Simon Bell. We also had tea on the roof of the Dorchester Hotel. Most recently, we went with our children to see Rooibos production in South Africa.
What are our current favorite Harney tea blends?
Brigitte: Well… I do like the blend Michael made that has my name.
Mike: Brigitte’s blend has two of my favorite teas, a nice Assam blended with smooth Sri Lankan tea.
Brigitte: I also like Supreme Breakfast. There are many other blends I love, it really depends on the kind of day it is, my mood, the weather… the list goes on.
Brigitte and I have shared countless adventures and built an extraordinary life together. We are very lucky and hope you understand that this journey has been lovely to grow Harney & Sons and our family. As we celebrate love this Valentine’s season, we’re reminded that the best partnerships — whether in life or business — are those that balance, challenge, and inspire.
