Blending tea in Marin County is a far cry from the fast-paced Silicon Valley world of tech sales she left behind, but Maggie Sergio has learned to enjoy life’s journey rather than dwell on each individual step. And though she may be promoting tranquility via her gourmet Pacifica Tea, this Long Island native’s own existence might be better described as “controlled chaos.” The company, which started as a hobby in 2001, has slowly grown into a full-time enterprise. “I really began to take it seriously last year,” Sergio says. Since then, the Fairfax resident has been balancing the realities of running a small business with her larger dedication to global philanthropy. In 2003, a visit to the Amazing Grace Children’s Centre in South Africa changed her life. “Knowing the joy you can bring with even the smallest gesture changes the way you think about yourself and the world,” she says. In response to the need she saw, Sergio created a custom blend, aptly called Amazing Grace, and donates a portion of each sale’s proceeds to the organization. Her Lionheart blend likewise benefits the Global White Lion Protection Centre.
Do you have a motto that you live your life by?
Everything happens for a reason.
Do you have a pet? Is it a mongrel or purebred, and what do you like most about it?
My beloved Lucy. She’s a pound dog that’s part Border collie, part heeler. She and I both object to the word “mongrel.” She’s my best friend.
Do you have any bad habits?
Plenty
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
At the risk of sounding arrogant, I wouldn’t change a thing. None of us need fixing.
In what situations are you most uncomfortable? Why?
When talking to someone who is too forward or otherwise clueless about boundaries.
What are your friendships based on?
Definitely a common connection. I’m drawn to people who understand the meaning of being present.
What controversial topic do you relish debating?
Gun control.
What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
A horse trainer
What do you miss most about your college days?
My 1979 black Camaro
What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels? Where do you keep it?
I have a bit of sand from between the paws of the Sphinx in a dish in my living room.
What person from history would you turn to for advice if you could?
Joan of Arc. It would be interesting to ask her about overcoming obstacles, but mostly I think I’d just want to bask in her presence.
What personal trait of yours was most responsible for getting you where you are?
Flexibility and creativity
What room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
My living room. It’s open, spacious and very flowing.
What skill would you like to learn in the next year?
I would like to learn to speak Tibetan.
What is one of your happiest moments?
One that sticks out in my mind is driving through the South African bush at dawn and witnessing a huge lion walking onto the road, stopping and just roaring. He seemed to be celebrating life. It literally took my breath away.
What was the most important value emphasized in your home as a child?
Hard work
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
I hope to still be enjoying my life.
Who inspires you and how are you a bit like them?
Albert Einstein. The only likeness I can see is that we both have a strong spiritual side.
What was the biggest mistake you made starting out in business?
I truly believe there are no mistakes, just lessons for us to learn.
What’s the worst advice you ever received? From whom?
From my high school guidance counselor and several teachers in high school. They all told me as a high school senior that if I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I wouldn’t amount to anything.
If you could not fail, what would you do?
Exactly what I’m doing right now.
