Claire’s passion for tea began at an early age. “When I was a child my mother’s answer to any problem was tea,” Ayoub said. Eversince,shehasbeeninterestedinthebeverage.This includes studying the way different cultures appreciate tea and even spending a school year in England – which Ayoub declared to be the tea capital of the world.
When Ayoub came to Wellesley, she took this passion and decided to create “In Too Steep,” a tea appreciation society. The group is open to everybody and the main goal is simple: the meeting is a time to relax and break from the stress of the week at Wellesley. “It is really nice to see people take a break from the demanding environment of the week and spend some time in a social context,” said Ayoub. , “I believe that everybody deserves at least an hour a week to unwind and just have personal time with friends.”
Each week members partake in different low-key activities ranging from arts and crafts to learning about tea. Members can talk about tea in their cultures – one year a student from India taught the group about the tea experience in her country and brought tea from her home. This year, Ayoub hopes to have some faculty members come to the meetings and give presentations about tea as well.
The society, which Ayoub created her sophomore year, is completely self-funded and relies on donations each meeting from members. Each week, Ayoub likes to create a theme for the gathering. In addition to an activity, Ayoub bakes different treats, from scones to chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies.
“In Too Steep” has become more than just a club for Ayoub. Over the summer Ayoub went through the steps to have the name “In Too Steep” trademarked for use as a catering company, which focuses on teas. For now it’s just a small endeavor, but Ayoub hopes some day to expand. Currently, Ayoub caters for groups and individuals on campus. She took these steps to preserve the name and ensure she would own it for use in the future.
“I had been nervous to use the name online since it is pretty quirky. People are quick to adopt things as their own. So, instead of sitting around in a panic, I realized it would be better to trademark the name and own it,” said Ayoub.
Ayoub is majoring in Middle Eastern Studies. “When I came to Wellesley, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought Middle Eastern Studies sounded interesting and I thought, ‘I don’t know anything about it, but I like it.’ So I wanted to learn more. Sort of like with tea – I didn’t know anything about it, but I knew I liked it, so I wanted to learn more about it and I have.”
In addition to founding and presiding over “In Too Steep,” Ayoub is the Co-President of Dead Serious, Wellesley’s improv comedy troupe. She is also enjoying the experience of being a First Year Mentor.
As a senior, Ayoub has learned her fair share of lessons during her time at Wellesley. “Before going abroad for the year, I definitely spent too much time and energy comparing myself to other students and wondering how I matched up against them. Stressing out about things like that is just not healthy. Every Wellesley woman is good a something, and that includes you. We’re not competition. We’re an army. Everyone has a role in the fight and everyone is necessary.” Ayoub said.
The ideals that are represented through “In Too Steep” are reflected in Ayoub’s daily life and she believes that the stress- release organizations like hers provide are vital to Wellesley students.
"Take time out of your day to relax and focus on yourself every day. In Too Steep’s belief is that you deserve time every day to relax and get in touch with friends. I think that kind of health is something that is easily pushed aside here at Wellesley,” said Ayoub.
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