The People of Perle
Founders
Aura Danton, Founder & CEO
Born and raised in the south of France, Aura moved to California where she developed desserts for French restaurants and joined the Facebook (now Meta) headquarters pastry team. At the same time, she ran an event planning company, sparking her enthusiasm for the craft.
Two years ago, Aura relocated to New York City, where she worked as an executive pastry chef with Michelin-starred chefs and A-list celebrities in a variety of luxury restaurants throughout the city.
Despite her busy schedule, she discovered a passion in hosting tea parties for her friends using her collection of vintage tea sets: before long, Perle by Aura was born.
Favorite way to drink tea: Many different ways! Honey matcha latte in the morning, Earl Grey while working, strawberry litchi boba tea with my friends, white tea during tea time, and chamomile before going to bed.
Timothy Chu, Co-Founder & Photographer
Timothy grew up in an environment where food — the respect for it, the preparation of it, and most importantly the giving of it — played a significant role in his relationship with his family and culture. For him, food has always been a means of communication and a mechanism for connecting people.
While in college, Timothy worked for a sushi catering company that served private events in New York country clubs, Manhattan venues, and eventually a permanent location inside the United Nations international headquarters.
In recent years, he discovered a resilient interest in photography. Initially taking landscapes on his phone, he pivoted rapidly into street, portrait, and event photography after being gifted a dedicated camera.
Favorite way to drink tea: A cup of hot Earl Grey in the morning, or green tea midday for a boost.
Team
Adijatu Jalloh, Chef
Originally from Guinea, Chef Adijatu “Adji” Jalloh became fascinated by the art of cooking when she moved to the United States at the age of 8. By 16 years old, Adji was climbing the ranks in culinary competitions and in professional kitchens, and went on to graduate with a degree in Culinary and Hospitality Management. Her culinary journey brought her to several acclaimed restaurants across New York City, including PILOT, Nobu57, and CUT by Wolfgang Puck—where she currently is a Sous Chef. Adji is also a Fellow of the James Beard Foundation and runs her own catering company, A.M.J. Fusion, along with her two business partners.
After traveling to a few countries around the world, Chef Adji found enjoyment in exploring different cultures and inspiration in using food to tell stories. Her goal is to help bring West African cuisine and different flavors to the fine dining table.
Favorite way to drink tea: Hot black tea with condensed milk.
Joselyn Del Valle, Photographer
Born in Puerto Rico, Joselyn is a film photographer whose work reflects a deep appreciation for the artistry and nostalgia of traditional photography. From an early age, her passion for photography was sparked by her father, who shared his love for the art form as a hobby. In her journey as a photographer, Joselyn has found her true passion in film photography.
While she also delves into digital work, her heart is drawn to the tactile process of shooting with film. Embracing each frame as it unfolds organically and authentically, she finds joy in the unique and timeless qualities that film brings to her work.
Favorite way to drink tea: My favorite way to drink my tea is to enjoy it hot in the afternoon. It depends on my mood, but my choices are Earl Grey, jasmine, and chamomile.
Ezra Lewis, Fairy Godfather
Born and raised on the island of Trinidad & Tobago, Ezra was immersed in a deeply vibrant cuisine from an early age. As a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Ezra has accumulated a substantial portfolio including Augusta National Golf Club, Sous Chef at Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak at MGM Grand Las Vegas, Executive Chef at the Freehand Hotel New York, and Executive Chef at Collective Governor’s Island.
Besides managing restaurants, Ezra has also served as chef for the personal catering of superstar artists including Drake, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, and Swedish House Mafia.
Favorite way to drink tea: I like my tea with just lemon or cream and sugar — but only black tea, like the British.
Anthony Bedoya, Brand Designer
Anthony is a brand designer based in Toulouse, France. Passionate about drawing since his childhood, he always aspired to devote his life to creation.
He studied engineering in university to assuage his parents but the experience allowed him to structure his thinking and develop problem-solving skills. After four years in aeronautical project management, he decided to reconnect with his passion for graphic art.
Three years ago, his curiosity led him to brand design, a field that quickly captivated him due to its existence at the crossroads of drawing and problem-solving. His natural affinity for the discipline led quickly to multiple contracts and he continues to push his limits and hone his craft.
Favorite way to drink tea: Hot, in the morning, and whatever tea I can find; I like them all.
Chloé Danton, Creative & Copywriter
Sometimes the same shell can create two pearls. And often, they complement each other in a way that can only be described as magic. Chloé is not only Aura’s sister but also her literary counterpart. Since they were very young, Chloé has been able to put into words the images Aura has had in her head. A wordsmith at heart, she is fluent in French, English, and Spanish — giving her the ability to transmit meaning and juggle wordplay across languages.
Favorite way to drink tea: Boiling hot, no milk, no sugar. Mostly green tea, red fruit tea, or infusions.
3T Consultants
The process of shaping Perle by Aura into existence began with the support of Melika Alipour, Andrea Burgueno, Yuxin Cheng, Elena Habre, Cameron Hanson, and Winnie Chang — in an unassuming apartment called 3T. A powerhouse of creative thinkers, product managers, and branding experts, the team accelerated the conceptualization and development of the Perle identity, purpose, and values.
Favorite way to drink tea: Sharing Iranian tea while sharing social tea, while sharing Aura’s latest experimental pastry.