Pursuing Tea in the Hospitality Industry

Trying to convince hotel [and restaurant] management that implementing a tea program is a
wise business decision is a difficult task, but I was willing to take on the challenge.  I achieved limited success with one hotel,  Somerset Inn in Troy, MI.

The hotel sits adjacent to Somerset Collection - an upscale mall with destinctive stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom's, Macy's and many others.  

I visited the hotel one day in October 2005 to have lunch at their restaurant, which  happens to be called Crumpets.   I loved that name for their restaurant because it goes perfectly with tea!  I discovered they  served generic tea bags [not an uncommon occurance in many hotel restaurants], so it  seemed they could use some tea consulting if management was interested.

As I ate my lunch I couldn't help thinking what a perfect place it would be to offer Afternoon Tea to guest shoppers at the nearby mall - especially since no one else in the area was doing it.

I called to make an appointment with the  Director of Operations, Mr. Duane Swanson, and he graciously granted one.   At the onset of our meeting he mentioned that he didn't care for tea, but he was very open to upgrading the restaurant's tea selections.   As a result of our meetings they now serve Harney & Sons Fine Teas.   With the upgrades Mr. Swanson said he observed "noticeable expressions of interest and delight from their guests."  And best of all, he tried - and liked - Harney's Citron Green tea.  

He took me on a little tour to show me that when the hotel opened in 1973, it was built with a tea room. The room is rarely used now, and when it is, it's not for tea functions.   Since Somerset Hotel hosts many conferences, Mr. Swanson was more open to focusing on conference tea breaks rather than afternoon tea.

Proper tea preparations had never been explained to his kitchen or serving staff, so he asked if I'd come and do a training session with them.   Knowing it would be the first exposure to  proper tea preparations for many of them,  we decided if they saw and personally partook of a "tea experience" the impact and inspiration would be much greater.  So a mini tea party was worked into my 90 minute training session.   I conducted two separate sessions on  March 2, 2006 in order to accommodate all of the staff.   They were very receptive, and Mr. Swanson said in a note the next day that there had been a flurry of excited conversation regarding the sessions.

After his staff was trained, Mr. Swanson wanted to offer a complimentary  tea break to one of the groups who came to the hotel several times a year for  conferences.   They were into holistic healing so he felt they would be particularly receptive to a specialized tea break.  The tea break was offered on March 31, 2006.   I made a tea concentrate of rooibos, a flavored green tea, and a black tea.  We served a group of about 80, and they thoroughly enjoyed it and were very appreciative.  Below are photos of the tea break set-up.

Mr. Swanson said it was a very beneficial experience  for everyone and he was pleased.   A press release entitled, "Somerset Inn Steps Into Spring with Tea" is still posted on their website today.

The last communication I had with Mr. Swanson was in November of 2006 when he mentioned the uncertain economic conditions, cutbacks, layoffs, etc. and a reluctance to delve any further into  a tea program.   He and his staff were a pleasure to work with and I truly enjoyed my Somerset experience.

*  *  *

Also part of my tea journey in 2005  was attending the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association's first annual seminar in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  Bruce Richardson was the guest speaker and spoke on "What's Hot in Tea" and "From Bush to Cup: How Tea Gets to You."   I blogged about the seminar here.

Tea journey continued...

Tea by Three and Teacup Cottage

In the spring of 2002 I stopped at an antique store where a sale was in progress, and purchased several silver plated serving trays.  The owner asked what I was planning to do with them, and I told him they would be used at tea parties.  He mentioned a lady frequently came into his store who had a tea party business.   My interest was piqued, and I asked if he'd get her name and phone number for me the next time she came in.  He did, and I contacted her. 

I discovered she was one of three business partners, and the name of their business [which was started in 1999]  was "Tea by Three."  Their tea parties were held outdoors on nearly two acres of lovely garden areas owned by one of the partners.   All three ladies were  avid gardeners who  had met through a gardening group.   Since tea and gardening pair well together,  their tea business evolved naturally.   The owner of the garden property said she was initially inspired to start the tea business to fund her gardening passion, but her love for tea quickly caught up.

I was mailed information about a Victorian themed picnic tea  they were hosting in June 2002, and made reservations to attend.  It was a lovely event. 

The Pergola

In 2001 Cheryl [owner of the garden property] had a 14 x 12 Victorian cottage built which she named, "Teacup Cottage."  It seats three adults comfortably or four children, and is absolutely adorable!

Front View

Side View

A Secret Garden off to the side of the cottage.

The interior has a kitchenette, combined living  room/dining area and loft.

Kitchenette

Living room/dining  area, complete with gas fireplace!

I met Cheryl again in July  2002 when I joined a tea club where she was a member.

Eventually she became the sole owner of the business and retained the name since most people  thought Tea by Three implied Tea by 3:00 p.m.

In August 2004, shortly after I retired from my secretarial job at the church,  Cheryl asked me if I'd like to work with her at Tea by Three.  I enjoyed that opportunity until June 2009.

A beautiful upper level sunroom, that serves as a tea room to accommodate up to 36 guests, was built onto her home.   It overlooks the picturesque gardens, which  guests often stroll before tea time.  The indoor facility provides opportunity to host events year round, although some parties are still held outdoors. 

Cheryl, Owner  [Notice the Teacup Cottage visible through the window.]

Tea by Three  has a lovely boutique for shopping before and after tea.  It is housed in a barn shaped building [pictured below] and a greenhouse located right next door.   I used to think I was Cheryl's best customer, because I purchased many beautiful items there over the years.

During my time at Tea by Three, I did a variety of things from helping coordinate special events to being a server, to set-up and clean-up.   I also gave oversight to a cookbook that was  published by Morris Press in 2006.

Tea by Three events are only hosted periodically, and the tea room is not open for business on a daily basis. 

Cheryl is very creative and talented, and it was always fun being at Tea by Three.  I blogged about the Last Dinner on the Titanic here, and will be sharing another special theme event that I worked on in an upcoming post next month.

I aspired to write an article about the Teacup Cottage for publication, and in 2005 I almost succeeded!  ["Almost" never counts, however! ;-)]   After on-going communications with Abella Carroll, Executive Editor of Romantic Homes Magazine at the time, I was notified my article was discussed at an editorial meeting and wanted for an upcoming issue.   Editor, Erika Kotite,  began checking on dates for their photographer to do a photo shoot,  when things ran amuck.   The magazine underwent a  management shift when Abella Carroll left the magazine for another job, and Erika Kotite encountered a medical problem that took her away from her job indefinitely.   Although I was given the name of a new contact person,  my article fell by the wayside.

All was not lost, however, as I made lasting memories with my three oldest granddaughters when I took  them to tea at the Teacup Cottage - twice!

L-R:  Brianna, Tiffany and Marissa 

A June tea party inside the Teacup Cottage.

Dessert was served outside on the pergola.  Aren't those teddy bear cakes darling?

Tiffany by the Secret Garden gate - and no, that's not a real outhouse!  ;-)

The girls inside the Secret Garden.  They're holding teacups which Cheryl  helped them transform into fairy beds.

Below, the Teacup Cottage  is all decorated for Christmas.

The granddaughters, all dressed up and ready for tea!

A Christmas toast in the Teacup Cottage with "Nana" [me].

Tea journey continued...

Becoming Published

In June 2003, I learned that Hoffman Media was going to publish a sister magazine to Southern Lady entitled, Tea Time.  The first issue was scheduled for publication September 2003.

I've always enjoyed writing, so I contacted Hoffman Media  regarding freelance articles, and  was asked to send them a sample of my writing. 

Since I had spent a lot of time at the Victorian Tea Room in Wyandotte, both taking tea,  as well as observing its behind-the-scenes workings,  I decided to make the tea room the subject of my article.     I sent my completed article to Barbara Cockerham, the magazine editor at that time, and waited for a response.    I was elated to learn that with a few edits, the article  would appear in the magazine's Premier Issue [which was displayed from September 2003 until  January 1, 2004].   I wondered if writing would become my new niche in the tea world???

Tea Time is a beautiful publication and I'm happy for its continuing success.  I have a copy of every issue and enjoy them all.   

In the third issue of Tea Time magazine was an ad for a Southern Lady Celebration  [to be held in November 2004] in Sandestin, Florida.   Knowing this was Magnolia & Ivy's new location, Shirley [owner of Victorian Tea Room] and I made plans to attend.  It was a fabulous event called,  "A Weekend of Tea and Roses." 

 

 

Magnolia & Ivy created a special tea for all attendees called "Celebration Blend", and international make-up artist Michael Marcus created a special lipstick for everyone as well. Alexandra Stoddard, nationally acclaimed interior designer and author, was one of the guest speakers.

One of the highlights for Shirley and me was having our photo taken with Phyllis Hoffman DePiano [President of Hoffman Media] and Tea Time editor, Barbara Cockerham.

L-R:  Phyllis DePiano, Barbara Cockerham, Me & Shirley

Another highlight was seeing Kay and Terri again and their beautiful new tea room.

L-R:  Me, Terri Eager, Kay Snipes, and Shirley

In the photo below, Shirley and I are having Afternoon Tea at Magnolia & Ivy  [Guests almost always wore hats and/or furs while taking tea there, which  M & I made available.]

In the fall of 2005 I started writing for a small Colorado based publication [now available in all states] that had an emphasis on tea, called Miss Kitty's Journal.   The magazine eventually evolved into a Red Hat publication, but I continued to write about tea.  When I started blogging, I decided to cease writing for the publication so I could focus my attention on my  blog as my writing outlet.

Tea journey continued...

A Sandy Clough tea lady

One day in early 2004, while looking through a Romantic Homes Magazine, I came across a full-page advertisement with the heading, "Join Us for Tea!"   Underneath in bold print were the words, "If You Are Longing for a Business that Fulfills Your Dreams... "  The words tea and business amidst pictures of beautiful floral teacups, teapot and other dishware definitely caught my attention!   I read on, "A Sandy Clough Tea offers you the opportunity to sell Sandy Clough's personally designed gift products as an independent distributor at tea parties in homes nationwide."  A phone number was provided for further information.

This opportunity involved my favorite things - tea and tea parties, pretty dishes and sharing hospitality.   Was it the niche I'd been searching for?  I had never been in direct sales before, but the only cost involved was the sample kit, which was  mine to keep, so  I decided to go for it!   I called the phone number, signed up to become a Sandy Clough tea lady, and bought a plane ticket bound for Nashville, Tennessee to attend training February 13 thru 15, 2004 at Opryland Hotel.

The commissioning  service was the culmination of our three-day training period, where Sandy Clough tied a beautiful white linen  apron on each new tea lady.

Sandy tying my apron on me.

A Sandy Clough Tea was a new company, and I was Michigan's only tea lady.   I was excited about the opportunities.

When I began, I was still working full-time as a church secretary, a position I held for 22 years, but  I decided to retire in June 2004 to devote all of my energies to being a Sandy Clough tea lady. 

From February to December I took  Sandy Clough tea parties into 52 homes emphasizing the company motto, "Hospitality Opens Hearts."   Michigan ladies loved Sandy's products and I won a first place award for highest retail sales.  

I learned much that year, but probably the most significant was the fact that tea parties are relevant and enjoyable in the twenty-first century - even in casual, busy lifestyles.   Tea offers a respite from  fast-paced living, and provides the opportunity to quiet ourselves if only for a brief period of time.   And Hospitality Opens Hearts, is definitely an accurate statement!

In 2005,  Sandy Clough closed her business.

Tea journey continued...

Always a Student of Tea

As time progressed, it became evident that opening a tea room was  not going to be a reality for me, so I began focusing my attention on other possibilities, continually striving to find my niche  in the tea world, and having fun along the way.

I have come to realize, the more I learn about tea, the more there is to learn!   I will never reach the point where I've learned everything on the subject.  It will be a life-long pursuit and I'll always be a student of tea.   The adage is, learning is fun at any age!

In March 2003 I headed off to Las Vegas, Nevada for the first Take Me 2 Tea  Expo, which was later renamed World Tea Expo.   During the three day expo, I signed up for several classes and it was a wonderful learning experience.

Shirley [my tea room mentor and also a Magnolia & Ivy alumni] and I enjoyed seeing Kay and Terri again. They taught some of the class offerings, and introduced their new tea product line, Tiara Teas, in the expo show room.   What fun seeing all the booths of tea products!  The expo was a huge success and just completed its ten year anniversary earlier this month.   Later, an extension was added  to the Las Vegas Expo - World Tea East,  [currently being held in Philadelphia, PA in the fall] to accommodate tea enthusiasts from that geographic area.  

L-R:  Kay, Phyllis [me], Shirley and Terri

There was a M & I alumni meet-up.

It was nice seeing Mr. John Harney [of Harney Teas] again, and having our picture taken with him. 

Author and speaker, Elizabeth Knight.

 TEA A Magazine Editor, Pearl Dexter

There just happened to be a tea room in Las Vegas!  Tricia's Teas was located in an antique mall, and we made reservations for Afternoon Tea.    It has since closed, but I'm told another lovely tea room has opened.

Tricia had hats galore to try on.

L-R  Linda, Shirley and Me

In the fall of 2003 I enrolled in Dawnya Sasse's five week, in-depth,  on-line tea course, Start A Tea Business [possibilities beyond owning a tea room].  I was in her very first class, and her course is still being taught today.   With every conference or course I take, my tea horizons  expand a little farther.

Tea journey continued...



Aspirations and Education

Many tea enthusiasts find themselves aspiring to open a tea room of their own, and I was no exception.   I visited every tea room  within reasonable driving distance [and some that weren't], to enjoy the pleasures of Afternoon Tea, as well as to observe the variations in service and style.  No two tea rooms are ever alike.

In 2001, a tea room opened 35 miles south of where I live.  Ironically, its location was in the city where I grew up, so I knew the area well.  I  made reservations, and anxiously looked forward to seeing a tea room that had been transformed from a former  fruit market!  It was lovely inside and out, and was the first of many visits.

Most tea room owners won't share information about their business, but Shirley [the owner] was the exception who was willing to mentor me in any way that she could.  I met with her after hours when we could talk uninterrupted, and she answered question after question from this wanna-be entrepreneur.    As our friendship progressed she allowed me to come to her tea room on Saturdays [I still had my M-F day job] and observe the inner workings of the kitchen, retail area, and tea room.  I loved every minute!

Shirley, Tea Room Owner

Diane & Shirley in the Tea Room Kitchen

In March 2002 I traveled to Columbus, Georgia to attend Magnolia & Ivy's Thursday evening thru Sunday noon conference,  Open a Tearoom for Profit.

Sisters, Kay Snipes and Terri Eager were the conference instructors.   They were well qualified to teach on the subject of opening a tea room for profit.  They opened their first tea room in 1995 and within a year opened three more, plus two tea rooms in bed and breakfast inns!   Shortly after my 2002 conference, they sold their Georgia tea rooms and moved to the Village of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort [in Florida] and opened a gorgeous tea room there.  I had the privilege of visiting the tea room,  but that's a post for another time.  They continued hosting conferences four times a year until 2008 when they retired from the tea room business and moved back to Georgia.  

Twenty-one attendees came to the March 2002 conference from eleven states.  

L-R  Kay Snipes, Mrs. Thompson [their mother], and Terri Eager

The conference opened with a candlelight Gone With the Wind theme tea, which was great!

Sessions began at 9:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday mornings and went throughout the day.   Some of the seminar topics were:  Tea, the Main Event;  How to succeed in Food Service; Giving Superior Customer Service; Themed Events; and much more.  It was a lot of information to process, and I can still  hear Terri telling us - "How do you eat an elephant?"  "One bite at a time!"   

The conference was an awesome experience.   I met wonderful people and still keep in touch with some.  Two points that were deeply instilled - use quality tea, and it's all the details!

It was definitely a year of  learning  regarding tea.    In October  I  traveled to Denver, Colorado to attend the American Tea Society Convention which I blogged about here.

Tea journey continued...

How it all Began... My Tea Journey

Tea journeys are unique and interesting.  Every tea lover  has one.   Since I'm always fascinated by the tea journeys of others, I've decided to chronicle my journey into the wonderful world of tea over my next few posts.

Some people have a deep tea heritage, but I didn't.   I have few recollections of tea being drunk in my childhood home, except for occasional glasses of iced tea in the summertime, or when my mother was sick - the only time she ever prepared hot tea.    As a result,  my mental perception of tea for many years was medicinal - and who likes medicine?   Mom's tea selection didn't help stimulate my interest either since she always used Lipton's black, unflavored teabags.  It wasn't until years later, when my mother-in-law introduced me to Bigelow's Constant Comment [her favorite tea], that I even knew other choices existed.  But I was still a long was from becoming a devoted tea drinker.

My mother loved dishware, and had a pretty teacup collection even though she never used them for tea consumption.    Her love for pretty dishware was an influence I acquired, and was one of the the links that connected me to tea.  

I attended my first tea party in 1998.  A friend from church hosted a surprise 70th birthday tea party for her mother, and I was blessed  to be one of the recipients of an invitation.  I was in awe from the moment I arrived, and I wasn't even the guest of honor!

For me, tea was an acquired taste that developed over time, but I immediately LOVED the ambiance and charm of the tea party - the beautiful tablescape, the delicious dainty foods, the feeling of being pampered and treated so special, and the intimate atmosphere for pleasant conversation with friends.   I was "hooked" with that first tea party and determined I would learn to enjoy drinking tea.  I am forever grateful to my friend, Dawn, for introducing me to the pleasures of tea in such a beautiful setting! 

When I returned home from the tea party, I got out the phone directory in search of tea room listings to perpetuate my new-found love of "taking tea."    The first tea room I visited was the Victorian Rose in Rochester, MI.   I blogged about the tea room here.    

Tea journey continued...

The winner of my first giveaway posted on June 14th is Joy. If you will send me your mailing information I'll get it mailed off right away.   Congratulations!