Early retirement was not working for Christy Wonderly. "I really wanted a job I loved," Wonderly says. As she pondered her options her daughter suggested she think of the two things she liked the most: tea and talking to others.
That idea for the Tea Leaf, where "happiness is a cup away," has grown into a full-fledged business for Wonderly. She now shares space with other businesses on the first floor of the Ermish Travel Building, 26 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Battle Creek.
Today, Wonderly and her daughter, Jessica Lazarus, run the tea shop. More employees are expected soon as Lazarus moves to another full-time job.
The business got its start at the Springfield Market and recently moved to downtown where the landlords, the Breitbachs, have welcomed 13 fledgling businesses in the three-story building. Wonderly says she appreciates how welcome she has been made to feel and the mentorship in such areas as advertising and similar assistance the Breitbachs have offered.
As you walk in the door of the Tea Leaf, you will see a tea bar complete with a wide variety of organic, fair trade teas. Wonderly says she is really excited to be working with the local nonprofit Urban Sprout Farms to develop her own blend made from Michigan grown tea and herbs. Rose petals and mints will be part of the blend coming soon.
Because she shares space with others, the actual square footage of her business is small, so the business is largely takeout right now. She is looking forward to creating outside seating for her customers soon.
She points out that although some local retailers offer tea, none carry the high quality brands she does. The teas she carries also are for sale on her website.
So far, Battle Creek tea drinkers have shown a preference for Masala Chai, Moroccan Mint, Cherry Bomb and green teas, Wonderly says. These top sellers are the ones she brews early in the day and keeps chilled all day long. "They're ready to go," Wonderly says.
The former teacher got her love of tea from her mother, a Bradford from Boston. Beyond that, teas have many health benefits that Wonderly loves to share with others.
"I really like both ends of the business," Wonderly says.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Christy Wonderly, Tea Leaf
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