We love making new friends. Whether we’re across the globe or just across the street, we love those simple moments of connection. For almost a year now, we’ve thrown around the idea of having a space for just that. A place for the local community to engage not only with the brand, but with each other. You can only imagine how excited we are to share that this little dream is now a reality, and Studio Tea is ready to go! It’s a place
We packed our bags and took #TEAONTHEROAD to Austin, Texas for the last four days of July. For what feels like years now, we’ve been throwing around the idea of a pop-up shop. We did some research and decided that Austin could be the perfect place to try out this concept. As long time fans of TOMS, we reached out and pitched the idea of setting up shop in their backyard on South Congress for a back-to-school event… you can only imagine how thrilled we hear they were on board!
So, for the first time ever, we took Tea on the road. We packed as much as we could into those four days, and man was it worth it. It was hot, we all were sweaty, but a wonderful time was had by all. From those rainy first days of set-up to the rush of customers that very first morning, #TEAONTHEROAD was full of surprises and we loved every minute of it.
Here, we share a special look at just what happened in Austin. We wish you all could have been there… And we can’t wait to hear where you think we should go next!
We talk a lot about going “around the world”, but the other side of this phrase “and across the street” is just as important. We know that being a good citizen (big or little) means being a good neighbor, too.
Local boutiques have always been an integral part of the community. Shopkeepers know their neighbors, greet customers by name, watch babies grow into big kids. This August, we launched our very first Tea Neighborhood Shop at Kid Dynamo in Berkeley, CA. Kid Dynamo has long been a retailer of Tea and we treasure the relationship we have with shop owners, Erin and Holly. Around the world and across the street, neighborhoods are where life happens. And that’s exactly where we want to be. So, what does a Tea Neighborhood Shop look like?
Each month Studio T features one of our retailers. This month we caught up with Jennifer, co-founder of Angelique Baby + Kids. Learn about the brand and the hot spots of New Orleans below!
Have you always lived in New Orleans?
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama. I have been in my wonderful New Orleans since 1996. My business partner, Angelique Palumbo is New Orleans born and raised.
How was your business born?
We opened in 2006, post Katrina. We are looking forward to our 10 year birthday!
Tell us a little about your family history.
I brought some of my deep traditional Alabama ideas of children’s wear to New Orleans. Like my electric city of New Orleans, the store has evolved to a more sophisticated and worldly scope.
Each month Studio T features one of our retailers. This month we caught up with Carrie, the mighty force behind Baby Bliss (and miniME!) in Texas.
Tea is proud to announce that Baby Bliss is one of our first ambassador stores. Ambassador stores are the ultimate Tea experience, offering the biggest in-store selection of products. You can think of them as your personal Tea storytellers and count on them as your neighborhood place for the widest assortment of sizes and Tea Collection styles.
How (and how long ago) did Tea find its way into your life?
9 years ago! I Instantly fell in love with the brand.
Describe how Tea resonates with your customers.
My clients love the line (little ones and moms!) for the fashion, comfort and longevity.
How has this new experience effected your Tea space?
My customers can’t seem to get enough! And, they know I carry the entire line (hence the space) so they come to be for the hands on experience. They all walk in with catalogs though!
Thus far, which Tea destination has been your favorite?
I loved Morocco… in fact I’m going there in 2015!
Each month Studio T features one of our retailers. This month we caught up with Karla, the amazing lady behind the Seattle, Washington boutique, Kid’s Club. In the area? Stop by for you’re child’s hair cut and check out the new Tea space. Yep, that’s right… there’s a hair salon and shop!
Tea is proud to announce that Kid’s Club is one of our first ambassador stores. Ambassador stores are the ultimate Tea experience, offering the biggest in-store selection of products. You can think of them as your personal Tea storytellers and count on them as your neighborhood place for the widest assortment of sizes and Tea Collection styles.
How (and how long ago) did Tea find it’s way into your life?
I have carried Tea in my store on and off since the line began. I am always liked the clean lines, great prints and nice fabrics.