by Marcella Ortega
Daily Lobo
Summerhouse Tea and Trading Company owner Charlotte Webster is fascinated with the study of tea.
"It was very captivating to me," she said.
Webster opened her tea house three years ago. She carries 90 different teas from 10 different countries such as France, Australia, China, Japan and India.
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"All the teas I carry I keep, because they have their devotees that love them," she said.
Webster said the tea house will be demolished as part of a renovation of the Harvard Mall. She said her landlords were intent on the renovations, and she has seen the plans.
Webster said her landlords promised to help her relocate. She said they are planning to tear the tea house down in January but will give her a three-month notice.
"People hate to see this street go," she said.
Webster said her most popular teas are from France. She said they keep her doors open.
"I'm the only one in this section of the country who carries them," she said.
Webster said she has to register with the Food and Drug Administration in order to import her teas.
"It's kind of a complicated business," she said.
In addition to teas, the house carries a variety of gift items and housing dÇcor. Webster said she picks each item out herself.
"I have always loved textiles, vintage linens and unique furnishings," she said.
Webster said the tea house has many regulars, and 65 percent of her customers are young males.
"It was a surprising demographic," she said.
Student Ryan Schneider is a regular customer who now works at the shop.
"I was in here with my dad one day, and he offered my services to her," he said. "She took me up for the school year."
Schneider said he is not sure how the shop stays in business because not many people know about it.
"She doesn't advertise at all, so you've got to be around," he said.
Schneider said his favorite part of the tea house is the owner.
"She's a really nice mom-type," he said.
Nicole Prill is one of the tea house's regular customers.
"She has the best selection that I've seen," she said. "I like the prices a lot better, and I love Charlotte. She is sweet. I like that she knows who I am."
Prill said Webster is always willing to work with her customers.
"Even if I bought a tea and didn't like it, she would be very understanding and would want my opinion on it," she said. "She has
knowledge about everything. She's actually honest about it. She makes a huge difference."
Student Brianna Logan said she went to the tea house to purchase detox tea.
"I would always steal the tea my friend buys from her (Webster), so I thought to eliminate the middle man and just go over there," she said. "I might as well come while I can."
Webster said she will have to pare down merchandise when she relocates.
"It's all about coziness and comfort," she said. "It's probably going to have to be more consolidated, but I can do that."
Summerhouse Tea and Trading Company
119 Harvard Drive S.E.
