Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Wolf
Hi Jenny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I opened Tea & Treasures in 2007 after being in the corporate retail business for 30 years. Supporting local art and my love for vintage items were my inspirations for starting a business where I could have the best of both worlds. The tea came into play with the hopes of it one day becoming a tea and pastry shop, but the business has taken off on a different path now with so many consignors. We have over 50 artisans and crafters in house, as well as that many consignors of antiques and vintage items, all contained in a 1905 homestead turned gift/tea shop.
The tea business has really taken off in the past few years and we have even recently launched our own signature blends. We also have.our old stand-bys – Harney & Sons, The Skirted Soldier, Tonya Rea’s and Dandy Blend. We have added in a local coffee roaster, Liberty or Death Coffee Company, for those that prefer coffee over tea.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Small business is definitely a struggle with the most unpredictable traffic flow imaginable. There are days when the shop has very steady traffic and other days where we may only see one or two customers come through the front door.
Our first set back was the closure of the Henley Street Bridge several years ago. That bridge is the main thoroughfare to South Knoxville from other areas of the city. We made it through that and regained the customers from outside SoKno, then COVID hit. That was like nothing we could have never imagined. We closed the doors in March of 2020 and did not reopen until September of that year. During the 6 month closure, we did curb pick up, contests and shopping through social media, deliveries, private shopping appointments, whatever we had to do to keep visible in the public eye. It was a struggle, but we are still here!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tea & Treasures is branded as a unique collection of old and new. We feature local and regional arts & crafts, antiques, vintage, collectibles, specialty and artisan blend teas and tea accessories. Anyone looking for a special gift that they might not find elsewhere should pay us a visit. Our artisans also offer custom pieces. We do have a resident artist, Bobbye Edwards who specializes in hand-painted glassware, slates and ornaments.
We also host a monthly 2nd Saturday Marketplace event April-October that features outdoor vendors, live music and a food truck – just another way for us to support and promote artists and other small businesses.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Our main resource for gaining foot traffic and networking is through social media. We rely on Facebook and Instagram for advertising, as paid ads have never proven to benefit us. Both of these platforms provide us the opportunity to network and share other small business posts with our audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @teatreasures07
- Facebook: facebook.com/teatreasures
