Updates and Tidbits

Greetings!
I just realized it's been a while since I posted news and information. So, this is a "catch up" posting! I hope it finds each of you feeling happy and healthy!

Spring has been a busy time for us. We hired employees: Kathy, Spencer and Colin. You may run into them at the Courthouse downtown, in the store, making a delivery or at the Omaha Farmers Market where we are a season vendor. They are learning about tea, are enthusiastic and helpful so we appreciate your patience as they develop their knowledge of our teas and processes.

We are members of GrowNebraska. This organization promotes products made in Nebraska. Our custom tea blends were recently evaluated by a panel of five judges and will now be available across the state! We also had an opportunity to showcase our teas a few weeks ago at the state Capitol. Senator Harms invited GrowNE members to an open house to bring greater attention to Nebraska-made products.

Our blends are available at: Scheels, Wohlners Grocery, The Omaha Farmers Market and The downtown Courthouse (beverage only at this time.)

Last Saturday we participated in the first annual Black Business Expo. It was a great event! It allowed us an opportunity to network with other minority-owned businesses while showcasing our tea lines. You may have read a brief article about it in the Sunday World Herald. It really did not do the event justice. One business that stood out to me was WomenCrafters. The founder, Vicky Muli displayed hand-made bowls, artwork and hats by women from Uganda. Another vendor, Afromaha.net displayed samples of their graphic art. It was fabulous! The owner is even putting together African-American children's coloring books. Very cool! And, if you ever need a clown for an event, IMA Clown does amazing face painting! We are looking forward to participating in an even larger event next year!

Next Saturday (6/9) I will participate in a panel for the Money Matters Program. The event is sponsored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. The panel includes female/minority-owned businesses in Omaha. It should be an informative and enlightening day! There are workshops and a keynote speaker. It's all about financial fitness for the ladies.

Our store hours are a bit strange as we continue to train Kathy, Spencer and Colin. For now, we are open M-F 11:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. and closed on Saturday/Sunday. We will accept reservations for Irish Afternoon Tea on Saturday, but will be closed to the public. This is a temporary arrangement. Please check our website for updated hours.

The store will be closed June 11 - 15, 2007 for a much needed break. We understand that this may be an inconvenience and apologize in advance.

And, one final bit of news that will impact the store: We are expecting our second child at the end of summer. This will likely impact our hours and more specifically, my hours. So, if you are trying to reach me, please know that I will return your call as quickly as possible. Kathy, Spencer and Colin will be able to answer most of your questions by then!

Until next time...enjoy the summer! And, remember we have the best iced tea and blended lemonades in Omaha!

Peace,
Kori