Any Time is Tea Time at Tea-Rations

0 Shares

My morning cheer is a cup of bold black tea. Hot and robust, tea starts my day on the right note. Alysia Shelton, owner and operator of Tea-Rations, will help you find the right tea for your mood and taste buds. The year-old teahouse located out Martin Way has loose teas, pots, and accessories for sale, but Alysia is ready to steep a cup to sip inside or take along with you on your commute to work.

tea shop olympia
Alysia Shelton owns Tea-Rations on Martin Way in Olympia. Photo courtesy: Tea-Rations.

Alysia opened Tea-Rations in May 2015 after leaving ten years of service in the Army. She is a native of Randle but traveled parts of the globe as a Staff Sergeant. Within two months after departing the army, she had signed the lease, decorated the space and opened the doors. She used the services of both SCORE, a free mentoring service for entrepreneurs and Washington Center for Women in Business. Alysia is also busy with her children – two daughters, ages 17 and 12, and a son, aged 2. She is a full time student at Brandman University earning her bachelors in Organizational Leadership. Then it will be on to a master degree.

When Alysia was working in Iraq, she met a man who brewed loose tea in a brass pot. “I liked the way it tasted.” She wanted to recreate the ambiance of that experience here. Tea-Rations finds teas from Brazil, China and other locals hoping to have one for every palate. Have you heard of pu-erh? How about experiencing a blooming tea?

tea shop olympia
The cozy party room at Tea-rations is ready for little tea drinkers. Photo courtesy: Tea-Rations.

There are many loose teas to pick from, and Alysia has a concocted a bouquet of uniquely blended teas to conjure the mood of various places. The ‘Ocean Shores’ mixes butterfly blue pea flowers, coconut, peach-apricot white tea and stevia leaves. ‘Olympia’ combines blueberry green tea with lemongrass. Check out the web store for more options and detailed descriptions.

Once you come inside you’ll be thrilled to have an option of savoring your tea or espresso with a friend while your young children keep themselves occupied on the nearby combo slide/play toy that’s perfect for the 5 and under gang. You might even celebrate your moment with a fresh treat from Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes.

You’ll be tempted to peek around the wall near the back of the store to find a separate tea party room. Youngsters can sit around a low table for tea and goodies. There are board games and whimsical mouse decorations for all to enjoy. The space will fit ten children comfortably and there are a few seats for the adults. The table could certainly accommodate a few more if it’s a Dolly and Me party. (That’s when dolls get invited.) Tea-Rations can provide food and you’ll get a discount on your cupcakes, but you can bring your own cake if you prefer.

tea-rations olympia
Check out Tea-Rations teas from around the world and ones blended to create favorite moods. Photo courtesy: Tea-Rations.

Consider coming in for a traditional English afternoon tea. Your three-tiered tray will feature cucumber/watercress or chicken salad sandwiches, scones and tarts. You might also choose cake. A snack tea is a smaller version of this. When the kids are taking part, Alysia can customize your order with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or tuna fish.

The common area continues to develop and evolve, such as the addition of the big toy in the common area for her customers’ children to enjoy. This was, in part, because her son liked being in the middle of the action. A recent addition is offering fresh pastries and treats from Miss Moffett’s Mystical Cupcakes. Tea-Rations takes part in supporting SafePlace, the YWCA and the Family Support Center of South Sound with tea and inspirations.

Make arrangements to meet your small group here. Plan a tea party. Of course, you can come alone and hook up to the WiFi or visit the monthly henna artist. For up-to-date info on Tea-Rations goings-on, visit their Facebook page.

tea shop olympia
Meet and experience a henna artist once a month at Tea-Rations. Photo courtesy: Tea-Rations.

Tea-Rations
9408 Martin Way E, Suite 3
Olympia, WA 98516

Open: Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday – closed

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares