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Things I Enjoy-All Things Are Possible

My first visit to a tearoom was over five years ago. It was love at first sight.  Since then I have visited several tearooms to observe and gain a better understanding of how a tearoom operates. A few years ago I offered to work for free at a near by tearoom in exchange to learn the business. Since the owner was planning to retire and had her establishment on the market, I thought it was a match made in heaven. The owner was an older woman who had been in the business for over 20 years.  Her tearoom was absolutely gorgeous. When she turned me down, I was so disappointed. The owner did not feel comfortable sharing her business knowledge with me, but I understood.  I must admit, the rejection did hurt. My thoughts were, "lady I have been a patron of your tearoom for years".  However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The rejection set me on a path to explore other avenues of learning the business. Months later my tea journey lead me to  a seminar offered by Bruce and Shelley Richardson.  They are a husband and wife team who were one of  the first to open one  of American's first and most successful tearoom, The Elmwood Inn.  Here is a brief history:

Elmwood Inn Fine Teas and Benjamin Press sprang from the success of the Elmwood Inn Tea Room in Perryville Kentucky. Over its 14 years of existence, Elmwood Inn developed an international reputation as one of America's favorite locations for a traditional afternoon tea. 

After serving thousands of guests, the tea room closed on July 31, 2004 in order for us to grow our expanding wholesale tea and publishing businesses, now located in Danville, Kentucky.

Being educators, we have always felt the need to share our tea talents with willing students.  Since 2000, over 350 aspiring tea entrepreneurs from across Canada and the United States have attended Elmwood's TEA 101.  These seminars, along with our tea books, continue to inspire tea professionals everywhere.

Elmwood Inn is committed to spreading the good news of tea to a thirsty world.  We like to call it "a cup of serenity." 

Bruce and Shelley Richardson, owners


Last October I had the honor of attending a tea seminar in Kentucky.  It was a wonderful experience. The seminar was very informative and relevant for tea entrepreneurs. The information and presentation of the entire seminar was exceptional. The attention to detail  contributed to the professionalism and elegance of the seminar.  The beautiful luncheons, the decor of the facility and the knowledge of the instructors made the event  unforgettable.  The information  I received was like a key given to me to unlock the door of a dream hidden away in my heart, laying on an old dusty shelf labeled impossible. God gave me more than I could ever imagine.

 I arrived a day early in order to relax and prepare for the seminar. The seminar was held at the beautiful and quaint Gratz Park Inn. It was the first time I had traveled alone. I was nervous and excited about my travel plans.  As I was preparing to check in, a woman who was also attending the seminar over heard my conversation with desk clerk. She came over to me and introduced herself.  Her name was Leslie and she was a tea entrepreneur.  God is truly amazing.  My plan was to just attend the seminar, eat alone and stay in my room, but God gave me a friend. Since our rooms were not ready, we took a taxi and went to the Keeneland Race Course where the Kentucky Derby is held.  We walked around the gift shop and watched a few of the races.   It was really nice.  We went back to the hotel, checked in and went out for dinner. Thank God for giving me someone to pal around with.

 The next day I attended the seminar and it was awesome.  I was demure and observant, hanging on to every word.  This was my time to glean. Many of the women there were tearoom owners or aspiring to be tearoom owners. At first, I thought I was the only chocolate chip in the bunch, but two other dear sisters arrived.  We all had a great time together.  An experience I will never forget.  The next phase of the journey is securing a place for my tearoom.
A few highlights 





Keeneland, Lexington Kentucky




The Gratz Park Inn-Beautiful Scenery


Leslie


Class Picture


Bruce and Shelley Richardson




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