Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Henderson.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
During COVID I found myself working from home with everyone else, but being in a house filled with men, no one wanted to talk. Everyone was in their own room, and I set up my desk facing the backyard so I could watch and listen to the birds. My anxiety was high and I found teas that helped settle my tummy. I would normally be teaching 7 group exercise classes during the week, so being inside was a challenge. I decided to start hosting Bodycombat classes at the local Benbrook park – so that a group of us could get out of the house and meet in a safe, open area and connect with each other. Our workouts went from the park to my garage and it was at that point I started thinking maybe I should find some space to host workouts. That’s where the ‘Wellness’ part of Benbrook Tea and Wellness came from. After COVID, I felt a little lost and reached out to a friend that is a life coach. Lizzy worked with me to get through some traumas and one day (while we were meeting at a coffee shop) she asked me, “What would you do if money was not an issue?” Out of my mouth came flying “I would love to open a tea shop with a Wellness room”. That was 2021.
Being a public figure in the City of Benbrook, I found all my meetings were happening at coffee shops. Now, I do love coffee (especially coffee ice cream), but it does not always love me – meaning – I’m a tea girl. Then came the fear and doubt…could I really create a space that was homey, comfy, cozy and welcoming? Of course I could, but it took years to conger up the guts to say I’m gonna go for it. With the support of my husband and 2 sons, I decided to try. And therefore, Benbrook Tea and Wellness exists and is being supported by my wonderful Benbrook friends and community.
One last thing to mention. I serve premade Gluten Free Treats. There are people that need to be Gluten Free and having a treat that is GF is absolutely wonderful! Also, my Wellness Room has a schedule of Virtual Classes – such as Meditation, Stretching and Tapping. All calming, de-stressing opportunities. And it’s only $5 to pop in and take a class.
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?
Smooth after opening; bumpy (super bumpy) during construction and even before that – trying to acquire a space. I was told that since I was not an “existing franchise or chain” that I was not going to get a space that I really wanted. He told me that I needed to be in a strip mall with a grocery store so I could get more foot traffic – funny thing is – Benbrook doesn’t have a grocery store!!! Needless to say, I was pretty upset.
Plumbing was challenging; as were inspections and grease traps (yes I was told I needed a grease trap to serve tea). It took many months to convert my space into the Tea Shop it is now.
Other obstacles included a cat urine smell that was unimaginable – but the landlord helped me pay for the floor cleaning. I decided to do all new air ventilation, as I heard from the neighbors that there would be a certain smell every now and again – and I couldn’t have a wellness space without knowing I was providing clean air! That turned out to be a pretty penny, but I had to do it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
32+ years in IT. 27 of those years for the same company downtown Fort Worth. It was at that job that I was surrounded by experts in many different fields. I did share my vision with a few of them and they were super happy to answer my questions and help settle some concerns.
I have taught Group Exercise classes at the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA for over 16 years. I served on the City of Benbrook’s Parks and Recreation Board for over 17 years. I am now an Elected Official and the President of the Board of Directors for the Benbrook Water Authority. I’m known for my love of Benbrook and my communication and leadership skills. I love helping people move (exercise) and just helping in general. And you know what the best part is – I help take care of people and they help me right back.
I’m most proud of getting a sign put up at the Dutch Branch Park in Benbrook. I would bring my sons to play and we would smell cigarette smoke all the time – people were smoking right there where the children were playing. So, I was able to get it passed that you are NOT allowed to smoke by the park equipment, you have to be in the parking lot. I love that.
What sets me apart from the others is my smile and energy. Everyone that walks into my Tea Shop is greeted with a warm “welcome in”. If I know you, it’s “welcome in Judy!” If I know a group of people sitting in the shop and then someone is walking up (that I know), sometimes I’ll have them welcome that person in too! That creates a huge smile for everyone, every time.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Totally not a risk taker!!! This took years! The tea shop was going to be a risk for me and my family – because I was not (and did not) borrow any money, I used our money to open. I do not owe anyone else for this endeavor, just a pay back to my own credit union account (I’m not a bank person, I’m a credit union gal). Risk is scary and when it involves your future and your family’s future there is a lot of thought behind it. It truly wasn’t until we were interested in buying a condo in Belize that we realized we had the financial backing to try. And that’s what I did – I tried – and it’s working!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.benbrookteawellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benbrook_tea_wellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556097315407
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhenderson22/
- Other: TikTok @benbrookteawellness
