Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Howard.
Tina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My husband and I wanted to open a place that would create space for the community to gather and to pause from the hectic pace of life.
As we thought through ideas, we realized both tea and book cultures called for people to slow down and be present, which completely aligned with our vision. We searched for the perfect place and found the Near Southside to be a pro-small business, community-driven area that was looking toward major revitalization that we were excited to become a part of. While we’ve had construction delays and wish we could’ve been open sooner, the time has allowed us to refine our vision, build relationships with other businesses, and develop products like our sparkling tea that is on tap at HopFusion Aleworks, a local brewery and favorite neighborhood hangout, and hopefully more locations soon.
Has it been a smooth road?
As mentioned before, construction delays and timing of opening have been the most challenging. We hate not being able to tell our community specifically when we’re going to open! However, we have benefited from the extra time. We’ve been able to build relationships and products that we might not have had time to focus on in the midst of opening. We’ve also had a blast participating in events like Friday on the Green and Arts Goggle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Leaves Book and Tea Shop – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our vision is to create space to pause from the hectic pace of life. We believe that books and tea culture promote this naturally, causing us to slow down and be present. We will serve individually-crafted hot and iced teas (made from loose leaf teas), tea flights, sparkling tea, and tea lattes. We will also offer a highly curated selection of books that are focused on content that provokes thought and discussion. Our shop will be WIFI-free, encouraging guests to truly disconnect for a moment and allow time to catch their breath, reflect on something more deeply, discover something new, and enjoy the people who are right in front of them.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love Fort Worth and especially the Near Southside. Fort Worth offers such a variety of experiences: from art and entertainment to great food to family-friendly activities. And we’ve found the community to be so supportive of local business.
If anything, we wish our city had a more prominent literary arts focus, but that’s something we hope to influence!
Contact Info:
- Address: 120 St. Louis Ave, #101
Fort Worth, TX - Website: leavesbookandteashop.com
- Email: hello@leavesbookandteashop.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/leavesbooktea
- Facebook: facebook.com/leavesbooktea
- Twitter: twitter.com/leavesbooktea
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
