Margaret Donovan spent almost ten years talking herself out of opening Rising Tea & Alchemy. She asked herself whether she knew enough about tea, whether anyone would come, and what would happen if she failed.
The shop is now open in Plaza Midwood, Charlotte, at 2132 McClintock Road. It is a tea house, and the menu is mostly Chinese teas and blends made by an herbalist.
Donovan grew up with tea at the kitchen table, with her mother, grandparents and aunt. If someone had a hard day, a cup was poured and everyone sat together. Later, working as a health and life coach, she found that the most useful thing she could give a person was her full attention.
That is the idea behind the shop. She says presence across a table is not the same as presence through a screen. Rising is set up as a place to sit down, talk and listen, with workshops for people who want to learn more.
She describes it as an extension of that kitchen table. If you are in Plaza Midwood and want a quiet cup of tea, this is the place to sit down and enjoy the tea.
2132 McClintock Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
