A popular little teahouse in Rimbey may close its doors by the end of the month, unless a buyer can be found.
Valerie-Ray St-Jean, owner of My Special Teas, is ready for a new adventure and is preparing to close up shop.
She opened the teahouse on Oct. 28 of last year. The project was the fulfillment of a goal and a vision she decided to pursue.
“It was something I had to do; something I very much wanted to try.”
The teahouse proved to be everything she had hoped for.
“It was extremely successful. It was very welcomed in the town. Business has been fantastic and I’ve enjoyed all of my customers that supported me.”
However, despite running a successful business St-Jean is ready to move on, or at least, move back to her former career.
“I’m going back to Best Western Hotel in the management area – sales/marketing, wherever they need me. I’m a project girl, I need to plan and I always need new challenges.”
She is happy to go back to Best Western, but will miss her teahouse customers.
“There were so many nice moments – grandparent/grandchild moments and father/son, mother/daughter moments. It (the tea house) spoke to all generations.”
While running the business, St-Jean said her tea cookies were a hot item.
“I could never keep my basket full,” she said with a laugh.
She enjoyed doing high teas, as well.
“It was an elegant way to visit with family and friends. The princess tea parties were fantastic, too,” she said.
St-Jean is hopeful to find a buyer.
“I will feel sad if it doesn’t continue. It added lots to the town and Rimbey is a busy little place.”