By SAMANTHA GHOLAR
sgholar@newssun.com
SEBRING - Anyone looking for a spot of tea in the Sebring area has a newer establishment to add to their places to visit in the Heartland.
A revamped and revived business, Coffee, Tea and Thee, has opened its doors and is looking to bring something special to the Downtown Sebring community.
Located just off of the Circle at 113 W. Center Ave., owner Pamela Kay has enlisted the help of local artist Phyliss Jones to create a unique shop where customers can enjoy good company, beverages and food.
The shop is part of a bigger picture however; Coffee, Tea and Thee serves as the money wheel for the Praz Kidz organization run by shop owner Pamela Kay.
A large portion of the funds earned from Coffee, Tea and Thee will go to help fund Kay's non-profit Praz Kidz, which helps local youth discover and get plugged in to the arts and theater in the area.
Coffee, Tea and Thee will serve as a downtown stable for all those who enjoy light, fun experiences in a relaxed setting. The quaint shop is described as "girlie and womanly" by both Kay and Jones.
"I got to thinking about it, and said what can we do, what do we have the most of around here? Women. Why not gear it towards women," Jones said.
Jones, who is credited with transforming the establishment from a plain shop to its current state, had a wonderful time creating the theme. Using items from her very own art collection, Jones created a sort of women's retreat complete with tea, hot meals and sweet treats. Paintings of glamorous women, old and young, hang on the walls throughout the shop. Other local artists' work are also featured and for sale in the shop.
"We are celebrating women. We welcome men, of course, but this is a place where women can come and be comfortable," Jones said. "It's very feminine and very art deco."
The shop serves up light brunch-like options including homemade soups, salads, fruit plates and more to go along with their one-of-a-kind imported teas.
"We will be carrying Souvia teas. It is an organic, imported tea and we are one of the only shops around to be carrying this brand. It's really good," Kay said.
Kay explained that her entire mission behind the shop came to her as she was visiting her granddaughter in the area many years ago. After praying for God to show her a purpose, Kay was directed to help children.
"I didn't have many opportunities growing up, life was different. It was hard. When I came here I saw some of the same issues with these kids and I thought we have to change this ... They make better decisions when they realize this world is so much bigger than just where they are right now," Kay said.
After meeting Jones, Kay realized that the arts was a perfect way to reach the children and the youth throughout the area. The duo has decided to use Coffee, Tea and Thee as a way to touch the lives of women and the youth in the area through a love of the arts.
"What we need the community to know is that we are here. We are open after Highlands Little Theatre shows are over for little desserts and meetings. We know that sometimes it ends late, but we are willing to be here and be open. We want everyone to know we are a community company out here to support this community. For us it's downtown; we want to be a good neighbor to those around us. Not that we don't welcome people outside of the downtown area, we want those that live here to know we are here," Kay said.
Coffee, Tea and Thee is currently open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The tea shop will also be open following each Highlands Little Theatre event. The shop will be available by reservation for private parties, meetings, events, birthdays and tea parties.
For more information contact Kay at 991-2134.
Sunday, February 03, 2013 - www.newssun.com/020313-sg-Tea