Shop Fircrest’s creative and extensive loose-leaf tea shoppe
By Abigail Thorpe
Nestled on the main street in Fircrest, Washington, lies Mimi’s Teas, a charming loose-leaf tea shoppe that welcomes locals to come sip, socialize with the community and find their own perfect blend.
Certified Tea Specialist Cheryl Burlingame was raised in a tea drinking family by English parents and has always had a passion for tea. Her vision became a reality when she started the shop in May of 2014. “I had a vision and the name of the shoppe long before I had a location. It has all fallen beautifully into place,” she says. Mimi’s Teas fast became a unique and beloved part of the Fircrest community.
“I know many of my customers by name and take the time to ensure all of them find a tea to fit their needs and flavor profile,” says Cheryl. Her shoppe offers varieties of Black, Green, White, Oolong, Pu-Erh, and Purple tea; caffeine-free herbal blends and Rooibos, and single-source medicinal herbs. She also offers tea-steeping accessories like tea pots, travel tumblers, infusers and tea balls.
While you browse the extensive tea selection, take the opportunity to shop the collection of products the shop features from local business owners. Items include local honey from John Thomas, candles by Erin Jan Illuminations, Soap from Bicycle Soap Company, miscellaneous gifts and local artwork. Mimi’s even hosts occasional pop-up markets for visitors and locals alike to come support the local business community and purchase unique local goods.
The eclectic tea shoppe is a favorite meet-up place for locals and friends. Cheryl is always ready to discuss tea, whatever a person’s interest level, and the shoppe prepares hot tea to-go in addition to its loose-leaf takeaway options.
You can often find friends chatting over a cup or local knitters industriously knitting away in the shoppe, where people are free to take a seat while they sip on their tea to-go. Cheryl has even seen customers strike up a friendship in the shop over mutual interests. “Connections and relationships are made and nurtured through a shared interest in, and/or love for, tea,” she says. “Tea is relational, and conversation is easy over a cup of tea.”
The business owners in Downtown Fircrest are a close-knit group. Everyone supports each other in business, encouraging customers to frequent others’ shops. Besides the customers she’s come to know as dear friends, the most rewarding part of Cheryl’s work is this special business community she’s become a part of.
Cheryl credits her wonderful customers and loyal family with making her dream a reality. She enjoys finding unique and unusual teas that are the perfect fit for each specific customer—even if they don’t know what that is when they enter the shoppe.
Between the delicate aromas of tea, local goods and the vast tea collection, Mimi’s Teas is the perfect little secret spot to hide away and relax for a few minutes or to enjoy some good conversation and friendly company. Next time you’re in Fircrest, be sure to stop by the shoppe on Regents Boulevard, sip some tea, and take some time to find your perfect blend with Cheryl. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Mimi’s Teas ~A Loose Leaf Tea Shoppe~
618 Regents Boulevard
Fircrest, Washington 98466
253.820.8998
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