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| (Instagram: Thereallilycooper) |
When I was little, my grandmother would
always bring out her old teacups and prepare a tea party for the two of
us. We would dress up in her pearls and
big hats, and speak in British accents. After she died, every once in a while, I
would go have tea in her honor at local tea shops. On one of my ventures, I discovered, in
the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, in between a flower shop and an art museum
lays a quaint little tea shop known as Teaspressa. Alison DeVane, the founder
of Teaspressa, was an avid coffee drinker until migraines and other health
problems started to come in the way. Hence, the creation of Teaspressa: a
healthy alternative to coffee, and filled with just about the same amount of
caffeine. This café offers a quaint atmosphere, cozy tea blends and pastries,
and picture-perfect opportunities for the everyday Instagrammer.
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| (Instagram: Thereallilycooper) |
The Goodyear resident was a contestant on
the reality show “Shark Tank” in early 2016 and competed for the 50,000-dollar
prize. Though ambitious, the judges were a little confused by her idea and
thought she jumped into the show too early. However, she shook off the criticism and opened up Teaspressa a
few months later. DeVane’s shop offers many different types of teas, ready to
take home, or drink there. If you ask, they will even make glamorous latte art
on top. Though she was shot down on the reality TV show, she has certainly
proved herself worthy of owning a successful business.
The moment a customer walks in they are
met with the aroma of fresh cut flowers and a mix of spices. Light streams in
through the windows and accents the clean, and pristine place while soft music
plays in the background, transporting an everyday person to Paris, a world of
white marbled tables, and colorful macaroons. Patrons walk in and out, smiling
and laughing about their everyday life; there are even cute lovebirds that
giggle, hand-in-hand, sharing a cupcake made fresh from the oven. Over on the shelf are little teapots and old
vintage photos from the sixties of the owners’ grandmother. Each delicate touch
is purposeful and holds meaning. Nominated “Best Tea Spot,” by Arizona
Foothills Magazine, the atmosphere of Teaspressa is booming with love and
happiness; a nice break from the depressing world outside, filled with
arguments of politics and war. There is
nothing more soothing or more pleasant than walking into this wonderland, and
being met with a free sample and a smile.
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| (Instagram: Thereallilycooper) |
The
foundation of Teaspressa was to make a healthy alternative to coffee, while
still evoking all the great things that come from the drink. They have managed
to do it in a healthier, more enjoyable way. Coffee can create many problems
for your body and have risks. Nicole Hoey writes, “…higher intake and continual moderate use are thought to have
distinct adverse effects on the health of numerous body systems, including
cardiac, gastrointestinal, and renal organs”. Tea is a much healthier alternative to it and
lessons the risks tremendously. Teaspressa offers tea that hydrates, while
still caffinates you. There are many
different variations of tea for customers to try, so one will never get bored.
Their London Fog is a favorite among everyone, giving you a blanket of warm
vanilla on the very first sip. The Black Rose Latte is also a big success, with
a black tea blend and rose gold sugar cubes, this fancy treat is a must try for
the avid tea drinker. The desserts to the side are so beautiful to look at, you
won’t want to eat them. There are small cakes and cupcakes made fresh that
morning, perfectly made macaroons with rose gold painted on them, soft and
fluffy croissants with powder sugar, and soft cookies that melt in your mouth.
Each little treat is sure to make the day a little brighter.
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| (Instagram: Thereallilycooper) |
Photographers and professional
Instagrammers will have trouble trying to take pictures of everything in the
shop. From the greenery on every table, to the large neon, white, sign that
says, “Stop and taste the roses,” every person will be scrambling to take a
cute shot. One of the biggest attributes
that Teaspressa provides, besides the delectable pastries and soft teas is
their lighting. It says in the PSA Journal that, “the best pictures
come with the best light”. Teaspressa has white walls, with translucent light and large
windows that allow natural light to leak through, which makes it the perfect
spot to create a beautiful photo to show friends. Using only the basic colors
of white, green, and copper, it allows someone to put together an appealing
photo that looks professional, when it was really only taken with an iPhone.
Even on the sunniest of days, to the dark dreary nights, the shop is able to
keep up with its picture-friendly lighting, and odds and ends that give it
character.
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| (Instagram: Thereallilycooper) |
No matter what kind of day one is having, Teaspressa will fit
any mood or need. With its classy atmosphere, delectable cuisine and healthy
teas, and picture perfect shop, it’s a must visit place for artsy students
everywhere. Whether you like to Instagram, or just need a quiet spot to read,
Teaspressa is the point on the map to go to.
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