Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Let’s make 2018 a big year for our Ridgefield small businesses and put a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community.
Three questions with Meredith Mulhearn owner of Cucumber & Chamomile.
Why did you start your business?
Most people take their health for granted. I did too until I found myself bedridden at 30 without any viable treatment options. I discovered that, without health, life comes to a screeching halt. I started my business because I believe that everyone should be able to go through their day feeling vibrant and in balance, pain-free with the energy to do the things they love.
I created Cucumber & Chamomile Restorative Living so people have a safe place where they can be truly cared for and nurtured on their path to wellness.... a place where they can leave their stress at the door knowing someone will take their hand and guide them step by step. But most importantly, I wanted to build a place where people can find hope.
The Tea Shop at Cucumber & Chamomile is a space to take a break, reconnect with loved ones, make new friends and delight in foods that nourish both the body and soul. It's a place where people can come to be part of a community and find solace on a trying day. Sometimes, you just need a smile and a soothing cup of tea (or coffee).
I created Cucumber & Chamomile so that I could care for my neighbors, but once I opened I realized that I need them as much as they need me. And when I'm having one of my "bad days" health-wise, they always lift my spirits and keep me going. I hope I can do the same for them.
Best selling product/service?
Our best sellers are our matcha beverages. We get this superfine green tea powder directly from a company in Japan that has been specializing in green tea for hundreds of years. They're so old school we have to pay for our tea in Yen and they ship it straight from Kyoto. It's ceremonial grade, which is the high-end version they use in Japanese tea ceremonies. It differs from most matcha because it's not bitter or gritty. It has a subtle sweetness to it.
Matcha boasts the health benefits of about 10 cups of green tea (without the energy spike and crash you can get from coffee). People feel like they can cruise through their day without the afternoon slump. And because of the high level of antioxidants, some people say they see an improvement in their skin the very next day.
Our goal in the tea shop is to provide items like matcha that are both indulgent and health supportive, so you can achieve your wellness goals without giving up the comfort foods you crave. And we hope our customers will share the gift of health with their loved ones through our various wellness products.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
Since opening the Tea Shop at Cucumber & Chamomile, "CommuniTEA" has always been a major focus of ours. Supporting local businesses by using their services is just one way we accomplish this goal.
And we wouldn't be where we are today without the support of many local businesses...
We purchase ingredients for our formal afternoon tea service from Nature's Temptations, Ridgefield Organics and The Cake Box and all our scones are made by Elizabella's. We offer toxin-free goat's milk soaps and lotions from Guardian's Farm, which are made by two CT canine police officers. We purchase our office supplies and get printing done at Squash's, buy our ice from the Ridgefield Mobile station, and built out our space with supplies from Ridgefield Hardware and Ridgefield Supply. Ridgefield Supply has even hosted our Therapeutic Tai Chi & QiGong classes in their beautiful educational space.
Bailey's Backyard helps us spread the word by serving our tea in their restaurant and the RVNA and Ridgefield Library have hosted us for wellness presentations. We order our "Tea" shirts from Signature 22 Printing and get help with our social media from Kate Fitzpatrick Consulting. We are also very involved with the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, which has been instrumental in growing our business.
We are grateful to all of the businesses that help Cucumber & Chamomile thrive!
I tag Elizabella's Bake Shop!