About Nellie's Tea & Gifts, Biddeford, Maine
MissionThe mission of Nellie's is to provide knowledgeable assistance in learning about and selecting tea, tea ware, and a variety of related accoutrements.  The knowledge of tea is a never-ending process of learning, so our process will be continuous as we try to assist you. This may be accomplished through direct shop assistance, tea tasting classes or tea topic discussion groups, as well as through this new, on-line venue and our tea blog, "Brewing."  Since I am in the shop only on a part time schedule, I invite you to e-mail me with questions or requests in order to provide the assistance you might need. 
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Why "Nellie's?"Nellie's is named for my tiny, British born and raised paternal grandmother, Ellen "Nellie" Taylor. In early adulthood, I began to realize that the countless cups of tea, accompanied by scrumptious home baked (twice weekly) bread, scones (pronounced sk-ah-ns by my grandmother), rolls, petits fours, and other delectable baked goods, were not necessarily the comfort foods found in everyone's home as we were growing up. I began to appreciate this British heritage of mine and dream of some day opening a little English tearoom. 
Meanwhile, I pursued my life long dream of a nursing career, marriage and family, keeping this other dream in the background. In 2003, I decided to spend the summer researching this tearoom notion that I had and proceeded to immerse myself in studying how to get started in business and how to learn what I needed to know about tea. I was even able to work for a few days at The Retro Tearoom in Bowie, Maryland to get a feel for what it was like, thanks to the kind generosity of its owner, Jill Dickey. I enrolled in an intensive three day "Tea School" in Connecticut and returned home full of new information about tea, and enthused with ideas. The rest as they say, is history. The Shop
Nellie's Tea and Gifts is located on the first floor of Two Sixty-Five Main Street and shares this wonderful, bright and spacious space with Cellar Door Floral and Home décor, and Gallery 265. With high tin ceilings, mellow wooden floors, and beautiful architectural detailing, the late 19th century building is one of many interesting facades in Historic Downtown Biddeford, Maine. In addition to a wide assortment of all things related to tea, you can find unique and affordable home décor, jewelry, flowers, and fine art by local artists. I invite you to come to the shop prepared to spend some time browsing in the soothing, eclectic atmosphere, and hope that it will be the first of many visits in a long relationship. Enjoy! |
