At a time when frigid weather and cold/flu season make the thought of venturing out of doors an inconvenience for some and a danger to others, one local entrepreneur is hoping to bring the warmth of a cup of tea and a good conversation to people where they are at.
Jennifer Horton, the owner and operator of Curvy Chick Boutique, has taken her business’ new turn as a tea and event room as an opportunity to go out to people who might otherwise be housebound and bring her services right into their own homes. According to Horton, it was a gesture towards a friend that got the ball rolling.
“A friend of mine in town is not able to really get out, with the winter,” Horton said.
“So we were like, ‘why don’t I come over for tea?’ because she couldn’t make it here. I thought why don’t I bring tea, and I’m sure there are other people in the community that maybe can’t get out of the house or don’t have family here. It got me thinking that maybe this is something I should try and see where it takes me.”
So was born Tea with a Friend, a pilot project Horton is beginning on a monthly basis that will bring her, her teas and some other light snacks to the home of someone who wants a friendly visit, as well as a bit of high tea experience. Horton said she will begin with a limited number of spots available on the second Tuesday of the month, and each visit will last for about an hour and a half. The visits can be conducted in someone’s home, but Horton said she’s also working on clearing visits to hospital and long-term care rooms so that she can meet people where they are at, wherever that might be and help to make a special afternoon for everyone.
“I thought we’ll do once a month and I’ll bring the chine, the tea, the tea pots,” she said.
“I have the tea business, I have the beautiful china that is nostalgic for some people. I put it in a little basket, as well as some sandwiches from local caterers I work with, and I put together this little afternoon tea.”
According to a document by the Government of Canada that looked at social isolation in senior populations, an estimated 30 percent of seniors in the country are at risk of becoming socially isolated, which it said is linked to serious negative health effects and a reduced quality of life. It is also linked to the undervaluing of seniors in communities.
Horton said the experiences aren’t just about the tea and snacks as it offers people who might not have family living close by an additional chance for social connections. It’s also not meant only for seniors, though it might wind up being the main demographic who is interested. At the end of the day, the visits are meant for anyone who thinks they or a loved one could benefit from a bit of relaxation time with delicious tea and a listening ear. Horton also said she’s hopeful her visits might encourage more people to get out of the house to go make visits of their own, or swing by the store on Scott Street to have tea there as well.
The cost per visit is currently $45 plus applicable taxes, with Horton saying the primary aim is to cover her travel expenses and what she has to pay for the catering and tea materials. She also said she’s hopeful she may find some grants that will allow her to offer this particular service for free in the future.
If anyone is interested in signing themselves or a loved one up for a tea visit from Horton, they’re welcome to message her on the Curvy Chick Boutique Facebook page, or to give her a call at 807-276-7115. Horton asks reservations are made at least a week in advance in order to place the correct order with her caterers.