After doing some research in my neighborhood, I realized that there was a market for tea that was going untapped. Coffee shops were a dime a dozen with Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts fighting for retail space on every main street. Still, the needs of dedicated tea connoisseurs were left unmet. I borrowed some seed money and opened a tea house in the middle of the business district.
In order to set myself apart from other specialty drink businesses, I wanted to give the main dining room area a distinct atmosphere. Of course I took some pains to select proper furniture, décor and art for the walls. Something was missing, however. I called to mind a few of the Far Eastern tea houses I had visited on trips to China. Suddenly it became clear – I could purchase some wholesale spices online and fill the room with fresh, subtle potpourri aroma.