'Everyone is welcome here:' Thunder Bay entrepreneurs look to connect culture, community through new tea shop

A Thunder Bay, Ont., couple says theyhad the"epiphany" to turn their life-long love of tea into a business endeavour.

In December, Denise Atkinson and Marc Bohemieropened Tea Horse a tea shopnamed after an ancient road used to move teas from China to Tibet. The couple works with Canadian-based suppliers to selltheir ethically-sourcedproducts.

The idea came to them several months ago at the Toronto Tea Festival.

"It is inclusive of everybody," Atkinson said of the fledgling business. "Everyone is welcome here."

While Atkinson and Bohemier said they hope to share their love of tea with the city, the pair has dreams for Tea Horse thatgo far beyond hot drinks. They said they hope their shop can be a safe gathering place for people in the community tocome together, hang out and have goodconversation.

Tea is a connection to culture and community, they said. Atkinson recalled moments from her life where she and her family got togetherto drink tea and chat and laugh momentsthat they hope to replicatein the shop's lounge.

One group of people they believe they can engage with specifically is international students who are reminded of home by tea.

Atkinson and Bohemier said they want to partner with local restaurants and businesses and to host tea workshops and tea-tastings.

"We havegreat chefs, great cooks"said Bohemierabout the Thunder Bay restaurant scene."If you finish your meal with a great dessert ... incorporate great tea with it."