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Fans of “Downton Abbey” or “Bridgerton” can get a more intimate taste of British high society here in Columbus.
All they need is to attend a luxurious “afternoon tea” at the posh Tatum Company, a local black woman-owned business.
Last Sunday at Flourish Studios on the East Side, attendees sipped rose white tea, apple spice black tea, farmer’s market blends and more from vintage china. They ate cucumber sandwiches and pumpkin spice sandwiches on tiered serving trays. Their tables are furnished with fine cutlery, crystal honey jars and colorful, homemade sugar cubes.
Two other women-owned businesses, Petals that Inspire and H&H Luxury Events, offered a floral arrangement workshop and photo booth.
Ella Williams, owner of Bubbly Posh Teatime, shares the history of tea, drink tips and other tips in a pink dress and matching headpiece.
“I think I developed my love for tea by watching ‘My Fair Lady,'” laughed Williams, 38, of Pickerington, who opened her business last year. “That was my introduction to the love of tea and ethics together.”
In addition to creating over-the-top experiences, Williams’ social enterprise partners with nonprofits like Weinland Park-based Huckleberry House to provide ethics, home economics and life skills classes to at-risk youth.
“I wanted to make sure I gave back to other kids like myself,” she said.
Growing up in different neighborhoods in Columbus, Williams’ experience was no match for the rich environment she creates on her shows.
Her mother struggled with schizophrenia, which made it difficult to provide a stable living environment for Williams and her younger sister, Joy Thomas.
“She was a wonderful mother, but when she had class, she couldn’t attend,” Williams said.
“It was difficult for her to maintain a full-time job. It was embarrassing because we went to the dump to collect cans to raise money to buy groceries. And it’s weird because the kids at school know you’re diving in their backyard.
When Williams was a teenager, the family experienced homelessness for two years after their mobile home caught fire.
After spending time in foster care, Williams’ situation improved when she sought help from Huckleberry House, which serves at-risk and homeless youth, ages 18-24. She was able to find an apartment through the organization’s Transitional Living program. She worked several jobs while attending Columbus Alternative High School.
And she finally got custody of her sister.
“Ella is always encouraging,” said Thomas, 37, of Reynoldsburg. “She always helps me along the way with advice and to keep me active in the community. She is the reason I am where I am.
Williams gained knowledge of tea from his previous job at the Zencha Tea Salon in the Short North. Today, her full-time career is in the IT field.
She said her mother was healthy as she got older, but she passed away a few years ago.
At Huckleberry House, Williams helps youth who face similar challenges with a curriculum that goes beyond food etiquette.
“We really talk about neighborliness, civic duty and gratitude,” she said. “We talk about cleanliness, how to introduce someone formally, how to maintain a home and the professionalism of the workplace.”
Huckleberry House counselor Tracy Wilson said the youth were especially engaged after Williams shared her own story.
“I think it helped them get to know each other,” Wilson said. She was able to tell them where she was and where she went, and I think that gave them some hope.
Wilson also praised Williams’ communication style.
“He wasn’t mean to the guys,” Wilson added. “She was very caring. I was very impressed with that.”
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Williams is passionate about educating her clients, especially those from minority communities. For example, she said she learned about tea drinking practices in the black community from the time of slavery, as well as the Great Migration.
“I’m trying to raise awareness and interest,” she said. We often think that certain things are out of our reach or associated with being Caucasian or European.
In addition to attending public events, customers can also order different tea packages for private gatherings, such as Moroccan High or Sweet Southern High Tea. You can also buy tea from the company’s website.
Williams said she is working to build a mobile tea trailer to not only make travel easier, but also to host outdoor tea parties and classes. She hopes to open a brick and mortar location in the future.
For now, customers are waiting for her work; She said she is making appointments every weekend.
Omni Franco said last Sunday’s event was her first high tea experience.
“I wasn’t expecting this level of detail,” said Franco, 34, of Dublin. “The desserts and the centerpieces are beautiful. Well worth the time and money wasted.
Tik Tok content creator Anahita Sharma said she was so impressed by Williams that she decided to do free advertising for her business.
“I love seeing women of color succeed,” said Sharma, 27, of Ghana. “Knowing how much you have to overcome to do this amazing work, and with such a strong focus on community – I find it really incredible.”
ethompson@dispatch.com
@miss_ethomson
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