Tea and Magnolias Offers Unique Southern Charm
While stepping into Tea and Magnolias, one feels like they are being welcomed into a charming southern setting. Susan Ponville has brought her memories of growing up in Tupelo, Miss. together to create this unique gift shop.
Mississippi has been characterized as the hospitality state. “My grandmothers, aunt and mother were very welcoming. An open place at their tables was always kept for guests. There was such a feeling of community there between church friends and neighbors.”
The name Tea and Magnolias is, of course, a nod to southern hospitality. “I wanted it to be a place where everyone could relax and enjoy themselves. I wanted it to create a feeling of sipping iced tea in a gentile southern setting surrounded by magnolias. The name evolved from there.”
Tea and Magnolias first opened five years ago at RiverWalk in Jenks. “We were located there for three years and eventually outgrew our space. We moved to Regal Plaza one year ago in September and I love it here.”
One of the first things that guests notice when entering the shop is the fragrance, explains Ponville. “The next thing that they usually notice is our shop kitty named Chamomile that greets everybody.”
The shop features some of the most unique items around. “The new environmentally friendly line, Mixture House, is very unique. At this time, we are the only shop in the state of Oklahoma that carries the line. There are votives, linen sprays, pillow mists and laundry detergents. It is a fun brand with a lot of different fragrances.”
Although there are treasures around every corner in the shop, one of the most popular items is the Pelican Bay Tea. Tea is served to guests as they linger around. “Another popular item is the Root Candle. The company has been around since the 1800s and has soy candles that burn very clean. We also have limited edition Mark Roberts fairies that are very collectable.”
One of the rewards of opening Tea and Magnolias, explains Ponville, has been reaching out to others. “We want to be a little shop with purpose because we try to give back to the community. One of the products that we have is made in Peru by poverty stricken families. All of the proceeds from the product go back to help these ladies. Tea and Magnolias affords us to be a blessing to others and to give back.”
