Our Story
Steep Right Up
is North Carolina's ONLY tea shop that has TRAIN-side views, EXCLUSIVE small-batch blends, and story-driven tea EXPERIENCES, and home of That Crazy Tea Lady!
Welcome to Steep Right Up ... where tea, trains, and a little bit of whimsy come together in perfect harmony!
At Steep Right Up, we believe that every cup of tea tells a story. As a family-owned and operated business, our passion lies in offering a diverse selection of premium loose-leaf teas sourced from around the globe. Beyond our curated base teas, we take pride in crafting custom tea experiences tailored to your unique palate.
How It All Started:
Steep Right Up began with a simple dream: to create a magical space where people could sip something special, slow down, and connect. Located in the heart of Downtown Garner, NC - right by the train tracks - our tea shop blends small-town charm with a big love for loose leaf tea. At the center of it all is Melodie, also known as That Crazy Tea Lady.
Meet Melodie - The Visionary Behind the Brews:
Melodie, affectionately known as "That Crazy Tea Lady", is the heart and soul of Steep Right UP. With over three decades of experience as an herbalist and nearly two decades as a Certified Professional Clinical Aromatherapist, her expertise infuses every blend we offer. Melodie's journey is one of passion, creativi-TEA, and a relentless pursuit of sharing the therapeutic wonders of tea with the communi-TEA.
When The Tea Lady is not working on her business, she is spending time with her family. She has a husband, four boys (all grown), several fur babies and feather babies (she's also known as "That Crazy Chicken Lady"), and so far, six grandchildren. She also enjoys reading, crocheting, and a variety of other crafts.. She is a Licensed Nail Technician, Licensed Manicurist Instructor, private educator, and mentor in the beauty industry. All of which go perfectly with a nice cup of tea.
Meet Lisa - AKA That Crazy Tea Passenger
Every circus has its ringmaster, and every tea shop needs a Lisa. :-)
Lisa is the calming presence in our chaos, the steady hand in our small-batch blends, and the smiling face you'll often see behind the counter. Her move from New York to North Carolina came with a leap of faith, and we're so glad she landed in our little corner of the world.
From assisting guests in the store to meticulously blending teas in our Tea Lab, her commitment shines through. She's the heart behind many of your favorite blends and the one who keeps our Tea Lab running like a dream.
A note from Lisa:
Hi ya'll! My name is Lisa. I was born and raised in New York. I have 4 amazing children on their way to adulthood. It's been quite a journey so far. God led me to NC to make a better life for my children and to marry the love of my life. I am also a chicken mama and quite obsessed with the idea of getting so many more. We came to a small church one morning and loved it from the moment we walked in. There we became a part of a foundations class that our one and only Melodie was teaching. She is one of a kind with so many God given talents. We all got to know each other, and she invited me to work for her in her Grand Tea Shop. Of course, I accepted, and I've loved every step of the way. Not only do I love tea, but after researching and continuing to study, the benefits outweigh anything else it could offer to me personally. I have loved working for Melodie. I've learned so much from her. I encourage everyone to take a journey through her tea shop. It might surprise you!
Steep Right Up is one big happy family that not only includes Melodie & Lisa, but all of our guests are family to us. We absolutely love being part of our Downtown Garner Community. We invite you to stop in and tickle your taste buds with one of our brews!
Our Mission: Our mission is to cultivate a space where tea lovers can explore, learn, and connect. We aim to foster a deeper appreciation for the art and traditions of tea, encouraging moments of reflection and genuine connection away from the digital hustle. Through education, hospitality, and heartfelt interactions, we strive to brighten your day - one cup...one sip...and one shared moment at a time.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
984-301-8643