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!
Sip. Discover. Experience.
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 every cup of tea has a story to tell. What began with a lifelong love of herbs has grown into a place where tea is meant to be explored, experienced, and shared. From loose-leaf teas and small-batch blends to storytelling collections, classes, tastings, and thoughtfully created tea experiences, there is always something new to discover.
How It All Started:
Steep Right Up began long before there was a storefront. For more than 30 years, Melodie's love of herbs, tea, and natural wellness continued to grow, eventually becoming a dream of creating a tea shop of her own.
Then came Downtown Garner.
While attending a charity event, Melodie fell in love with the community's charm and had one very clear thought: this is where the tea shop belongs. A prayer, a leap of faith, and quite an adventure later, Steep Right Up found its home on Main Street, right beside the railroad tracks.
Meet Melodie - The Visionary Behind the Brews:
Melodie, affectionately known as "That Crazy Tea Lady", is the founder and creative force behind Steep Right Up. Her journey with herbs began more than 30 years ago and eventually grew to encompass herbalism, clinical aromatherapy, education, and, of course, tea.
She's the one dreaming up new blends, creating tea experiences, teaching classes, telling stories, and routinely turning "I have an idea....." into whatever appears in the shop next.
For Melodie, tea has never been simply a beverage. It's a way to explore plants, cultures, stories, creativity, ritual, flavor, and connection, preferably with a little whimsy along the way.
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 The Other Tea Lady
Every circus has its ringmaster, and every tea shop needs a Lisa. :-)
Every tea shop needs someone who can keep up with the ideas, the tea, and the occasional chaos. For Steep Right Up, that person is Lisa.
Lisa is the steady hand behind much of what happens both behind the counter and behind the scenes. From helping guests in the shop to blending and restocking teas in the Tea Lab, and managing our off-site events, she plays an important role in keeping Steep Right Up running and ensuring your favorite blends make it from our recipes to your cup.
Originally from New York, Lisa found her way to North Carolina and eventually to Steep Right Up through a friendship that began long before she became part of the shop. What started with classes, conversation, and a shared love of learning grew into a friendship and working partnership that has become an important part of the Steep Right Up story.
Known around here as The Other Tea Lady, Lisa brings her own warmth, humor, curiosity, and calm to the journey. She has continued to learn about tea along the way and is always ready to help guests discover something new.
We may never know exactly where this tea journey is headed next, but we're awfully glad Lisa decided to come along for the ride.
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 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