Photos/Video: Herbgoddess Teas Grand Opening

Following its humble start in Dr Kuni Frith’s home nine years ago, Herbgoddess Teas & Medicinal Botanicals held its grand opening last night [Sept 30] in the Washington Mall.

Following their home start, the next step up for the business was Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, followed by a kiosk in the Washington Mall.

When an opportunity was presented for the business to a step into retail space, Dr Frith’s daughter Alexis said, “Come on Mom, it is time to move into a retail space. We have talked about doing this for years if the right opportunity came along”.

After much contemplation, the decision was made to move the business into Phase 1 of the Washington Mall on the lower level.

The grand opening saw community groups come out in support to provide entertainment for family, friends, and customers, with the evening commencing with a Native American blessing conducted by Mr. Sean Dill, followed by the ribbon cutting and official opening of the business by Mr. Rod Jackson.

Mr. Jackson, who is of Cherokee ancestry, has been a mentor – along with his wife Kimberley – to Dr. Frith on the use and knowledge of plants as medicine.

Mr. Jackson undertook an internship programme with a seventh generation Cherokee Medicine Man, and was also taught how to blend herbs for medicinal purposes by his grandmother at the age of five.

The event’s entertainment kicked off with a local chapter of Kirtan chanters, followed by the St. David’s Island Blanket Dancers, and ending with the Gombey Warriors troupe.

Special guests included Tourism Minister Sean Crockwell, Senator Lynne Woolridge, Ombudsman Victoria Pearman, and Justin Stauder, nephew to Mr. Jackson.

Herbgoddess Teas Grand Opening

Dr.Frith told Bernews, “As a small business in these economic times, we had to be creative with the design and layout of the business; we had next to nothing for a budget.

“The fixtures and fittings were selected from second hand stores, warehouse sales or donated by family and friends. We simply did not have the money to outfit the business with brand new fixtures and fittings.

“My uncle Butch and his friend painted the interior, while other family and friends volunteered to help out in any way they could. I could not have done it without them, they really rallied around us at a time we most needed them and pulled us through – and they saved us a bundle in the process.

Dr Kuni Frith With Gombey Warriors

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who came forward to assist with getting the business up and running. A special thank you goes out to Leslie and Joanna Veney of Destination Bermuda, who beautifully staged and decorated for the event.”

Herbgoddess Teas & Medicinal Botanicals, which carries an extensive selection of teas, tea accessories, and herbs, is open from 10.00am through 5.00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Click to enlarge photos:

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