People often ask, ‘Why did you decide to go into the business?’ This is something that I have wanted for over 10 years. I went to my first spice and tea shop out in Wilmington, NC. As soon as I entered, I immediately fell in love with the smells and the general atmosphere of the establishment. It was at that point I knew one day I would own my own spice and tea shop.

I grew up in Willow Springs, NC, and attended Fuquay Middle and High School. My family has been here for generations. This is my home. I felt it was important to keep a piece of my family’s and this community’s heritage preserved.

My grandpa, whom I admire greatly, recently passed away. He was a hard-working, respected man and lived on the farm that has been in my family for generations. In honor of my grandpa, I wanted to bring a piece of him into the business. Much of the furniture inside my shop was built from a pack-house on my grandpa’s farm that dates to the 1920s. His picture hangs on the wall in the shop. It’s not just to honor his legacy; it reminds me of what he believed in. He was the true epitome of what this community is all about: family, hard work and a passion for helping others.

I look forward to seeing the community come in and enjoy everything we have to offer, and I hope everyone leaves with the same feeling I had when I entered my first spice and tea shop many years ago.

— Rachel Strahler