Saturday, May 4 marked the Grand Opening of “Just a Bit Eclectic”—a new tea shop in the Grandmont Rosedale community. Darlene Alston, the owner, says she’s been dreaming of opening a tea shop since she was 18 years old. Thirty years later, she’s turned her dream into a reality. Not only does she serve locally blended teas, fresh fruit and soups and sandwiches, but the shop also carries a variety of new clothing, handcrafted hats and jewelry, and vintage and gently used house wares and knickknacks (generally priced between $7-$30). For a $5 refundable deposit, you can even borrow one their many unique books from their “lending library.” Alston made sure to point out that her shop is not just for the ladies; she has a special area dubbed “the men’s corner,” where she hopes men will sit and “just be comfortable.” Eventually, Alston hopes to establish her business as a non-profit so that she can train youth in business practices.
Just a Bit Eclectic is located at 19015 McNichols, on the corner of Sunderland and McNichols. Their hours are Wed-Thurs 10-5, Friday 11-7 and Sat 6 am – “until the people stop coming.” Contact Darlene Alston for more information, (p) 313.533.5690 (e) justabiteclectic@yahoo.com.
