If you’ve learned one thing about me after years of writing for this rag, you know that one of my favorite things in life is introducing you to small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them that are really making a difference in our community.



But much to my detriment, I’ve known about one particular place for a while, and it’s taken me forever to get into it because of a personal and stupid hang-up.



For starters, I can’t drink coffee because it honestly turns me into Cornholio (which is why I order decaf lattes or hot cocoa at coffeehouses). Also, I’m not a fan of tea. It doesn’t do anything strange to me, but the thought of it and the flavor reminds me of my grandmother.



However, I’ve seen Tobin Ropes, co-owner of the Mad Hat Tea Company, at numerous community events, and he promised that he could turn my tea taste around.



I also know that Mad Hat is one of the businesses that’s truly improving Tacoma’s downtown.



After my first experience at the Mad Hat, and now that I’m going back next week, here’s what I can tell you:



This aint your grandma’s tea!



What’s fun about visiting Mad Hat is listening to proprietor Ropes talk about the historical background and/or healing affects of each tea, and the great care that he takes in matching a tea to your personal taste (or in my case, lack thereof).



Also, you must drop into Mad Hat simply to see the space, which feels like a relaxed speakeasy, but with an ambiance that’s as soothing as the tea, botanicals and herbal remedies that they’re offering.



Mad Hat also offers their tea only in whole-leaf form and in its own beautiful packaging. Even better, their tea is organic, fair-trade and sustainably produced.



Also, Mad Hat is such a supporter of the local art scene, and you’ll find several forms of T-Town art throughout the space, and Mad Hat frequently hosts art events. They might not make as much money as they should during these art events, but that just shows what an amazing community partner this small business really is.



It’s these exact businesses that the downtown needs to attract and retain, and all of the reasons above are why I really hope you’ll experience the Mad Hat soon, and in droves.

Please don’t waste any time like I did on any negative tea associations because Mad Hat will without a doubt introduce you to the following statement:



In the tea is the place to be!



[Mad Hat Tea Company, 1130 Commerce St., Tacoma, 253.441.2111]