Today we’re excited to be connecting with Rushell Gordon again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Rushell , always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I’m [Your Name], the owner and founder of Bliss Tea & Treats, a cozy tea house in Oceanside that blends wellness, community, and the joy of tea. At Bliss, we specialize in crafting premium loose-leaf teas, hosting memorable tea experiences, and creating a space where people can gather, unwind, and connect.
What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering connections—whether it’s through a farm-to-table high tea, a private event in our bubble house, or a hands-on tea blending workshop. We strive to make every visit feel like a special occasion, with a personal touch that reflects my passion for tea and hospitality.
My journey to this point has been a labor of love. Growing up, tea was always a source of comfort and tradition in my family. Over the years, I’ve blended that passion with a desire to create a space that brings people together. From blending my first custom tea to opening our doors to the community, each step has been a reflection of resilience, creativity, and gratitude.
Through Bliss Tea & Treats, I’ve been able to share not just tea but experiences—like Girls’ Night Out events, Vision Board workshops. I’m proud to say Bliss is more than just a tea house; it’s a happy place for all seasons of life.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
From Commercial Space to a Home Garden Oasis
Since our last conversation, Bliss Tea & Treats has undergone a transformative journey that reflects resilience, creativity, and an unwavering passion for bringing people joy through tea. One of the most significant changes has been our move from a traditional commercial space to a more intimate and personal setting—our home garden. This shift was not only a logistical change but also a heartfelt decision to align more closely with our values of sustainability, community, and connection.
To make this transition, we embraced the opportunity to operate under a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Permit (MEHKO), which has allowed us to run a food business directly from our home. This has been a game-changer, giving us the freedom to craft our offerings in a cozy, garden-centric environment while keeping the personal touch that our customers love.
Challenges and Triumphs
The move hasn’t been without its challenges. Adapting to a home-based setup required reimagining our operations and ensuring compliance with new regulations. It also meant scaling down in some ways while expanding in others—focusing on intimate, curated experiences rather than a bustling storefront. Yet, these adjustments have allowed us to rediscover the essence of what Bliss Tea & Treats truly stands for.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been reconnecting with nature. Our garden is now not just a backdrop but a central part of the experience. From fresh herbs and edible flowers that inspire our tea blends to creating serene outdoor spaces for events, the garden has brought a sense of renewal to our work. It’s a joy to share this sanctuary with our guests, offering them a peaceful escape and a chance to experience tea in harmony with the earth.
Looking Ahead
These days, I’m most excited about expanding our tea workshops and hosting intimate events in our garden. I’ve also been working on new tea blends inspired by the seasons and our homegrown ingredients.
The journey has been alive, evolving with each step, and I’m embracing the freedom to innovate and create in ways that feel authentic to me and Bliss Tea & Treats. Whether it’s curating personalized tea blends, hosting gatherings in our bubble house, or fostering connections in our garden, I’m reminded every day of why I started this journey—and how much more there is to explore.
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Sweet or Savory: Savory
- Mountains or Beach: Beach
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Basketball
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): basketball, softball, track and volleyball
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: teacher
- French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rings
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Bacon, Eggs and Pancakes
What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
At Bliss Tea & Treats, we pride ourselves on creating a truly personalized experience. Unlike most tea rooms that offer a preselected menu, Bliss invites you to design your own journey. From customizing your tea selections to tailoring the food pairings, we ensure that every guest feels seen, valued, and delighted.
Our seasonal themes add an extra layer of magic, offering fresh and unique experiences throughout the year—whether it’s spring garden-inspired blends, cozy holiday teas, or summer high tea soirées.
Equally important to us is our commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table principles. We believe that tea isn’t just about the cup you drink—it’s about the story behind it. By sourcing locally, using fresh garden ingredients, and practicing eco-friendly methods, we ensure that every aspect of Bliss reflects care for both our community and the planet.
What I Want People to Remember
I want people to remember that Bliss Tea & Treats isn’t just a tea room—it’s an experience tailored to you. It’s a place where every detail, from the menu to the ambiance, reflects thoughtfulness and intention. It’s about more than tea; it’s about connection, creativity, and care.
Bliss is where memories are made, and each cup of tea tells a story—yours, ours, and the earth’s. Whether you’re enjoying a personalized high tea, a themed event, or a Sunday Supper in our garden, I hope Bliss feels like a space where you can truly be yourself and savor the beauty of the moment.
That’s what Bliss is all about: personalized joy, sustainability, and a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blissteatreats.com
- Instagram: bliss_teatreats
- Facebook: Bliss Tea and Treats
- LinkedIn: www,linkedin,com/in/rushell-gordon-mba-ma?
- Youtube: Bliss Tea and Treats @blissteatreats4113
- Yelp: Bliss Tea and Treats
