Community Spotlight: Sage Tea & Treats
When Amy Thomson first experienced the melt-in-your-mouth delight of Goufrais German truffles during her years in Germany, she never imagined this chocolate treat would inspire her to open Sage Tea & Treats, a unique haven for tea lovers and candy enthusiasts in Cabot, Arkansas.
Thomson, the passionate force behind Sage Tea & Treats, has a story as rich and diverse as the teas she sells. Her journey began with a military life in Germany, where she fell in love with the unique flavors of German truffles. When she returned to the United States, she found it difficult to source these beloved treats. Inspired by her daughter’s persistent requests for the truffles, she decided to bring a piece of Europe back to Arkansas.
“For her birthday for several years, she would ask, for Christmas, ‘I just want some of the truffles,’” Thomson said. “And so, for me to be able to get the truffles here, I’d have to order a case of them, and they’re very expensive. They’re very sensitive, so you have to cold ship them, so it’s extremely expensive.”
Thomson’s friend Andrea Wilson, who owns Pea Farm Bistro next door to Sage Tea & Treats, told her to order the case, and whatever she didn’t need, Wilson would buy from her and sell from her cooler. Wilson later convinced her to start a kiosk at the local air force base selling the truffles, where customers raved about them. “The people who recognized them, it was so wonderful because their eyes would light up,” Thomson said.
The overwhelming positive response she received led her to expand her offerings and eventually establish Sage Tea & Treats in July last year. Situated at 1102 S Pine Street #2, the shop has become a local favorite, renowned for its extensive selection of teas and international confections.
The initial idea was simple: import the truffles and share them with the local community. “Living in Europe, I was exposed to so many different, wonderful things, not just the tea, but some of these other candies,” she said. “And my husband and I had talked about when we go back to the states, we want to be able to share our experiences with people who have been overseas and for people who may never get a chance to go overseas.”
Her husband, who had been in the Air Force for 20 years, died in 2016 from exposure to depleted uranium in the war zone. That’s when she decided to move to Cabot after having been stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base before. “It’s a wonderful mix of a military community and a civilian community,” she said.
When Fired Up, formerly located next door to Pea Farm Bistro, shared the news that they would be relocating, Wilson told Thomson she thought it would be a good idea for her to open a storefront there. “By this point, I had been talking to people on the base and I said, ‘What are y’all missing? What do we not have?’” Thomson explained. “And a lot of people said tea. And I love tea.”
Thomson’s background as an adult education counselor and her love for learning is evident in how she approaches her business. Sage Tea & Treats isn’t just a shop; it’s an experience. She hosts tea classes and events, such as the “Tea Class 101 – Beginners” in collaboration with Panther Nutrition. These events are designed to educate customers on the different types of teas and their benefits, making tea drinking an accessible and enjoyable hobby for all.
What sets Sage Tea & Treats apart is its dual focus on international and local products. While the shop boasts a range of European chocolates and candies, it also champions local artisans. This blend of global and local flavors not only supports small businesses but also enriches the community with unique offerings that might otherwise be hard to find in Cabot.
“While it is wonderful to try things from a distance and have those wonderful memories, you have to have a home base too,” she said. “When you’re supporting a local business, you’re supporting your community.”
The store itself is a cozy, inviting space where customers can explore a variety of teas, from classic English blends to exotic African varieties. Thomson’s commitment to quality is reflected in her careful selection of products, many of which come from local Arkansas producers. For instance, she proudly features teas from Blooming with Grace, a local business that sources its herbs from a farm in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
The impact of Sage Tea & Treats extends beyond its products. Thomson’s store has become part of a hub, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for businesses to collaborate and thrive together. “In this community, there’s so much encouragement between business owners,” she said. An example includes Ablaze Fitness’s upcoming event “Block Party Bash,” where they’ll host team challenges raising funds to go toward The CALL of Lonoke County.
As Sage Tea & Treats approaches its first anniversary, Thomson reflects on the journey with gratitude. The support from the community and fellow small business owners has been overwhelming. From hosting joint events with neighboring businesses to being featured by influencers like The Mighty Rib, the store has garnered a loyal following and widespread recognition.
Looking ahead, Thomson is keen to continue adapting to the needs of her customers. She envisions expanding her offerings based on customer feedback and remains committed to providing a space that brings joy and quality products to her community. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or someone looking for a special gift, Sage Tea & Treats promises a delightful experience that’s both global in flavor and local at heart.
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