Though I detest going to "the mall," each dreaded trip requires a detour past Teavana, where I can sip samples of their liquid delights and ease the monotony of the characterless setting.
Upon my most recent visit to this tea boutique, I was enthralled by a most extraordinary service experience. Although my interest in tea had been piqued for some time, I have found myself overwhelmingly intimidated by the different brewing methods and variety of teapots available to me at Teavana.
I have always been greeted by friendly and congenial staff members, but none quite as knowledgeable, or informative as the man who assisted me on Friday evening. Sean Maguire, a recent St. Louis transplant and purple-haired native Californian, greeted me with a friendly smile and a welcoming hospitality that I find oh-so-rare--especially at the mall.
Since I had no intention of purchasing anything, I declined his offer for help and continued to browse the shop. Sean stepped from behind the counter and struck up a conversation with me about the intricately designed cast iron teapots I was glancing over as mere items of beauty.
My cluelessness must have been apparent as he began explaining to me why cast iron was the best and which brands were superior. He went on to explain the purpose of using bone china for different occasions and how the glass pots could withstand boiling water followed by ice without cracking. He provided endless options for iced tea and hot tea brewing methods all with unwavering enthusiasm for the products he was peddling.
Sean's endearing personality and his love of tea have brought my fear of proper brewing to an end. I am now determined to invest in an appropriate vessel and cannot wait to sip tea at home that tastes as gratifying as Teavana's.
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