Hidden Gems: Meet Ana; Jasmine of 12th House Tea Sanctuary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana; Jasmine.

Hi Ana; Jasmine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
12th House began as a simple intention: to create a space where people could reconnect with themselves, with community, and with the universe around them. What started as a late-night tea hub has grown into a sanctuary that now opens its doors to the Long Beach community and surrounding areas.

Today, 12th House hosts wellness gatherings, advocacy events, art-centered experiences, and community-focused offerings that bring people together in meaningful ways. It has flourished into a business of impact—one where guests often walk in feeling curious and walk out feeling recharged, inspired, and seen.

Over time, 12th House has also become a home for creatives of all kinds. It’s a place that has held space for wellness practitioners, artists, poets, facilitators, and individuals seeking connection. The journey has been organic and community-centered, and witnessing the transformation within the people who visit has been the most rewarding part of it all. This space was built by two Long Beach natives with the intention of serving and uplifting the very community that raised us.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. Building 12th House—from demolition to construction to opening—came with many logistical challenges, including licensing, permitting, and making sure the building’s infrastructure could support our vision. Funding has also been an ongoing struggle, especially because we believe wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. We want our workshops and community events to remain accessible, even as rent and operating costs continue to rise.

Another challenge has been visibility. While going to a bar is familiar, choosing to gather for tea, connection, or wellness workshops is still a new concept for many people. Introducing this kind of space to the community has taken time, education, and consistency.

Despite the bumps in the road, staying aligned with our purpose has brought the right people into our path—community members, creatives, and supporters who have helped us keep going. We hope that as we continue showing up with the same intention—to serve and uplift our community—the recognition will follow, allowing 12th House to remain a lasting space for transformation and connection.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 12th House Tea Sanctuary ?
12th House is owned by two women of color who grew up in Long Beach and are deeply committed to supporting the community that raised us. We created this space as a sanctuary—a safe, welcoming environment where people can learn about themselves, connect with others, and feel free to create. Our specialty lies in community-building, connection, and the amplification of wellness and art.

What sets us apart is our dedication to accessibility. We intentionally keep our events, workshops, and gatherings within reach because we believe healing and creativity should never feel exclusive. We’ve built a cozy, romantic, vintage-inspired atmosphere that feels grounding and nostalgic—a place where people instantly exhale when they walk in.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the impact our guests share with us. The stories, the reflections, the gratitude—they affirm that 12th House is more than a venue; it’s an experience. People often describe it as a portal, a place where they align, connect, and leave feeling transformed.

What we want readers to know is that 12th House is truly something you have to experience for yourself. As our herbalist Kelly once said, “12th House is the teapot. The guests who walk through our doors are the herbs, and together we brew the tea.” That blend—community, energy, creativity, and presence—is what makes 12th House what it is.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Our view on risk is that everything in life carries some level of risk. Some people risk it all to pursue their dreams, while others risk their dreams in order to maintain their sense of stability. For us, risk is about listening to the call within yourself. When you keep receiving the same message, the same pull, the same nudge toward something—there’s usually a reason. We believe that when your purpose keeps calling you, you should follow it.

Pricing:

• Work shops start at $15
• Venue available for private rental
• Open for collaborations

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.twelfthhouseteasanctuary.com/
• Instagram: 12thhouselb

Image Credits
Lavender Gonzales, Priscilla Castro, Natalia Wallflower