Meet Jenna Robert of DTLA/5th and Spring

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Robert

Hi Jenna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Freelance Graphic Designer by trade, and was doing a window display for the Alexandria Hotel. They liked my concept and it gained a following. A bride from the hotel even took pictures with it! The owner, Izek Shomof, offered me space to be creative and I proposed a tearoom with a fairytale twist. I am still realizing this isn’t a dream everyday.
I’m still in the process of opening, but my DTLA Art Night previews have been so successful I can’t wait to open this spring. I designed Earley Grey out of a passion for Afternoon Tea which was fostered by my aunt and mom. It was our holiday tradition to go to an afternoon tea. From there I became obsessed, hosting parties for friends and even for myself. I even opened a Free Little Gallery with a teaparty!
The goal of Earley Grey is to serve afternoon tea to the community at large but with less barriers. Part of the hardship of afternoon tea is the reservation system. While I will have those available, I want it to be accessible to all so I have dreamed up a new offering called Short Story tea. This tea is for the busy city goer who just wants “a spot of tea” and some accoutremants in an express setting, no rerservation required! Come in when you want, read, write, enjoy the atmosphere, leave when you want. The key to the space is imagination. I wanted it to reflect my love of fairytales and books. And I also want it to welcome a new “communi-tea”, it will serve as a safe space in the city to just relax, unwind, and imagine possibility. Earley Grey will have regular operating hours 11-5 on the weekends, but also serve as a community space during the week with night time offerings like “activi-tea” and “sereni-tea” which will be classes offered in craft, yoga, sound baths, etc. along with a little tea knowledge and sampling. It also serves as a rental space for private events including parties and photo sessions. The possibili-teas are endless!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. But it wouldn’t be worth it if it were. I am still dealing with challenges but my passion outweighs the obstacles.
From Permit issues to leaks it has been a journey but it has only proven to me how much I really want this.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Part of the reason why I am a participant in DTLA Art Night is that it is a passion as well. I have a background in Gallery curation and have always created my entire life. I have dabbled in photography, painting, paper art, poetry, and beyond. I even have a jewelry business called Found Atalier. I have many facets and I want to showcase other creatives in the same light.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I loved Disneyland as a child. One day I was watching an animator draw in New Century Jewelry on Main Street (a regularity for me as a child). The animator noticed my intense fascination and invited me into his booth to see closer and chat. I told him that I loved to draw, but wasn’t “magical” like he was. He told me that he worked hard to draw like that and that if I wanted to do anything, it was possible with alot of tenacity and patience. That stuck with me (and tenacity seems to be a running theme in my life) and I never stopped dreaming because of that interaction. I want to be that space for someone else.

Pricing:

• Short Story Tea-$25
• Cafe Gourmand-$20
• Afternoon Tea-$50
• Classes range- $25-$100
• Space Rental-$50-$500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://earleygrey.com
• Instagram: @earleygrey

Image Credits
Rick Mendoza @fotoboy62