“Tea is about connection - connecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you,” says Bradley Heller, reflecting on the philosophy that drives his beloved Salt Lake City establishment, Tea Grotto. Originally from a small farm in central Illinois, Bradley’s journey to becoming a tea shop owner was anything but conventional.

“We noticed there were some high-end shops in town and some budget-friendly ones, but nothing really in between - nothing really woman-owned at the time.” This insight from Danielle Bossert, one of the co-founders of Strawberry Mansion, captures the essence of what she and her sister, Josie, set out to create when they opened their shop in 2022. Set in a vibrant area of Salt Lake, Strawberry Mansion offers a carefully curated collection of furniture, art, pottery, lighting, and books, all echoing the sisters’ deep-rooted passion for design.

“I’ve always loved small treasures—those little things that bring joy into our lives. Owning a store where I can curate and share those special finds with others has been a dream of mine since I was thirteen.” 

“I came to Utah for school, but I stayed because I fell in love with the people, the environment, and the opportunities,” shared the inspiring restaurateur, Sasipa Chanon. Her journey from Thailand to the United States is as remarkable as the dishes she serves in her beloved Thai restaurant.