We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, grief started the process of Teatime With Nana. My Grandmother and I were close and when I was a teenager she would take me to different Tea Parties. Each event was created for a special cause and I learned so much from just being in the room. So when she passed away unexpectedly, I went through a dark depression. My husband and I were new parents and I couldn’t understand why God would allow something so tragic to happen in the middle of so much joy. While laying on my mother’s couch I heard “Teatime With Nana”.The voice was so loud that it made me jump off the couch. But I realized that I could honor and continue her legacy,so I started with hosting tea parties in 2016. Each year is a different theme that empowers and inspires women from all walks of life to find strength in their own story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Teatime With Nana is a brand that empowers women through storytelling. I wanted to create a space that would inspire women to grow, heal and thrive as a woman of God. Since 2016 I have hosted Tea parties that pushes my grandmother’s legacy forward, hosting bible studies on Facebook from a flavorful perspective. I published my first book last year called “When The Pain Set’s In: A Devotional for Dealing with Loss. I am also expanding Teatime with a signature candle line and other handmade products launching this Spring/Summer.Lastly, I have a podcast called Back To The Basics. In everything I create there is a story and a solution behind it, but it took me years to discover and appreciate that part of who I am. I struggled with perfection and comparison, I thought that in order to be successful you have to follow a timeline. Anything outside of that wouldn’t work, so for years I didn’t believe in my business and what God had given me because I was too busy trying to do it like someone else. I often thought if what I had to offer was good enough, I didn’t value my voice or the power of being honest and authentic. But I took inventory of my life and realized that if I wanted to flow creatively to help others, I would have to see the value in myself and what I was given. My advice to anyone who has a dream of creating, appreciate your journey because it will be your greatest teacher.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend to the Cheesecake Factory, then we would get some relaxation at Spa Castle or Koffee Day Spa downtown.For a memorable time with my bestie, we would get dressed up and go to XOXO Dallas, the design of the restaurant and bar is amazing! I am a nature person too so I would recommend the botanical garden and white rock lake. Seeing the lake and the fresh air would be a life changing experience, or if you like art the bishop arts district is the perfect place to be inspired and support local artist.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can not stress how important having a strong village is. Depending on where you are in your life, your village can make of break you and I am so thankful for my earthly and heavenly village. I want to shout out my husband Bryant, my mother Pamela, my children Joshua and Harper. My Sisters Dominique, Sheena and Scarlet. I also have to thank my other mothers Mama Alice and Mama Angela. The Light that shines from you illuminates every time you call, laugh, give advice and support. I would not be the woman I am without you, thank you for helping me understand that healing is a super power. I am so thankful that God presented you as my family. I love you Always!

Website: www.teatimewnana.com

Instagram: @ttwn61 and @ttwnshope

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teatimewn

Youtube: Teatime With Nana

Other: When The Pain Sets In : A Devotional For Dealing With Loss :https://amzn.to/35c4AXd Back To The Basics Podcast: https://anchor.fm/ariel-henderson

Image Credits
Feature Photo Credit :beyounique_photographyllc Speakers Bootcamp Credit :Kristen Guillory

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