St. Louis serves as a desirable destination in the middle of the United States for arts-and-culture enthusiasts, barbecue lovers, baseball fans, and tea afficionados. A metropolis with a plethora of nicknames—including “Mound City,” “Fourth City,” and “Gateway to the West,” just to name a few—the second-largest city in Missouri offers much more than simply the famous arch, although it certainly merits a visit. Nestled near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, five-and-counting worthwhile tea venues await to be discovered. From traditional tearooms and innovative tea shops to a well-established mecca for English goods, there is something for every taste in the greater St. Louis area.
Not Jaded Boutique & Tea Room
2 West Main Street • Wentzville, MO 63385
636-751-0079 • notjaded.com
After 14 years of working as a hairstylist, Tara Keune decided in 2017 to go in an alternate direction and foster her dream of continuing to serve others, but in a different fashion. Soon after that revelation, she came across a “For Lease” sign next door to the local general store and discovered that there was not a clothing boutique nearby. Tara immediately picked up the phone to call about the listing, and the rest is history.
“After seeing the building, I had enough courage to leave a full-time job and go out on a leap of faith,” Tara remarks. “My vision changed from what we originally started (a boutique that doubled as a venue for children’s tea parties) to what we are now because of feedback from customers.” The tea portion of Not Jaded began as a small component and grew to be a prominent part of the business. Growing up with parents who instilled in her a deep appreciation for tea—a father who was an avid tea drinker and a mother who lovingly prepared the beverage—it only seemed natural to nurture that love into an exciting venture that she could share with others. “My first real experience with tea was thanks to my parents, but one of my early experiences was visiting a farmers’ market 10 to 12 years ago,” Tara explains. “I met a local tea lady, and I purchased a bunch of her tea. I fell in
