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Date: 7/11/2023
NORTHAMPTON — Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary is celebrating its first year in business with a block party series occurring from July to October on various Sundays.
The apothecary, which is located on 183 Main St. owned and operated by three generations of a blended family, officially opened last summer providing artist-made, local and intentionally sourced products that include anything from crystals, candles, small-batch tea, books and more.
Since then, it has been active in the community, hosting around 10 events a month and curating a selection of items that were either made by shop owners themselves or curated by local artists. It is currently one of the few downtown shops selling products made on Main St.
The success and popularity of the apothecary allowed owner Mischa Roy to expand to 177 Main St. and open a separate home and gift shop back in May.
“This is so much bigger than my wildest dreams,” Roy said, reflecting on the past year. “I think when you go into something with pure intentions, and you just trust the universe to do the rest, you’ll be surprised about what the outcome is.”
In celebratory fashion, the apothecary hosted a “First Anniversary” weekend list of events, which included the first Sunday block party on July 9, an anniversary party on July 8, and an evening with Tik Tok Star Jasmine’s Garden on July 7.
Jasmine’s Garden in particular offers spiritual consultation in a variety of ways and through many different services like a spiritual recalibration course, tarot readings, a class that uncovers the different nuances of dreams and much more.
“People get to see a different side that they would not normally see,” said Ebony Jasmine Harris of Jasmine Garden’s, when talking about the services. “I like to say that divination, mediumship, channeling or readings in general show people that we’re all connected.”
According to Roy, Spill the Tea Sis’s vision aligns heavily with Jasmine’s Gardens since they both encourage people to find spiritual connections in their own way.
“Everyone has access to the spirit and the mind,” said Roy. It’s really all about opening your ears and eyes to it.”
Ever since opening last year, Spill the Tea Sis has made it its mission to support the local businesses around them, and that mission will continue to manifest in the upcoming block party series. According to Roy, the apothecary is teaming up with the Downtown Northampton Association, Synergy, and a bunch of local businesses to create a “hub of artistic creativity” on Main Street.
Throughout this series, there will be about 30 different vendors and organizations, some musicians, art and some farms present to build that tight-knit community feel. The dates for the other block parties are Aug. 9, Sept. 10 and Oct. 8.
“Sunday Block Parties provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit that define our city,” said Amy Cahillane, the executive director of the Downtown Northampton Association. “These events help our local businesses thrive while also creating an environment for families to come together.. We eagerly anticipate another year of Spill the Tea Sis on Main Street and are thankful for the many contributions they’ve made to Main Street.”
Beyond the parties, Roy said the business will also launch metaphysical and holistic classes in their home and gift shop space as well as focusing on what the holidays may bring.
“We really love to create opportunities for community in downtown Northampton,” Roy said. “We want to bring that back to Main Street.”