The scent of warm spices greets visitors of Tootsie’s Tea Shop, owned by Lizz Tsosie Stachura. The store celebrated its grand opening on June 25 and 26, reserving the first day for elders and those with disabilities. After years of selling her signature loose leaf tea wholesale and at markets, Stachura opened a brick-and-mortar location on Clybourn.
Stachura began as an avid tea consumer. “Thirteen years ago, I walked into Teavana and I felt like it changed my life, I loved it,” she said.
She collected loose leaf teas, often trying new flavors on vacations and expanding her palette. These experiences inspired Stachura to do her own experimentation. “If there was a tea I couldn’t find, I decided to make it on my own.”…