The Botanical Store

The Botanical Store is run by Kim Stark, owner of Wheatbags Love, and Hannah Dupree, of specialty tea company Storm in a Teacup.

The pink-floored space is bright, light and open. At the front of the shop there are four birch plywood skincare stations: two dedicated to the body, one to the face, and another, labelled “magic”, for essential oils.

Guided by Stark, customers can create their own skincare products. First, select a vessel, then fill it with nutrient-rich face oils, creams, detoxifying clay masks, bath salts or sugar scrubs. Finish by choosing your preferred blend of scents from the selection of pure essential oils. Then label it yourself with a sticker.

Each product comes with information explaining its health benefits, and a breakdown of ingredients and where they’re from.

In an elevated section at the back of the store Dupree runs a tearoom. Here you can taste, see, smell and create a range of specialty teas sourced from Dupree’s favourite tea destinations, including China, Taiwan and Japan. The matcha-laced, sencha green Ancient Moonlight tea is popular.

The Botanical Store hosts regular tea ceremonies for up to eight people and skincare workshops for larger groups of 12 to 18 people. Classes include teaching the art of blending essential oils and learning about the basic principles of tea brewing.

The shop also stocks a small selection of fresh bouquets, kokedama plants, and handmade teaware and ceramics.