Sherida Bonton, a mother of four, recently fulfilled her dream of opening a tea and spice shop called Flavour Spice and Tea in La Mesa, California. Bonton expressed her excitement and gratitude for finally being able to open her shop, admitting that she had concerns about whether she would have enough products to fill the store. The shop features a wide variety of spices that line an entire wall.
Flavour Spice and Tea took over a vacant storefront at the corner of La Mesa Boulevard and Jackson Drive, partially thanks to a grant program offered by the City of La Mesa. The program, known as the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP), aims to support new restaurant, retail, and other businesses by providing up to $20,000 in funding. Bonton applied for the program and was fortunate enough to become a recipient.
The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the East County EDC, is determined to reduce commercial property vacancies in the community while simultaneously supporting entrepreneurs in establishing brick-and-mortar businesses. As a result of the program, seven entrepreneurs, including Bonton, have successfully secured leases for storefronts. The City takes pride in the accomplishments of these individuals and looks forward to the positive impact their businesses will have on the community.
Flavour Spice and Tea will be celebrating its grand opening on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., inviting the public to explore and experience their wide range of tea and spices.
