Hagerstown DORS counselor Maggie Brill (l) was among the first “tea tasters” at the grand opening of the Spirit of the Lotus Tea Company. As Mr. Macpherson’s DORS counselor, she provided ongoing advice and consultation as he prepared for his goal of becoming self-employed
Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and DORS counselor Maggie Brill were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Spirit of the Lotus Tea Company, the most recent small business start-up from the DORS Reach Independence through Self-Employment (RISE) Program.
The Spirit of the Lotus Tea Company is an internet-based wholesale and retail market as well as a walk-in retail establishment that has settled into a revitalized downtown Hagerstown building. Co-owners John Macpherson and his wife Siming offer 250 loose teas from around the world as well as tea-related products and services.
At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Bruchey said, “The Spirit of the Lotus Tea Company is an important part of revitalized Hagerstown.”
Mr. Macpherson experienced an auto accident 20 years ago that resulted in a leg amputation. He became interested in teas and the ceremonies that surround it after marrying his wife, who is a native of China. His Internet research on self-employment led him to DORS.
Morris Tranen of DORS RISE Program and Maggie assisted him in researching his business ideas, developing a business plan and in providinglimited funding for graphic designs and other start-up expenses.
The daylong open house included tea tastings, a Chinese tea ceremony demonstration and facility tours.