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Friends Take 'Leap Of Faith,' Buy Eclectic Gift Shop

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2007

DADE CITY - You could call it "Margaret and Brenda's excellent adventure," the tale of two middle-aged women who took an unanticipated career turn into retailing just as the pivotal holiday-shopping season unfolds.

Margaret Angell and Brenda Tester, both in their 50s, became friends years ago at church. A little more than two months ago, they became the owners of Heavenly Treasures & Angel Tea Room, one of Dade City's eclectic shops.

"This is a leap of faith, literally," said Tester, who works as a dental hygienist in Brandon.

"I'm kind of going on instinct, and what I like, what appeals to me, is good service," said Tester. "We're going to be making mistakes, like everybody else. I just hope it's not too costly."
Angell has the right name for the business but an unusual background for it.

For more than 25 years, she has owned and operated Angell Investigative Services in Dade City, where she helps find evidence on cheating spouses, thieving employees and even violent criminals. Before starting her own company, she was a law enforcement officer.

Through the years, Angell developed an appreciation for quieter pursuits. She found she enjoyed collecting teapots and cups, the kind that can be found in antique shops and at yard sales.

When she met Tester at church in 1996, they forged a friendship over their interest in collectibles.

The two were shopping and browsing in Dade City more than nine years ago when they stopped into the Angel Tea Room. In fact, they were the first lunch customers of Cathy Hayter, who opened the Christian-themed gift shop and tea room.

Nine and a half years later, Hayter decided to sell her business for health reasons.

In the intervening years, Angell said Tester had talked about starting a business. They never thought they'd end up owning Heavenly Treasures, though.

"That wasn't really our plan," Angell said. "Those were the circumstances."

With more stores in Dade City revitalizing and new attractions coming to town, the opportunity seemed more appealing.

Tester and Angell borrowed against real estate to buy the business and closed the deal in August.

While the deal was pending, Tester started working part-time with Hayter to get a better feel for the inventory, the routines, employees and customers.

Tester and Angell kept their day jobs and work some evenings and weekends at the store. Its location at 37847 Meridian Ave. stayed the same, as did its Tuesday through Saturday schedule.

They may have added a scone or two, but the owners said they want the tea room to maintain its friendly and serene atmosphere.

They're keeping the decor, with a mural of an English garden on the back wall.

"We want the average person to be able to come in here and have a nice experience," Angell said.

The service won't be rushed.

"You linger. You chat. You take a deep breath," Tester said.

The two are trying a broader and deeper selection of books, gifts, china and tea-related merchandise. Some items sell for a few dollars, but many gifts are in the $20 to $60 range.

The store continues to carry Christian-themed artwork and books, including the "Life of Faith" novels, a popular series of historical fiction for preteen girls, along with some handcrafted rosary beads sold on consignment. Tester also wants to try some more ecumenical merchandise, such as artwork and cards that carry inspirational messages.

"We try and be universal," she said.

Tester and Angell are eager to see how well the gift business performs during the Christmas shopping season - an especially busy time for stores selling Christian and inspirational items.

They're feeling optimistic about the future.

"Margaret and I fully hope that we're doing this well into our 80s," Tester said. "You get it rolling, and you get good employees in here, and it's something that can continue."

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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