Meet Jenna Robert | Owner, Earley Grey Tearoom + Gallery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenna Robert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I walked into the space, I was immediately enthralled by the woodwork and storytelling capabilities. I saw past the detritus left. behind by the previous owner and knew that somehow this location was something special to me. I am a very visual person and my mind was sparking a thousand possibilities.

I remember telling the other creative I was with that this would be a perfect spot for a tearoom. With it’s rustic build and ornate custom designed iron work it felt like I was stepping into a page of a fairytale. That’s when the truth of the plan started to form. I am a lover of books and fairytales. I have a minor in creative writing and have always loved the idea of the fairytale and it’s lessons and the imagination behind those stories.

I wanted to share this place and it’s magic with the community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been a collector of talents and experiences. My curiosity cannot ever be satisfied, which has led me to where I am today. The journey has had many forks and cliffs, but I have thrived and fought.

I have never second guessed where a path has taken me because in the end the journey was always meant to be. That is not to say I haven’t struggled. I have had alot of heartbreak, but my tenacity pulled me through. Leaning on the experiences of other creatives around me was the iron I needed to prevail.

I started this journey as a Graphic Designer, creating a window display for the Alexandria Hotel. It included a clawfoot bathtub that was “floating” away into the clouds of imagination and possibility. That storefront was so popular I gained notariety as the “Bathtub Lady” and was able to reimagine it a few doors down in my first instillation in my very own tearoom where teacups hung like raindrops in the clouds. That journey will never cease to amaze me. It would have never happened if I didn’t have the courage to experience “what if…”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First off, I would give them a spot of tea in my shop of course and then we would head to the Last Bookstore. A mecca for any imaginary minded person and book lover. This is a MUST for anyone visiting LA. It’s like a maze of fantastic creativity. There are studios with working artists, a coffee shop, and of course tons of books on every subject you could imagine.

Next, I would take them to lunch at Grand Central Market. There are so many choices everyone can find something they like. And the spaces are always filling with new options. Directly behind that is also a little piece of history, Angel’s Flight. For $2 you get to ride into the past and experience the hillside in a classic red tram.

Gallery Row is always fun, especially on DTLA Art Night. An event that I am proudly part of. Over 30 galleries open and have revolving shows every first Thursday of the month.

There are several stationary and gift stores in the area such as Shorthand, Picnic and Art Supply, and Astrior. These shops give my heart joy as I see other small businesses flourish and explore.

Then I would end the day at the Rhythm Room. Quite possibly one of my favorite bars in LA. It’s laid back ambiance and live music are perfect for visiting and catching up while having good drinks and a great time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not be here as a small business owner today without the help of many wonderful human beings. My family has been my rock through many ups and downs during this journey along with Martha De Perez, a true badass woman who still surprises me every day with how amazingly talented she is…and tough as nails!

My branding was done by an amazing team called Creative Aid, whom I was once part of in college. The amazing talent of these students knows no bounds. I implore anyone who needs marketing to look them up. You will be amazed at what they come up with.

The Alexandria Hotel and Izaac, who let a dreamer make her dream a reality. I will never forget the opportuntity nor the journey.

The artists who I have a special place for in my heart, as a creative myself. Abstract thinkers like Saylessi Savant who pull truth and ideas out of people that they were too afraid to say themselves. Artists are a lifeblood to me and to many.

There is so much truth to it takes a village…I am proof and I am so grateful.

Website: https://earleygrey.com

Instagram: @Earley_Grey

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/earley-grey-tearoom-los-angeles

Image Credits
Sarah Jean Huffman Photography