BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:The tea lady

BALBOA ISLAND — At least once a week, Christyne Olson and her daughter Charlotte Olson, 3, head over to their favorite shop on Balboa Island, where the family lives.

But it’s not always to shop. They drink tea, have parties, play dress-up and visit with the owner, staff and friends at Teddy Bears and Tea Cups, a shop and tea house — and little-girl heaven — on Marine Avenue.

It doesn’t take much time to understand why the shop is Charlotte’s favorite. The store is filled with costumes, collectible and play dolls, clothes, accessories and tea sets. In the back of the shop is the tea room, with a decorated table, boas, hats, crafts and other fun activities for kids.

“I’ve lived on the island for several years and it was always one of my favorite stores before I had children,” Christyne Olson said. “Now I take Charlotte in there and it’s great. They encourage creativity and laughter through music and crafts, and we just love going there.”

The mom of two said that being in the store with Charlotte and her 1-year-old son Sutton and watching them have a “magical time” makes her happy, too.

Eight years ago, Teddy Bears and Tea Cups was opened as a place where the original owner could display and share her antique doll collection.

Within a month of its opening, Newport Beach resident Mary Sarris was already enamored with the store.

And two years ago, she bought the store she enjoyed so much from an interim owner.

“I always loved tea, my kids and I — I have three girls and a boy — always drank tea and had tea parties,” Sarris said. “And I’ve been making my own scones for years and have perfected the recipe.”

What was once an afternoon snack at home became even more ingrained in her life.

Sarris offers her customers traditional afternoon tea served on china that comes with her fresh scones, sandwiches and dessert. On the weekends, Teddy Bears and Tea Cups hosts parties for people of all ages, from “flower fairy tea” to bridal and baby showers and Bunko parties.

But it’s not just sitting girls down and having tea. They get to indulge in a pretend grown-up world, complete with hats, boas and other dress-up clothes. They make beaded bracelets and sing songs.

The parties may seem pricey — they start at $400 — but they are all inclusive. The store provides invitations, food, drinks, cake, entertainment, party favors, nail painting and more.

But the store and tea house can also become heaven for parents with its bi-monthly Pajama-Rama parties. On the first and third Fridays of the month, Sarris hosts a party for boys and girls for $10, allowing parents to enjoy an evening alone.

The kids play games, have snacks, listen to stories and get to cuddle up in their pajamas with pillows, blankets and teddy bears.

The merchandise in the front of the store isn’t all for kids, either. There are tea sets made of fine china to accompany the ones made of plastic and collectible dolls, as well as plush ones.

And the store isn’t for girls only. The Pajama-Rama parties and the store’s annual gingerbread decorating party is attended by boys and girls equally, Sarris said.

“It’s great having a place where everyone is having a good time, whether they’re shopping or having tea…. It’s a party every day,” Sarris said.

Teddy Bears and Tea Cups is at 225 Marine Ave. For more information, call (949) 673-7204.