When you step inside Birdsall Garden Center, you’ll find a small but vibrant corner where warmth, creativity, and community quietly bloom, The Tea Hive. At the heart of this cozy tea bar is owner Jillian Gold, whose passion for connection and simple, intentional living infuses every cup she serves. Known for her grounded energy and welcoming spirit, Jillian has shaped The Tea Hive into a space where each pour is with purpose. She has created a vibrant atmosphere where community can thrive.
You’ve had a remarkable journey from childhood in the mountains and Hawaii to early childhood education and then tea-rituals. What was the moment you realized you wanted to integrate your love of working with children and your love of tea into one space?
From the mountains to the ocean and back again, my journey has been guided by my love of creating and connecting. Working with young children teaches me the importance of nurturing the whole family, and my sunrise cup of tea is a ritual that nurtures me – filling my cup so that I am able to pour into my loved ones, business, and passions. I have long dreamt of creating a space that fosters connection between children and caregivers while also supporting women’s business aspirations. A “both/and” space where adults feel inspired and uplifted, and children feel creative and capable. THE moment was when I visited Birdsall last fall, and knew “this must be the place.”
Your tea station is located in Birdsall & Co., which you describe as a hub for women-owned small businesses (alongside Rogala Design). What has it been like joining this community of local female entrepreneurs and how does that environment shape the atmosphere at The Tea Hive?
Joining this community has felt a lot like stepping into a beehive- inspiring the name! Just like a hive is alive with shared purpose, momentum and collaboration, the shop as a whole buzzes with collective effervescence and reciprocal support. Each of these talented, inspiring women bring their own method and magic to the mix. To say it simply, when women work together, incredible things happen! The community is also reflected on the menu and shelves – the teas, coffees, baked goods and snacks are sourced from local women led businesses.
Working with children (via your past with the Waldorf Parent-Child program, and the Roots of Empathy initiative) is a big part of your story. How do those early-childhood-education principles show up now in the tea space or the activities you host there?
Working with children and families taught me the value of presence and the power of shared experiences. Much like the importance of creating rhythms in early childhood, rituals help people of all ages feel grounded and secure. As an instructor and mentor for Roots of Empathy, I learned that everyone comes with their own story, and it is important to slow down and be present enough to truly see and understand one another. These principles show up in the way we invite everyone to the table- whoever you are, there is a cup of tea that can meet you where you are.
At The Tea Hive, you offer more than tea, you’re creating connection, warmth, ritual. What does a “tea moment” mean to you, especially when you’re working with kids or families? What do you hope they walk away feeling?
To me, a tea moment is about presence and connection. In a day full of do’s, it’s an intentional pause to just be. Rituals provide comfort, structure and a sense of purpose especially during seasons of transition. Pouring a cup of tea, holding something warm in your hands – these acts are small but grounding. With families, it becomes a shared rhythm, a way to reconnect. I hope people walk away feeling that they were truly met, and that they were part of a meaningful moment of connection.
In our busy world, the December issue is all about slowing down and gathering with neighbors and community. How do you invite families into the soul of your space during the holidays? Any favorite traditions or upcoming events you’re excited about?
This season is wrapped in warmth and wonder, both so deeply nourishing to the soul of community. During a time when many hands are full, we invite people to pause, fill their cup, and stroll through the shop’s many wonder-filled nooks. I’m excited to craft, cook, celebrate local makers, and to sprinkle sustainable sparkle into our holiday playshops. I’m also excited to be Home for the Holidays for the first time in 15 years and to share this season with family and childhood friends. It will be the first time that my daughters see snow – what a magical moment that will be!
Your space brings together nature, design, and small-business synergy. How do you draw inspiration from the space around you (the garden center, the design neighborhood) when creating your events, teas, or children’s programs?
With a background in Waldorf education and farm programming, I have always drawn inspiration from nature and design. At the shop we get the best of so many sensory rich worlds under one roof – the garden goods, plants, art, aesthetics – situated on a bustling boulevard of small businesses. All of these elements influence the offerings, materials, and experiences at The Tea Hive.
As a woman business-owner, mother, and educator, what advice would you give to other women in the community who want to launch a small business rooted in purpose (especially those working with kids, families or community-building)?
I would tell other women to trust that their values will guide their vision. When your business is rooted in authenticity and alignment with your beliefs, it naturally becomes an extension of your purpose. Create rhythms that nurture your wellbeing, and surround yourself with people who inspire you and support your “why” on the days you feel overextended. If your work centers on community, let community also center you. Give yourself grace when making mistakes and permission to grow slowly and intentionally, purpose-driven work takes tenacity and time.
Looking ahead to 2026: if you could pick one vision or dream you’d love to bring to life at The Tea Hive, what would that be, and how can the local community help make it happen?
A dream that I’m tending to in 2026 is growing our Saturday Playshops into a flourishing, community rooted offering. These Playshops are inclusive of all families, fostering creativity, connection, and care. The community can help by spreading the word and joining the play! I am looking forward to collaborating with fellow educators, artists, and small businesses to expand offerings and accessibility.
Grab a cup of tea with Jillian at 2870 S. Broadway inside Birdsall or visit them online to learn more about her mission at theteahive.co.com.