On Oct. 15th, downtown Auburn welcomed Spillin’ The Tea to N. College Street, making it one of the newest loaded tea stores within walking distance of the Auburn campus. Owner, Nikki Anderson highlighted the importance and appreciation she felt as a business owner in Downtown Auburn.
Anderson explained that she still has yet to have a favorite moment since opening in downtown, as every aspect has been a milestone for her.
“I can't say that there is just one moment. Opening the doors on the first day, confident that the store is fabulous, customer-ready, stocked, staff trained and ready to meet and make new friends was definitely a big moment," Anderson said. "The warmth and hospitality offered by our downtown business neighbors was another big moment for me."
Despite owning multiple businesses, Anderson prides herself on her marriage to her husband Grady Anderson, her three children and her grandson.
Anderson moved to Auburn in 2015, where she opened AUsome Nutrition two years ago. In obtaining the ownership of AUsome Nutrition, Anderson had to navigate the challenges of being a first-time business owner.
“AUsome was my first venture into business ownership. I was fortunate in that it was already established - staff, product, work-spaces, inspections, it was a fully functioning store. I just had to wrap my head around how the existing business worked,” Anderson said.
Anderson acknowledged that leadership and success begin at the top, and she claims it is her role as a boss to set an example for her staff. She also stated that being present is crucial to success, and learning about your employees and customers is rewarding.
Anderson said that beyond business, AUsome and Spillin’ the Tea have shown her the importance of connecting with your customers.
“Build relationships with your customers that go beyond walking through your business doors. They should feel welcomed and appreciated if they are making a purchase, needing ice or needing a smiling face and warm welcome in bad times, or a welcome ear to share great news with in good times,” Anderson said.
Anderson compared her business to a “modern day barber shop”, and said that friends often meet up and exchange news, or “what's happenings” between the walls of Spillin’ The Tea, giving it a unique pulse on the Auburn community.
Anderson extended her gratitude to the Auburn family for welcoming her downtown.
“Auburn, thank you for welcoming us to Downtown. The first two weeks have been a lot of fun, we genuinely feel the love and support from everyone! We are looking forward to looking back at all of the experiences that our wonderful customers have shared with us. We are humbled to consider that the current and next generation of professionals make us a part of their days. We are excited to see the good that the beautiful people who bless us with their business and smiling faces will bring to the world,” Anderson said.
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