Fort Worth’s Near Southside welcomed a new cultural hub this September when artist‑entrepreneur Choke opened Floating Lotus Tea inside Hao’s Grocery & Cafe at 120 St Louis Ave. The tea sommelier, who previously ran an herbal apothecary across three locations, relaunched her business to focus exclusively on camellia sinensis, the tea plant.
Tea education and meditation
Floating Lotus Tea offers a range of classes designed to deepen participants’ understanding of tea. The six‑hour “Tea Foundations” course covers tasting notes, brewing techniques, tea families and food pairings. A shorter “Matcha 101” class introduces the basics of matcha preparation. All courses blend tea education with mindfulness, encouraging students to drink slowly, engage all senses and use the practice as a quiet meditation.
Choke explains that the meditation component addresses a broader cultural need: “As Americans, we don’t know how to shush. We don’t know how to quiet the internal.” By integrating tea ceremonies with guided meditation, the program offers an alternative to the typical bar scene for evening socializing.
Art, community and cultural exchange
Art is woven into the teahouse experience. Live‑figure drawing sessions, ticketed events where supplies are provided, give participants a chance to sketch in a relaxed setting. Choke also invites international artists to perform and share their cultures, creating a space where Fort Worth residents can encounter global traditions without leaving the city.
“We’re all about expanding the mind, growing, learning and being curious,” Choke said. “It’s small by design, and you’ll meet people you never met before, have unlikely conversations, and enjoy a safe space for all.”
Sourcing and sustainability
The teas served are sourced directly from Southeast Asian farmers, reflecting Choke’s years of travel and study in the region. A wall of packaged teas lines the interior, many of which customers remark look so beautiful they could be décor.
In addition to in‑house classes, the teahouse sells packaged teas for home brewing, allowing patrons to continue their practice after leaving the space.
Opening timeline
Floating Lotus Tea soft‑launched in July and held its grand opening weekend September 17‑20. The venue operates into the early morning, providing an alternative social outlet for workers finishing late shifts.
Choke emphasizes that every element of the space—from the artwork on the walls to the furniture—was created by her, ensuring the environment feels intentional and welcoming. “It’s a vibe because it’s been intentionally designed to feel like home,” she said.
For more information, visit arteteaco.com or follow the teahouse on Instagram and TikTok @floating.lotus.tea.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
