Sometimes, it’s OK to rely on a little Irish luck.
About a year later, the smaller space adjacent to her gallery became available, and McLernon quickly saw its potential.
“I had no idea (the space would become available,)” she said, “It was a little serendipity.”
Seven months of renovation and setup later, on Dec. 9, 2008, opened its doors.
“It was a dream come true for me,” McLernon said.
Having two businesses next to each another offers McLernon unique opportunities for overlapping. The rear of Forty Shades acts as the emporium that sells tea and tea accessories.
An interior connection also entices customers of the gallery to visit the tea boutique, and vice versa. Despite advertising in local publications, McLernon said the tea room has found customers mostly through word-of-mouth and foot traffic.
Many customers seem thrilled that a tea room has opened in Charleston, she added, as the area was devoid of tea rooms.