Vanna Burtch always wanted a coffee and tea shop with books, but didn’t know how to make it happen.
The owner of Higher Ground Coffee and Tea House was in Davisburg’s Sweetgrass shop talking to a lady about what she should be doing with her life.
Burtch had worked in computers for 18 years and went to school to become a certified massage therapist. She worked part-time as a masseus and got out of the computer world, but then an injury slowed her down.
‘I thought I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. But, I haven’t been doing massages,? said Burtch.
‘Then, the angel lady came in and shook my head and said ‘wow, you are going to do something big, something great.??
Bobbi Friday, founder of the Healing Center, was looking for someone to do massages at a health fair. Burtch looked across the street and noticed there was some property for rent, and Cheryl Deane, owner of Sweetgrass, gave her the push she needed to call.
‘That was in March. Since then it went, kaboom, kaboom, kaboom,? Burtch said.
After difficulty landing the space she wanted, Friday asked if Burtch wouldn’t mind “higher ground,” and move into the empty space above the healing center.
Before moving in, she pictured a caf? type setting for people to meet and talk with friends, library for natural healing and spiritual books, and sitting room to relax and meditate. She was able to provide all of it.
She uses Fair Trade coffee and tea products from Higher Grounds in Traverse City, natural sodas, and prepackaged snacks.
She previously worked in a health food store and became interested in people’s dietary restrictions. She carries products available in gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan items and understands the importance of herbs and homeopathy. Another product she offers: herbal teas for kids.
As the coffee house continues to grow, so will the items. She hopes to add more products and works by local artists.
She opened the coffee and tea house at the end of July and has already made lots of friends within the community.
‘You just couldn’t ask for more supportive people,? Burtch said. ‘It really is a blossoming community. We all support each other, we all plug each other, and we all help each other.
‘They all want Davisburg to get better and better. Everyone has the same vision, to offer people stuff they like and help people grow, too. My little part is teaching them about organic, spirituality, and tolerance. It’s important no matter what you believe in.?
Higher Ground is located above The Healing Center at 661 Broadway in downtown Davisburg.
It is open Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays along with community events.?
Higher ground will have classes this fall, beginning with AMA-DEUS by Beth Cosmos on September 14 from 9 a.m.-1p.m., and ‘Communicating with your angels? by Rev. Dianne, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.
For more information about these events and more upcoming events check Higher Ground’s website at highergrounddavisburg.vpweb.com or call 248-634-7505.