Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelle Doran.
Hi Kelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Steep is the fruit of a 17 year dream. I have loved tea for years and have been to England, Europe, and Asia, which has given me a greater appreciation for all kinds of tea. We opened July 4th, 2025 and have continually worked to carefully choose gifts, put on themed tea parties, and create an experience that is a joy for each person that comes in. From day one, it has been a goal to bring in beauty in the experience and the products we offer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. We came in knowing very little of the realities of owning a product and service business like this. I have years of retail experience but the combination coupled with vender challenges in the first 4 months were very difficult. I also homeschool my kids and transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to a business owner was all new. This business also has an AirBnB that operates onsite and that was another piece in the operations to learn.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I come from a background of working in retail clothing. Food service was there early on but I always loved talking with people and helping them have a great experience. I did spend several years bookkeeping and doing administrative tasks but found that the people component was missing. I love helping people have a great experience. If that means the food was amazing or the gifts that we sourced are exactly what they were missing, then I have done what I am supposed to do. Steep is the only place in Central Oregon where you can have high quality loose leaf tea, fresh baked scones, have a gift basket made, pick out a beautiful pair of earings, pamper yourself with quality skin care products, and write down your dreams in a journal picked out from our shelves. We are also one of the few places in the high desert to make a reservation for High Tea or Afternoon Tea.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
My interests were music, drama and art. I loved to watch Jane Austen movies and go on walks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.steep-teahouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepteahouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577379223148
- Other: @steep-teahouseandgifts
