Ascendria specializes in tea, crystals

Ascendria, a new shop on Main Street in Polson, has a deep blue butterfly decorating the front door.

“It’s a new venture and a dream come true,” Katie Hedeen said of the mother/daughter collaboration.

As they began their new business, Katie and her mother, Jill, painted the walls a soft sage green to fit the calming energy they were seeking in their space. Inherited plants were repotted with fresh soil and are taking off. The jade tree has many new sprouts.

They filled part of the large room with teas and tea accessories. As fall is on its way, the duo will be highlighting more hot teas as opposed to summer’s cold brews. Among the options, Spiced Peach is a cold weather favorite and Golden Dragon smells of cinnamon and cardamon, like Christmas, Katie said.

Katie’s favorite hot tea is Inner Courtyard, and Ascendria has “sniffer” jars so customers can see if they like the aroma. She also has a couple of cold brews she loves. One is Mushu Pineapple Punch, and the other is Just Peachy cold tea.

“It tastes like biting into a ripe peach,” she said.

Jill is a fan of jasmine tea, and they stock two kinds; and also mariposa, to be ordered.

Other items in the shop are crystals, sticks of incense, smudge bundles, self-help books, and some jewelry. “Tools you would need on your path to the divine or healing,” Jill said of these goods.

“A crystal is like any tool,” Katie explained, using a spoon as an analogy. “A spoon is not going to feed you itself. You take your hand and you eat with the spoon. It (a crystal) has so many properties associated with it … you kind of have to set the intention.”

Red jasper is really good for grounding, Katie said, but it has many other uses as well.

“It works off your belief and your expectation,” she said. “If you’re using it for grounding, you need to tell it to ground your energy.”

Think it, say it out loud, whatever is in your heart, she advised.

“It’s kind of like herbal medicine; one plant can do a many different things,” Katie added.

Jill noted that crystals have their own energy so if a person is into energy, they can usually feel the crystal.

The Hedeen duo also offer services. Jill does massage therapy, and Katie reads Tarot cards.

For massage therapy or Tarot reading, call or stop in the store, or visit their Facebook page at Ascendria Polson.

As the store evolves, Jill and Katie would like to take consignments from local artists. Also, the back half of their shop could used for events or classes. Katie would love to get an herbal apothecary started.

To visit Ascendria, head to 206 Main Street.