In the thick of the fall, Halloween season, with the holidays fast-approaching, some may feel like alcohol is inescapable. Ephemera Tea House, however, was an exception to Columbia’s bustling nightlife scene. Operating only for the month of October, it served as a slow-paced alcohol-free space for Columbians to enjoy. Three main rooms sat nestled inside the pop-up lounge, affixed with pillows and cushions, chess-games, and several tables. Despite the bustling area surrounding the shop, some, like co-founder Akuya Stoddard, described the atmosphere as “slow and intentional in presence.”
At Ephemera, locals would come to sit, talk, eat and live in the moment without the rush of their daily lives. Co-founder Ariana Smoak says this was an intentional choice when they were curating the space’s atmosphere.
“We chose tea because a lot of nighttime activities in Columbia involve alcohol, and [we] wanted something more chill,” Smoak said.
Ephemera didn't just welcome local customers looking for a unique experience, the pop-up also worked hand-in-hand with the community through food and art.
As a member of Food Not Bombs Midlands, a local mutual aid group supplying food and clothing to those in need, Kyree "Moose" Herron is dedicated to connecting the Columbia community through food.
“I just like to cook. I don’t have a business,” Herron said. “I just do this to provide support to the community.”
Others, like community-member Nani Alford, used Ephemera as a place for creative expression.
“I enjoyed having my art displayed on the wall and am very sad for this space to come to an end,” Nani said.
Ephemera Tea House, located at 2821 Millwood Ave, Columbia, served the local community throughout the month of October.
