Interview with LaNell Sonner, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
I was in between jobs and my husband suggested I go see the wife of his friend because she had a tea shop. My husband thought it would be a good fit for me. So I flew to Seattle, had my first taste of a Caramel Dream Kataluma Chai and said “I can do this!” I have an amazing crew that has encouraged me to open another shop. The Wheat Ridge shop is our second location; our first location is inside Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
We do chai like no one else does. We have more than 100 flavors of chai to enjoy in the shop. We fix any flavor, either hot, iced, blended, blended with ice cream or even a milkshake. Available for home enjoyment is our Kataluma Chai latte mixes that come in 14 flavors in various sizes as well as a sampler pack. In the shop we also fix a great espresso for our coffee drinkers. One of our slogans is to “lay your burdens down and take a break from your journey.” We invite you to come on in, let us fix your favorite chai and relax for a while.
What do you like best about your line of work?
At the chai shop, I feel like we get to invite the community to my house for a visit. I am most always amazed at the people I meet. Everyone has a story, like the 95-year-old gentleman who comes in for a small cup of coffee almost every morning, or others out traveling the world and sharing their adventures. My employees, whom have grown up to be teachers, moms, administrators, tattoo artists, a pharmacist and some about to be married or going to college. In general, being a very small part for a very short time of peoples’ lives.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Having a small business takes lots of energy and time. Sometimes it feels like we need an extra 24 hours.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
We started in April 2004 — that was almost 10 years ago! You know the old saying, “My, how time flies.” Well, it is so true.
Business: Kataluma Chai
Address: Wheat Ridge: 7300 W. 38th Ave.; Lakewood: Colorado Mills, 14500 W. Colfax Ave., No. 555
Hours: Wheat Ridge: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Lakewood: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2004
Contact: Wheat Ridge: 303-431-2424; Lakewood: 303-590-1785;
Employees: 6
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail sshultz@denverpost.com.
