Salt Lake City Transforms: Discover Local Heroes and Community Spirit

Discover How Atlas Tea in Ogden Becomes a Sanctuary of Healing

Update Atlas Tea: A Sanctuary in the Heart of Ogden Amid the vibrant chaos of downtown Ogden, a profound initiative is quietly flourishing. Atlas Tea Company, founded by Amber Zaugg, aims to transform the experience of tea drinking from a simple act into a sacred ritual of healing and connection. This teahouse isn’t just about serving drinks; it’s about offering solace to those grappling with overwhelming external noise and personal grief. The Personal Journey Behind Atlas Tea Amber's journey to creating Atlas was catalyzed by personal tragedy. Having lost her former husband to suicide, the once loud and bustling streets of Ogden amplified her feelings of isolation. "In those crushing moments," she recalls, "my children and I had such a hard time finding our way through. The outside world felt so loud and inhospitable. We needed to be soothed, to find a safe place we didn’t even know existed." Finding solace through the ritual of making tea, Amber envisioned a haven not only for her family but for anyone seeking peace. A Healing Space for All Opened in the autumn of 2024 on Washington Boulevard, Atlas Tea Company burrows deep within the core of the city's bustle instead of standing apart from it. The interior, a creation of Emmas's artistry, embraces soothing colors and intricate designs, creating an atmosphere that invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect. The gentle fragrance of carefully selected teas envelops the space, making each cup a portal to tranquility. The Role of Family and Community Atlas is a family affair, with Amber’s children, Emma and Chandler, playing pivotal roles. Emma’s visual art enhances the brand's aesthetic, while Chandler shares his literary explorations, touching on themes of grief and connection through his writings. During a recent reading of his book, *Into the Rest*, he acknowledged the profound impact of their shared loss, stating, "None of us were there at the moment my father died...but the breath I felt leave my body reminded me of how vital it is to express our feelings." This sentiment echoes the teahouse's mission of facilitating healing through open dialogue and understanding. More Than Just Tea: Building Community Customers, such as Ash Zephyr, find Atlas’s community-centric ethos transformative. He describes sipping tea there as a "spiritual experience" and an "oasis of family in a strange desert." By acting as a vibrant meeting space, Atlas fosters connections not just among patrons but also with the rich tapestry of tea cultures from around the world. Through tea tastings, guests embark on a journey across continents—inwardly discovering similarities and forging bonds. Raising Mental Health Awareness Beyond drinking tea, the mission of Atlas extends to tackling mental health issues head-on. Amber Zaugg, a mental health professional herself, integrates this mission into Atlas Tea's operations, communicating the vital message of mental wellness. As she puts it, "Let’s get unstuck and unleash the potential within you." By emphasizing community wellness and support, Atlas becomes a catalyst for change, offering resources and workshops that encourage growth and connection. A Vision for the Future As Atlas continues to grow, Amber aims to establish it as a supportive platform for ongoing mental health initiatives and creative expression. The journey of Atlas Tea Company illustrates the potential for local businesses to enact substantive change in their communities, fostering connection and healing in the process. "Healing isn’t about escaping the noise; it’s about making a home within it," Amber notes, summing up the essence of this nurturing oasis. Through every cup, every story shared, and every moment of stillness cultivated, Atlas Tea Company is becoming a vital thread in the fabric of Ogden—a sanctuary where people come together to heal, connect, and celebrate life, one sip at a time.