"Vianne’s The Name"
“Vianne’s” Tea Salon & Café is named to honor: Vianne Ruffino Jones. The mother and mother-in-law of the owners: Michael and Kerri Jones Blache. “Vianne” is unique; it is the combination of her parents’ names: Vincent and Anna. Vincent and Anna were successful entrepreneurs. They owned and operated two businesses in the French Quarter: Ruffino’s Restaurant on St. Philip Street and a grocery store at St. Louis and Dauphine Street. Vianne has fond memories of these family run businesses while growing up in the Quarter. Michael & Kerri are certain their entrepreneurial spirit is shining down upon them! Vianne enjoys helping out at the tea salon by preparing tea behind the tea bar and greeting customers!

Story
Once upon a Sunday, after leisurely pouring over the newspaper enjoying a delicious pot of tea, curiosity got the best of me. I found myself saying goodbye to my husband as he contentedly watched football. I was going for an afternoon drive with real estate section in hand! I was continuing our pursuit of real estate investments for the far future - so I thought.

I like to say, "my car drove itself to Old Mandeville", an enchanting place that had mesmerized my dreamy head in the past. One enlightened real estate agent appealed to my senses. He directed me to an old charming cottage that needed a lot of "TLC". Sounded interesting, I guess?

We were instantly in love! We immediately called the real estate agent back to politely inquire about showing the inside. Like an angel, he arrived instantaneously! The vision continued as we stepped from room to room. The Hansel & Gretel entranceway, the wood floors, the arches, the yard, tall pine trees.the possibilities flooded our minds. The vision of a European Tea Salon was given to us and took over our being! We were convicted; this is what is needed! We asked, "how could this property still be on the market?" A thought popped into our heads - the house was meant for us. God had a job to do and we were willing and ready! Almost.

Peaceful Sunday afternoons were about to change. Were we ready? Barely. Could we do it? Only with a lot of help. God moved mountains both large and small every day that week and hasn't stopped since. His desire for our lives was becoming clear. We had been preparing our entire lives for this plan. All of our combined experiences are being utilized. But, we still couldn't do it alone. Help always arrived after we prayed almost the next day after we realized we needed it - so many times! We were submitting to His will. His will, we found is far better & bigger than a plan we could conjure up. There were superficial sad occurrences - where doors closed, others opened. He was showing us the path. "Guess what God did today?" became a familiar statement in our household; because there was no other explanation to the happenings that were beyond our control. People showed up when we needed them, equipment was donated, knowledge was offered, others wanted to work there, and more!
back to top

Vianne's Tea Salon & Café is part of His plan, His blessing, His great gift that we will cherish. It is beyond our scope of knowledge and our wildest dreams. Our life changed before our very eyes. Some of it was hard (radical career moves) but not really painful, even better!

We see the big picture. The vision hasn't stopped! It is just becoming a reality. It's unfolding. It involves so many people - loved ones, family and friends, both new and old. We're learning. It's all about love! And, we are - LOVING IT! We tried every combination for a catchy phone number: 624-teas, 624-4tea, 624-2tea, 624-GOOD but the only choice that was available was 624-LOVE, we'll take it! How humorous He is. What fun!

Vianne's Tea Salon & Café is more than a place to relax, sip tea and enjoy delicious food. It is for all to gain inspiration where God lives and reigns in each heart. We believe His desire is for us all to live their lives according to His will. We believe that He will bless you and lead you every step of the way. We believe that through prayer, faith and love you can reach your destiny set out by God, if you ask Him to prepare you and show you, pray for faith and step out when He calls, "faith forward". We attest that His plan is the best - just ask every day and listen!