Meet A Proprietor: Mary Coleman of Herbs by Merlin

When entering Herbs by Merlin, some delightful aromas greet the guest. You immediately begin to feel uplifted—in both mind and spirit.

It should come as no surprise, since owner Mary Coleman—with her sister Dorothy Anderson—specializes in a wide variety of high-quality specialty herbs, teas, scented and essential oils.

Coleman's interpretation is straightforward. Everything in the Redington Shores storefront is there to heal the body and delight the soul.

"We have something for what ails you," Coleman says.

Filling the walls and shelves of Herbs by Merlin in Redington shores are hundreds of packets of spices and teas. Some have common names—Chai tea, peppermint and safflower; others are more exotic, like Pokeroot and Tansy.

Herbs by Merlin offers them for various reasons, from bringing flavor to foods to treating colds, preventing cancer, diabetes and other conditions.

"We have one purpose here," she says. "To have a place to blend teas, and pack and ship for retail and wholesale."

It can be said that Herbs by Merlin is one of the best-kept secrets on Gulf Boulevard. It is not for a lack of trying. Coleman has set up many signs to attract customers—including one that flashes "open" and another offering free tea.

"The best thing is to keep the door open," Coleman says. "With the door closed, they don't come in."

"If I'm sitting out there," Coleman adds, "they'll come in."

Coleman is not easily discouraged. For every six people who choose to come in, four to five of them get something. In addition to high-quality herbs, teas and pure essential oils—the "real stuff"—there is a wide variety of other items—including jewelry, sculptures and handcrafted pottery. Everything in Herbs by Merlin has a spiritual feel.

Coleman herself is a combination of born salesperson and caring businessperson, and she is someone with a very long "to-do list." Although Herbs by Merlin have been around for several years, the physical address is preparing to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

Third generation herbalist and "wizard" Merlin Bolin founded the business—Elisabeth Bolin first trademarked "Merlin's Tea" in 1928. Coleman and her sister bought the business from Bolin in February, just before Bolin's death from complications from surgery.

The Herbs by Merlin website maintains a thriving online and wholesale trade. Coleman herself still keeps seven booths at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park. Coleman's central business had been supplying products for internet orders and several vendors, including one in Canada.

A large red mixing machine sits in the small back room. It is the Herbs by Merlin clean room, and the device is similar to those used in pharmaceutical factories.

Coleman uses it for the exceptional blends of teas and herbs, which are then packed for shipping. One of the most popular products by www.HerbsByMerlin.com is a trademarked compound called "Breath of Life," which helps with breathing problems.

One of her vendors holds seminars for men's health in St. Augustine.

"Wholesale is where it's at," Coleman says, "but the customer base is paying the rent."

Herbs by Merlin is located at 18117 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores. The retail location is open from 11 a.m-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and until 7 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

They can also be reached at 727-575-9952, on Facebook and through www.HerbsByMerlin.com.