(Le Mars) — “There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air…if you listen carefully now you will hear.” Natural Mystic, a song by Bob Marley and a new store in downtown Le Mars. Store owner Jean Ponce Tea is originally from the Ivory Coast and moved to New York in 1989. He has also lived in Miami and Chicago and has traveled to many different countries. His store is bringing the artistic beauty of many different places to Le Mars. You’ll find masks, hand-woven scarves, hats and mittens, original wall art, aroma therapy candles, necklaces, rings, bracelets and lots of beads. Jean says that one of the types of wall art he specializes in is called Batik.
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He is looking to add organic teas and coffee beans from around the globe, as well as unique musical instruments. In the 1990’s Jean had a store in the mall is Sioux City, before he moved to Iowa City and the back to New York for a few years. Now, Jean lives near Sioux Center with his wife, who is from there, and his 5 children. He says when he first came with his wife to Sioux Center he wasn’t sure if small town life would really be for him.
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A love for people and the human spirit is something that is important to Jean and he’s excited to bring an artistic sampling of different cultures to the people of Le Mars.
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Natural Mystic just opened Monday and is located on Plymouth Street in Le Mars across from Close to Home.
