Mission & Core Values
Welcome to Muse & Co. Whether you are a new applicant, a brand-new team member, or someone who has been with us since day one, this page is the foundation of who we are and what drives us every day.
Our Mission
Muse & Co is an Artist's Lounge & Tea House in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, NC.
We exist to create a space where art, creativity, and community come together over carefully crafted tea. Our lounge at 311 Hay Street is more than a place to grab a drink -- it is a destination for artists, creatives, and anyone who wants to be part of something meaningful.
Art comes first. Tea fuels the experience. Community makes it all worthwhile.
What Makes Us Different
We are not just a tea shop that happens to have art on the walls. We are an artist's lounge where creativity is the main event and tea is the craft that brings people together. Understanding this distinction is key to understanding Muse & Co.
Core Values
1. Art & Creativity First
We are an artist's lounge at our core. Understanding, appreciating, and supporting artists and creatives is at the heart of everything we do. From the paint-and-boba events we host to the gallery walls that showcase local talent, art is not a decoration -- it is our reason for being.
Every team member plays a role in nurturing the creative atmosphere. You do not need to be a professional artist, but you do need to genuinely appreciate and respect the creative world.
2. Community & Connection
We create spaces where artists, creatives, and tea lovers come together. Fayetteville has a vibrant creative community, and Muse & Co is proud to be a gathering place for it. We build relationships with our regulars, support local artists, and make everyone feel like they belong.
Community is not just a buzzword for us. It shows up in the way we greet people, the events we plan, and the conversations we have behind the counter.
3. Tea as Craft
Our tea house tradition complements the creative atmosphere. We take tea seriously -- not in a stuffy way, but in the way that any skilled craftsperson respects their materials. From boba to floral teas to espresso drinks, every beverage we serve is made with care and intention.
Tea Skills Can Be Learned
You do not need to walk in knowing how to make a perfect Thai Tea or time boba pearls to the minute. Tea-making is a skill we teach and nurture. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your attention to detail, and your desire to get better every day.
4. Inclusivity & Openness
Everyone is welcome at Muse & Co. Whether you are an experienced artist, a curious beginner, or someone who just wants a great drink in a warm environment, there is a place for you here. We do not gatekeep creativity. We encourage exploration and celebrate every level of artistic expression.
This value extends to our team as well. We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Different viewpoints make our lounge richer and our community stronger.
5. Growth & Learning
We believe in continuous growth -- for the business, for our team, and for the community we serve. Every team member is encouraged to develop new skills, share ideas, and take on new challenges. Whether that means learning a new drink recipe, picking up a paintbrush for the first time, or suggesting a new event format, growth is always welcome here.
What We Look For in Team Members
We hire people, not resumes. Here is what matters most to us:
| Quality | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Passion for art, creativity, or community | You will be surrounded by artists and creatives every day. Genuine interest in that world is essential. |
| Willingness to learn | Tea-making skills are a plus, but they can absolutely be learned. A teachable attitude is worth more than a polished skill set. |
| Warm, welcoming personality | Our guests should feel at home the moment they walk in. That starts with you. |
| Reliability and team spirit | We are a small team. Everyone counts, and everyone shows up -- for each other and for our guests. |
| Curiosity and initiative | We love team members who notice things, ask questions, and bring new ideas to the table. |
You Do Not Need to Be an Artist
We want people who appreciate and support the creative community. You might be an artist yourself, or you might simply love being around creative energy. Both are equally valuable to us.
Our Space
Muse & Co is designed to feel like a living room for the creative community. The lounge features:
- Gallery walls showcasing work from local artists on a rotating basis
- Paint & Boba events where guests create art while enjoying our signature drinks
- Sit & Paint sessions for drop-in creative time in a relaxed setting
- A full tea and espresso bar with craft boba, milk teas, fruit teas, floral teas, and espresso drinks
- A welcoming atmosphere with music, comfortable seating, and good conversation
When you work here, you are not just making drinks. You are helping maintain a space where people come to create, connect, and recharge.
Learn More
- Visit our website at ncmuse.co to see what we are all about
- Check out our events and workshops at ncmuse.co/events
- Interested in joining the team? See our open positions at ncmuse.co/careers
Next up: Head to the Quick Start Guide to learn the basics of your role, or explore the sidebar to dive into specific topics like drinks, customer service, and events.