Elaine Lentz and two of her sisters recently opened La Tea Da, a high-end consignment store in Delray Beach. Lentz, who grew up as one of 11 children in Fort Lauderdale, is now a Highland Beach resident. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
Elaine Lentz took on an unusual — and potentially difficult — task over the Christmas holiday: Flying to Kentucky to care for her seven grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law headed off on a cruise.
“She was like, ‘Mom, are you sure?’ and I said, ‘I can handle it. It’s not my first rodeo.’”
Not when you grew up as one of 11 children, two of whom have joined Lentz in opening a high-end consignment store in Delray Beach named La Tea Da, which opened in June.
“Debbie was No. 3, I’m No. 4 and Liz is No. 7, and this has been brewing for six years,” said Lentz, 56, a Highland Beach resident. “One day Liz texted us and said, ‘OK, you guys ready?’ Her career had just ended, and I was ready because my kids were grown.”
The trio signed a two-year lease at a storefront on northbound U.S. 1 at 398 NE Sixth Ave.
“If the name catches on, we’re going to do a high tea,” Lentz said. “We’re going to do sip ’n’ paint, we’ve done an art exhibit for a local artist, things like that.”
Sister Liz (Lebrecht) is an accountant by trade. Debbie (Davis) refinishes furniture she’s already bought. That leaves the clothing to Elaine, who until recently managed her husband’s medical office.
“I try to take in name-brand stuff,” she said. “I’m pretty picky with the stuff I pick. The consigners come in and meet me.”
Although business was slow the first few months, Lentz said it’s been picking up with the season upon us.
“I was happy we started when we did so we could get our footing,” she said, “because none of us had had our own business before.”
Lentz is married to Dr. Robert Lentz, an anesthesiologist who has his own practice in Greenacres. She has two daughters: Brittany lives in Wellington and is married to an Army major, while the aforementioned Jenna lives in Kentucky.
Asked if she has hobbies or other activities, Lentz replied, “I concentrate on my kids. That keeps me busy, and the shop keeps me super busy.”
— Brian Biggane
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school? How do you think that has influenced you?
A: I grew up in Fort Lauderdale with 10 amazing siblings, each of us different and unique, but we are incredibly close. Our mother was an incredible role model — strong, loving, patient and hardworking. Growing up in a big family taught me the importance of family bonds, adaptability and collaboration.
It’s where I learned to appreciate diversity in people’s personalities and perspectives, which has carried over into every aspect of my life and career.
Q: What professions have you worked in? What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: I’ve worked in finance, insurance and health care. While each of these industries taught me valuable lessons, I’m most proud of raising two strong, beautiful daughters and helping to raise three stepchildren from a young age. It’s one thing to excel professionally, but raising good humans is the ultimate accomplishment.
Recently, I’ve taken on a new adventure with my two sisters, Debbie and Liz, by opening our dream store. This project has been a culmination of our shared talents and passions, and seeing it thrive has been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life.
Q: What advice do you have for a young person seeking a career today?
A: Be open to growth and change. Your career path won’t always be a straight line, and that’s OK. Take every opportunity to learn, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Also, never underestimate the value of building strong relationships — with mentors, peers and even competitors. People are often the key to opening new doors.
Q: How did you choose to make your home in Highland Beach?
A: After our children had grown up, our house suddenly felt too big for just the two of us. We’ve always loved the beach and coastal living, and my husband’s passion for boating made Highland Beach the perfect choice. Weekends spent out on the water with friends and family seemed like a wonderful next chapter for us, and it truly has been.
Q: What is your favorite part about living in Highland Beach?
A: The beach, of course! I’ve always felt drawn to the water, and living in a coastal town feels like a permanent vacation. There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of waves and knowing that a peaceful walk on the beach is just a few steps away.
Q: What book are you reading now?
A: The Zen Monkey and the Lotus Flower, by Tenpa Yeshe. It’s a refreshing and reflective read that helps me find calm amid the chaos of daily life.
Q: What music do you listen to when you want to relax? When you want to be inspired?
A: My music taste is all over the map. When I’m relaxing, I’ll listen to Sade, Amy Winehouse, or Fleetwood Mac. For inspiration, it’s Lana Del Rey’s hauntingly beautiful lyrics or the timeless country sounds of John Michael Montgomery. I’m always up for a good mash-up of genres.
Q: Have you had mentors in your life? Individuals who have inspired your life decisions?
A: One of the most important mentors in my life has been Dr. Sarah Knowlton. I worked for her many years ago, and she was kind, caring and taught me so much about bringing those qualities into our work in women’s health. She not only coached me professionally but has become one of my very best friends in the world.
Sarah grew up in many different countries and persevered through immense challenges. She left high school early to go straight to college and become a doctor, taking on significant loans that she paid off entirely on her own. She worked incredibly hard, breaking through the “good old boys club” to graduate from Vanderbilt and become a devoted OB/GYN. She later moved to Wellington, where she opened a female-focused practice in a region dominated by male counterparts. She has delivered over 2,000 babies and continues to be a trailblazer.
Above all, she is a God-fearing, kind and strong person, doctor, mother, daughter and my best friend. We’ve been blessed to share adventures together and support each other no matter where or what our lives were taking on. She has even been a part of one of life’s greatest joys by bringing some of my grandchildren into this world.
Q: If your life story were to be made into a movie, who would play you?
A: Sarah Jessica Parker. She has the perfect blend of humor, strength and style that I’d like to think I bring to life. Debbie would be played by Sandra Bullock because of her wit, charm and ability to be both funny and serious. Liz would be played by Julia Roberts for her warmth, heart and natural charisma. The movie could be called “When Life Gives You Sisters and Wine, Open a Store” — because that’s pretty much how it all began!
Q: Who/what makes you laugh?
A: My family. Growing up with 10 siblings, you’re constantly surrounded by humor and mischief. Even now, my siblings, kids and grandkids keep me laughing with their stories, antics and witty banter. There’s never a dull moment when you’re part of a big, loving family.
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