Cultivating Wellness, Mindfulness and the Perfect Cup of Tea with Kate Dalton
We’re all about daily rituals – those moments of your routine that encourage you to slow down and connect with yourself. For some of us it’s our shower time, a skincare routine, a slow wind down to disconnect before bed. And what pairs best with the latter than a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea?
If you ask us, there’s few moments of the day that can’t be elevated by a nice brew. Just waking up? There’s a tea for that. Unwinding after work? Yep, there’s a tea for that. Even digesting after a particularly delicious meal – you guessed it, there’s a tea for that, too. The list goes on (and on, and on), but the one thing that every tea time has in common? It’s an opportunity to be in tune with your body, and to take a little time to nourish it.
As part of the launch of our Homegrown T-Towels, we’ve partnered with fellow Australian business, Mayde Tea. Founded in Byron Bay by naturopath Kate Dalton, Mayde Tea sources high quality, ethically sourced organic ingredients to make up their much-loved collection of teas. To get into all the details, we sat down with Kate herself to talk about all things tea and wellness.
Can you share with us the story behind founding Mayde Tea?
“Mayde Tea started from my passion for health and wellness, and my background as a naturopath played a big role in shaping it. I wanted to create organic tea blends that not only taste amazing but have real health benefits, whether it’s for digestion, energy, or sleep.
It was also important to me that the packaging looked beautiful enough to be displayed in kitchens, rather than just being an afterthought, or stored at the back of a pantry. Sustainability has always been a priority, so we use ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. It all began as a hobby, so it’s really exciting to have over 500 stockists worldwide.”
How would you describe the core values of Mayde Tea? How have these been shaped by your own journey as a naturopath and nutritionist?
“The core values of Mayde Tea are rooted in quality, sustainability, and wellness. As a naturopath and nutritionist, I’ve always believed in the healing power of nature, and that’s reflected in every blend we create. I’m committed to using only organic, ethically sourced ingredients because what we put into our bodies should support our health, not compromise it.
Sustainability is another key value—our packaging choices and environmental footprint are just as important as the teas themselves. Mayde Tea is about promoting wellness in a way that respects both our bodies and the planet.”
We’re so thrilled to be partnering with Mayde Tea for this launch, it really feels like a natural pairing. What do you think connects Mayde and Sheridan?
“From my perspective, Mayde Tea and Sheridan share a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Both brands focus on creating products that enhance well-being, whether it’s through beautifully crafted homewares or our organic, health-boosting tea blends. Just like Sheridan, we believe in the importance of thoughtful design—ensuring our teas not only taste amazing but are packaged in a way that looks elegant and sustainable.
There’s also a shared aspiration to make everyday rituals more meaningful, whether it’s a cosy home environment or a nourishing cup of tea. Both of us are dedicated to supporting health, rituals, and a mindful lifestyle, with a strong focus on caring for the environment.”
Could you walk us through the process of creating a new Mayde Tea blend? What does that journey look like from initial inspiration to final brew?
“Creating a new Mayde Tea blend begins with addressing a common symptom, like our Digest blend for digestive discomfort. I start by selecting my favourite herbs known for their soothing properties, such as fennel and peppermint, and incorporating calendula and licorice for their anti-inflammatory benefits and synergistic effects when combined.
Next, I source these herbs organically, ensuring they meet our quality and sustainability standards. I then experiment with different combinations to find the right balance, optimizing how these herbs work together to enhance their individual benefits while also ensuring the blend tastes great. Flavour is crucial, so I adjust the ratios to achieve a harmonious taste that complements the therapeutic properties.
The final product aims to provide effective relief while looking elegant on your kitchen shelf, reflecting our commitment to health and sustainability.”
As you know, we’re obsessed with putting our rest above all. Are there any personal favorite ingredients or blends of yours that embody the essence of rest?
“My all-time favourite tea blend is our Serenity blend. It features calming ingredients like chamomile, lavender and passionflower, all known for their soothing properties and ability to promote restful sleep.
A favourite ingredient of mine is Withania (also known as ashwagandha), which is featured in our Adapt blend. This herb is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and fatigue, supporting overall relaxation and rejuvenation. Withania was the one herb that had the most beneficial impact on my postpartum journey.”
You mentioned the idea of making everyday rituals more meaningful – how does Mayde Tea aim to transform the simple act of tea drinking into a restorative experience?
“At Mayde Tea, we transform tea drinking into a restorative experience with high-quality, organic ingredients and intentional blends designed to support well-being. We offer teas in loose-leaf form rather than teabags, aligning with our commitment to health and environmental sustainability, and our focus on creating daily rituals.”
What advice would you give to someone looking to elevate their daily tea-drinking habit into a more intentional wellness practice?
“To elevate your daily tea-drinking into a wellness practice, opt for organic, high-quality loose-leaf teas that offer genuine health benefits. Look for blends that align with your wellness goals, whether it's relaxation (our Serenity blend), energy (our Energise blend), or digestion (our Digest blend). Set aside dedicated time each day to enjoy your tea mindfully and invest in quality brewing accessories to enhance the flavour and experience.”
I love that idea of enjoying your tea mindfully. How do you believe Mayde Tea helps to cultivate mindfulness?
“Mayde Tea encourages mindfulness by making tea drinking a focused, enjoyable experience. Our all-natural, loose-leaf blends like Serenity and Adapt are designed to be savoured, helping you pause and appreciate their gentle aromas and flavours. By using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients, we aim to foster a deeper connection to nature.”
Finally, can you share a memorable experience or feedback from the Mayde Tea community that highlighted the impact of your work?
“I received an email from a customer who shared how our Digest tea made a significant impact during a challenging time. They were undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and mentioned that our tea was the only thing that provided relief from the digestive symptoms they were experiencing.
This reinforced the importance of our commitment to crafting blends that offer genuine support and comfort. It was a powerful reminder of the difference a thoughtfully designed tea can make in someone’s life, especially during difficult moments.”