Florist, herbalist and nature-loving concoction-maker, Alyssa, uses her training and life-long understanding of plants to brew small batch tea blends and luxurious bath and body products.

19 March 2021

Designer Spotlight: Toil & Trouble

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Florist, herbalist & nature-loving concoction-maker, Alyssa: ‘I am constantly thinking of new blends and brews to create, ingredients to source, and my next product line’

My name is Alyssa, and I’m the maker behind Toil and Trouble. I am a qualified Herbalist and make organic loose leaf teas & natural body products. I have been a “Maker” on MadeIt for just over a year now. I am also a qualified Florist and have been in the floral industry since I was 17 (so a very long time lol), and have always loved the creativity that comes with making something from scratch; taking very basic items, and making beautiful and complete products.

A collection of the Toil & Trouble herbal tea blends and natural body products

Growing up, I was always one of those kids out in the mud, digging up weeds, and making concoctions and brews out of whatever I could find in the garden. My family are from a long line of Vegetarians (I think it’s up to 5 or 6 generations now), and I was always raised knowing the nutritional value, valuable vitamins and minerals that plants had to offer – I believe this is where my passion started for all things plant based. As they say, knowledge is power.

A very young Alyssa concentrating on mixing one of her childhood concoctions; ‘I was always one of those kids out in the mud, digging up weeds, and making concoctions and brews’

In 2005 I moved to the U.K, where I was living on an amazing property just outside of Wales, full of Apple Orchards, Vegie and Herb Gardens, and my passion for Plants & Flowers just flourished. It was then I decided to follow my passion. Whilst living in the U.K I studied and gained my Diploma in Herbalism, and have not looked back.

Close up of Alyssa’s Yogi Blend herbal tea with goji berries and rose buds; ‘I was always raised knowing the nutritional value, valuable vitamins and minerals that plants had to offer’

I was constantly balancing between working as a Florist, and bringing in elements of Herbalism, to find a way to combine my two passions. It started with body products, face creams, and toners for family and friends; a very small - but satisfying - side hustle.

The Toil & Trouble pantry stacked with labelled glass jars of herbal ingredients waiting to be blended

It wasn’t until 2019 that I had that “lightning bolt” moment. Working in Floristry, constantly searching for unique items to offer to customers, that I decided to create my own line of organic, quality, eco-friendly loose leaf teas. I have slowly started introducing in natural body & bath products, and handmade Hampers into my offerings.

A small collection of Toil & Trouble body products including bath tea, sandalwood, rose geranium & red clay soap, and pink clay bath salts; ‘All my products are made in small batches, from my home studio.’

All my products are made in small batches, from my home studio. I have slowly taken over, not just in my studio, but also the entire kitchen! Surrounded by beautiful big glass jars of Herbs, Flowers, Teas etc has just solidified the immense happiness that handmade brings me. I am constantly thinking of new blends and brews to create, ingredients to source, and my next product line – it’s a daily battle that makes me ridiculously happy.

Alyssa nursing a large cup of tea in her happy place, surrounded by jars of herbs and some of her product range; ‘Surrounded by beautiful big glass jars of herbs, flowers, teas etc. has just solidified the immense happiness that handmade brings me

I draw inspiration constantly from my surroundings, from my family and friends, and from my amazing customers who keep me inspired and keen to work on the next project. My Husband is my biggest fan! And although he quite often tells me that he has no idea what I am talking about when it comes to Herbalism & teas, he is a constant support and is so proud of the little business we have created. He is my right-hand-man, my courier, delivery driver, parcel picker-upper and is always there for anything.

The Toil & Trouble workbench covered in packaging and product labels, and of course, a big mug of herbal tea; ‘The amount of passion, dedication, and amazing skills within this homegrown community is unfathomable.’

Since I first discovered MadeIt, the support has been unwavering. Right from the start, the crew were behind me 100%, and being a member of this valuable community has enabled me to grow my business, promote the amazing handmade community, and realise just how many amazing, and talented Makers there are out there! Seriously – the amount of passion, dedication, and amazing skills within this homegrown community is unfathomable. It has given us the chance to truly support local, support handmade, support the little guys that all pour so much love into each and every item they create – you can’t put a price on that!

Florist, herbalist and nature-loving concoction-maker, Alyssa, uses her training and life-long understanding of plants to brew small batch tea blends and luxurious bath and body products.

It is because of you guys – the community & customers supporting local – that creatives like me are able to do what they love. Thank you for your support – you guys are awesome!