My Journey
I am hoping to somehow convey who I am and what I do, in a word format. Even writing these words makes me laugh.
I am Laurel, self proclaimed ‘square peg’. I am outside of my comfort zone trying to write a blog… About myself, about what I love. But here goes.
I have loved plants and nature as far back as I can remember. I have always gardened - with my grandparents, with my parents, by myself. I don’t even know how to explain it, but each green is so different to me; plant patterns stand out to me and draw my attention. I sing to the seeds as I plant each one - love and intention is as much a part of growing things as water and sunshine.
In my early twenties worked in a small garden center and loved it. I ran a grocery store garden center in my thirties and loved it, although my own gardens suffered while I was doing that work. I turned 50 and found herbalism. It played to so many of my loves: Cooking, foraging, creating, helping others, and of course, plants.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
I started this small business and named it Tree Line Creations. I have a great love of trees and creating. After naming my business I realized the initials are TLC, which I think is fitting, as herbalism provides humans tender loving care.
Growing this business hasn’t been an easy endeavor, as there are so many small details and hoops to jump through, especially as it relates to the legal and administrative aspects of selling herbal products. There are so many things to learn, especially related to technology and social media - neither of which come naturally to me. But I am always eager to learn and soak up new information, which is part of what draws me to herbalism - It’s a constant practice in learning and growing.
Along my path, I have been lucky to find women who are willing to teach me and to help me. Sometimes for money, sometimes for barter. This experience has helped me to create more community in my life. This is a wonderful thing as plants live in community, so this journey is happening on so many levels.
I recently decided to add a CSA (Community Shared Agriculture), or more accurately, a CSH (Community Shared Herbalism). I have been thinking about this for several years and now it seems it’s a thing. I keep seeing more and more of them in the herbal world.
What I am enjoying about this endeavor is that I can take whatever is blooming or growing outside and create something unique. I don’t have to just do what is offered on my website. It’s fun and exciting to lean into the plants and see what they bring to me.
My Spring box, “Awakening”, included a magnolia vinegar, a spring salt blend, a lip pomade with dandelion oil, a dandelion elixir, a violet oxymel, a spring flower face oil, and a tea I offer on my website. Plus a Springtime print that my cousin drew. It was so much fun to create.
My Summer box, “Verdant”, is yet to be fully imagined, but I know it will have something to do with Yarrow. It will also include my plantain salve for bug bites, and a tea that will help cool you down in the summer heat. I am shooting to get it out by the end of June to the beginning of July.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
I hope I have conveyed a little about myself and what I do, and some of my current offerings. Please consider supporting my business so I can continue this journey I have begun, as well as share with you the joy of plants and herbalism.
May the love of nature and plants fill your lives with healing,