A Moment of Calm with Mayde Tea

In a world that moves at an ever-quickening pace, finding moments of stillness can feel like a rare luxury. For Kate Dalton, founder of Mayde Tea, the ritual of tea-making offers a grounding pause – a chance to slow down and reconnect. Drawing inspiration from nature and the healing properties of plants, Kate has created a collection of blends that not only nurture the body but also calm the mind.

Photography by Katrina Parker

Mayde Tea is all about offering moments of peace through tea. Can you tell us about your personal ritual when preparing a cup of tea, and how you incorporate mindfulness into this practice?

For me, making a cup of tea is one of the few moments in my day where I can slow down – even if it’s just for a minute. As a busy mum and business owner, life is constantly moving, but my morning Earl Grey and evening Serenity are non-negotiable. I always make time for them, and then I incorporate other blends based on how I’m feeling. It’s a simple way to bring a little mindfulness into my day.

Your blends are inspired by nature and the healing properties of plants. How do you go about creating a new tea blend, and what factors do you consider when selecting ingredients?

When creating a new blend, I always start with a specific focus – whether it’s digestive support, nervous system nourishment or immune health. For example, if I’m formulating a tea for digestion, I look at herbs traditionally used to soothe the gut, reduce bloating and support overall digestive function. From there, I consider the herbal actions – how each ingredient contributes to the blend’s purpose and how they work synergistically.

I also focus on the flavour profile, ensuring the tea is balanced, smooth and enjoyable to drink, as taste plays a huge role in making wellness habits sustainable. And of course, appearance matters – it’s the first thing you notice. Tea is a full sensory experience, so I always make sure the dried ingredients look beautiful and inviting, reflecting the quality and care that goes into every blend.

In today's fast-paced world, slowing down seems more important than ever. How do you think a simple cup of tea can help people reconnect with themselves and create moments of stillness in the day?

Making a cup of tea is a simple way to slow down and take a break. It creates a small pause in the day to reset and be present. That’s one of the reasons I don’t do teabags – I don’t think tea should be something you rush through. Loose-leaf tea encourages you to be part of the process, noticing the aroma, colour and taste. It turns a daily habit into a more intentional and enjoyable experience.

Sustainability is a key theme for Mayde Tea. Can you talk about the steps you take to ensure your sourcing, packaging and business practices reflect your commitment to the environment?

Sustainability has always been a priority for Mayde Tea. We source certified organic ingredients that support health and protect the environment by avoiding harmful pesticides and promoting biodiversity. Our packaging includes high-quality, refillable glass bottles that can be reused for years, reducing single-use waste, and any other packaging we use is recyclable where possible.

We also repurpose packing boxes from deliveries, shredding them to create protective packaging for our orders, helping to minimise waste. These are just a few of the conscious decisions we make across the business, ensuring our practices are better for both people and the planet. As we’ve grown, it’s become more challenging to maintain the same level of sustainability we had as a smaller business, but we’re committed to doing our best.

"Tea rituals create a moment of calm in our fast-paced world.”

Tea ceremonies are rooted in tradition, especially in cultures like Japan. What role do you think tea rituals can play in our modern lives, and how do you blend tradition with your approach?

Tea rituals create a moment of calm in our fast-paced world, bringing mindfulness, connection and intention into everyday life. While traditional ceremonies are rich in culture, the essence – slowing down and appreciating the process – fits beautifully into modern routines. At Mayde Tea, we keep this connection alive by offering only organic, loose-leaf tea, making the ritual simple, natural and intentional.

How do you find inspiration in nature when creating new tea blends? Are there specific places, seasons or experiences that particularly influence your work?

Being a Naturopath, I mostly find inspiration in what people are experiencing with their health. When I noticed so many people struggling with low immunity, I created Restore. When digestive issues kept coming up among clients, Digest was born. Each blend is designed with a purpose, using herbs that genuinely support the body.

I also draw on other naturopathic principles, considering the warming and cooling nature of herbs and spices. Warming spices like those in our chai blends help increase circulation and warm digestion, making them ideal for cooler weather, while cooling herbs like peppermint and hibiscus are refreshing and soothing in warmer months. It’s all about working with nature to create blends that support the body when it needs it most.

In many homes, the act of tea-making is not just about the beverage itself, but about creating a sense of calm and beauty. How do you envision tea as part of an intentional interior – helping to enhance spaces for relaxation, connection and mindfulness?

I’ve designed our packaging to be both beautiful and functional – something you can keep in your home for years and simply refill. I wanted our jars to be on kitchen benches rather than tucked away in the pantry, making tea the obvious option when friends or family drop by. Tea is such a simple but meaningful ritual, and having it easily accessible encourages more moments of connection and mindfulness.

For someone new to tea, what would you recommend as a starting point for embracing the ritual of tea? Any specific blend or practice that helps create a more calming experience?

For someone new to tea, I’d recommend starting with blends that feel familiar yet offer something extra. Energise is a great entry point – its ingredients like lemongrass and ginger are recognisable, but with the added depth of papaya and cinnamon. It goes beyond a single herb, creating a synergistic blend that enhances circulation and boosts energy.

Digest is another favourite, especially if you love peppermint tea. It has that classic, soothing taste, but with additional herbs that bring more depth of flavour and provide extra digestive benefits. Serenity is our most popular blend, perfect for winding down in the evening. People love a good sleepy tea, and this one is filled with calming herbs like chamomile, lavender and passionflower. Plus, if you’re used to the convenience of tea bags, our stainless-steel infuser makes loose-leaf tea just as easy – and a much better choice for you and the planet.