Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Hornby Island Tea
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Desiree lyver, founder: hornby island tea
Hornby Island Tea Mini Interview
Supporting local, sustainable farms is a principle we share with this month’s featured Meet the Maker, Desiree Lyver, founder of Hornby Island Tea. She wanted to start a business that would support practices that were good for both our planet and our bodies, and crafting herbal tea blends with local herbs fit this model perfectly. Hornby Island teas are blended in Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island with locally-grown herbs from Hornby Island, along with tea carefully selected from sustainably sourced family-run farms in India and South Africa for unique flavour profiles with health benefits.
Share your story with us in 150 words or less
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I had no lack of ideas for businesses, but never had the push to make one a reality. Feeling lost, I did what most 20 year olds do, continue their education in a post secondary school. I found myself in an environment technology course at Camosun College. This was what expanded my knowledge of our earth, its health, and how much harm people can do to our planet. Farming, agriculture and our food systems is what really stuck out for me. I knew I wanted to find a way to support small, family-based farms which work with the land, have sustainable growing practices, and grow food that is good for our bodies. This is what gave me the drive to make a tea business a reality. The first three years were an uphill climb, as I was spread thin with side jobs, but once I put my full focus into the tea business, I was able to grow it to where it is today and I’m so happy it has all worked out. The concept of reciprocity has been key.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
As Hornby Island Tea is ten years old now, I have had a few favourites over the years. For the longest time it was the West Coast Chai. Now it’s the I Am Healthy blend.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
My day to day motivation changes; same days it’s the beauty of working with all the different herbs, their smell, colour, texture. Some days it’s the reviews that trickle in and the orders from individuals that have enjoyed the tea for ten years now and still love it. And some days it’s to get the work done and go outside and play in nature.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
What I like best about the two small communities of Hornby Island and Fanny Bay is the outdoors; beaches to walk on, the trails to run, and the ocean to watch and swim in.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
My ideal Sunday . . . it’s definitely sunny and preferably warm outside. A ten-minute meditation undisturbed is ideal, and a cup of tea undisturbed too. I’ll enjoy a piece of my homemade sourdough bread and butter. Then outside for a walk, run, beach or garden play. Then followed up by a second, more elaborate breakfast.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
Number 1 and I think the most important, exercise! Any good exercise that gets your heart rate up and releases those endorphins. Second is good rest! Set yourself up for a good night of sleep and take it seriously! And third, eat good food—local as much as you can! One more: Have fun!
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