Forage and Bloom is Closing - Last Call for Tea! A letter from Hannah xox

Dear Forage and Bloom Friends,

 

After ten incredible years, I've made the decision to close Forage and Bloom. It hasn't been an easy choice, and it comes with a mix of emotions—some sadness, of course, but also a lot of excitement for what's next.

 

After graduating as a naturopath and herbalist with a mission to help make medicinal teas more delicious and accessible in everyday life—to help people live well—I could never have imagined that my little idea would grow into a business that is now 10 years old.

 

Forage and Bloom has never been just a business to me—it's been my life. Each blend has a story, a purpose, and a deep connection to everything I believe in. Seeing them become part of your daily rituals has been the greatest privilege.

 

It's been a strange and relatively fast process personally coming to terms with the idea of my teas no longer being available, but rather than trying to sell my business or look for investors, I've chosen to close in a way that feels right to me. It might sound a little unusual, but these tea blends feel like family to me. I know every single ingredient, every ratio by heart, I've spent years repeating them. I can't quite bring myself to disconnect from my formulations, business or brand completely, so it will stay with me—like an old friend. This keeps the door open for future possibilities—while Forage and Bloom won't continue specifically as a tea company, I may use my IP again in new ways down the line, or I may not, but I want to keep it close to me.

 

It's been an incredible ride from the very beginning—starting with an idea while I was living in Italy after naturopath college, tinkering with formulating herbal teas and dreaming of what could be. I came home, started blending, and somehow, between managing Tonic Room in Kingsland and working with Scarecrow in Auckland CBD to formulate a hospitality range for their cafe, Forage and Bloom took on a life of its own. One day I was dreaming, the next I was supplying my teas to amazing cafés across New Zealand—it all happened so fast!

 

Over the years, I've had the honour of being featured in incredible publications like Viva, British Vogue, and the stunning book Wild Kinship - Conversations with Conscious Entrepreneurs. I also had the opportunity to pioneer and figure out how to manufacture kegs of sparkling iced tea to serve on tap in cafés, train high-caliber hospitality teams, blend delicious teas for high-end brands, and receive countless love notes from people who've found comfort and joy in these teas—there have been so many unforgettable moments.

 

A steady stream of enquiries of all kinds has kept my business alive and endlessly interesting, bringing unexpected opportunities and connections along the way. I've also been incredibly lucky to collaborate with amazing creatives—from my talented photographer who captured the essence of my brand from day one to designers who helped bring my vision to life. So many beautiful memories, and I have learnt so much - thanks to all of you.

 

And of course, a huge thank you to my incredible wholesale customers, who I've been working closely with to fulfill their final orders, so there is plenty of Forage and Bloom tea out there to see you through the next little while when you're out and about. I hope you will continue to support these businesses that share my ethos of championing quality, health and wellness, organic practices, and sustainability—they're out there delivering the best, and I'm so grateful they've been part of this journey too. 

 

I couldn't possibly write a goodbye like this without a heartfelt shout out to my amazing, supportive family and close friends—my biggest cheerleaders—thank you for believing in me, lifting me up, standing by my side through all the highs and lows, and always embracing my dreams. I couldn't have done this without you.

 

If you'd like to keep enjoying Forage and Bloom teas at home for a little longer, now's your chance. My website is open for presale orders until midnight Sunday, February 16—after that, everything will show as out of stock. After presales close I'll be doing one final herb order, followed by one last production run with dispatch the following week. If there's a tea you love, now's the time to stock up before it's gone!

 

I'm not 100% sure exactly which direction I'm going in next, and that's ok, but I'm open to continuing with a side of my work that I absolutely love and thrive in—creating and formulating. I'm keeping the Forage and Bloom name for product formulation, consulting, and botanical extracts for skincare ranges. My email remains the same, and I'd love to hear from you—whether you have questions, would like to collaborate, or just want to say hi.

 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Every kind word, every order, every time you chose Forage and Bloom over the years—it has meant more than I can say. This may be the end of this chapter, but I'll always be grateful for this incredible journey we've shared. Forage and Bloom will always be a part of me—and in some small way, I hope it will always be a part of you too. 

 

Wishing you the best for the future,

Hannah McMenamin