Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Briscoe.
Hi Lori, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Appalachian Teas & Botanicals was born from a passion for place. As a child, I wanted to be an Anthropologist and writer, sharing the beauty of the world and its cultures. Not far onto that path, I re-discovered my own place–Southern Appalachia-with fresh eyes. I felt called to be a voice of sorts, or a way-shower or a highlighter of the ancient and powerful practice of connection to one’s geographic home. I got an M.A. in Appalachian Studies, worked in different types of educational settings, even started a place-based, experiential community school, until I ultimately founded a business on the principle “Plants. People. Place” after gaining a certificate in community herbalism and apprenticing for years. It is a purpose-driven endeavor with a product–tea blends using as much regionally sourced plants as possible, that also serves as symbol, ritual and story. I am from generations of Southwest Virginia farmers, and this place, historically disparaged, is incredible: it is profoundly rich and diverse-biologically and culturally. Appalachian Teas and Botanicals and its offspring, The Appalachian Apothecary and our home, Phoenix Springs Farm, are about building bridges from the past to the future, sustainably and honorably. Our teas and botanical products are made of the pure magic and medicine of place!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Lots of laughter on the “smooth” road notion–absolutely not. It has been a long, meandering journey full of struggles, betrayals, disappointments, and unrelenting hard work. But I believe that when we awaken to the truth that life is happening FOR us, not to us, when we bless the hard as a gift of learning and growth, and realize that we have within us the power to create the life of our choosing, then ultimately we succeed. I describe Appalachian Teas as “tea that tells a story,” and it is indeed that. These products are made of the stories of Appalachia and its natural resources both historically and currently, of the farmers and wild harvesters who steward our land and plants, and my own story. These are ancient mountains full of wisdom. Our people and products ultimately possess that wisdom, for we are made of place.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am at any given moment gardening, gathering, making, writing, tending or dreaming. And always working. I am completely consumed with ideas I want to make manifest. I come from a lineage of land stewards, skilled makers and critical thinkers. I am always pulling from these perspectives as I create tea blends and herbal products, lead workshops on plant medicine, speak to groups, or work with clients on improving their health and well-being.
In addition to Appalachian Teas and Botanicals, my partner and I built The Appalachian Apothecary on our farm to serve as a place for folks to experience place on a deeper level. I host herbalism classes and am opening the apothecary to small groups who want to host their own special events in my beloved space. We will be opening the farm’s outdoor spaces–trails, camping, pavilion– for more experiences next year. I am applying my decades of academic, experiential and spiritual learning to every aspect of my work. Our lives are our canvases, our greatest works of art.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having a physical brick and mortar was by far the best networking for my business starting out. Closing it dampened the presence of my business temporarily, but it also alleviated a lot of energy leaks, both human and financial. Many of those connections lasted and led to fantastic collaborations with other herbalists, healers and entrepreneurs.
My business and its branches are as authentic as it gets. That resonates with people who crave integrity and authenticity.
I have been very fortunate to learn from some very special humans in a variety of fields. My herbal mentors were Phyllis Light and Cheri Wagner. Everyone who comes into our lives teaches us something–the hard lesson or the beautiful one. As an entrepreneur, I have learned to apply them all. Both grit and kindness are essential business tools from my perspective.
Pricing:
- $18-20 per tea blend
- $48-58 Seasonal Box Sets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.appalachianteasandbotanicals.com
- Instagram: appalachainteasandbotanicals; the_appalachianapothecary; phoenixspringsfarmswva
- Facebook: appalaachianteasandbotanicals
