Meet The Founder & Herbalist Behind The Rhode Island Based Town Farm Tonics
Believe it or not, my local brand was born 4,000 miles away… in Fiji!
As a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote island village, I was introduced to herbalism, and it changed my life forever. I learned there that “weeds” are so much more than what we think. Many of the plants growing around us have served as food and medicine for generations!
Fast forward 8 years later, and I’m now a practicing herbalist with a thriving business: Town Farm Tonics. We offer simple, delicious herbal tonics that support wellness through daily enjoyment. So, what began as making kitchen remedies for friends and family turned into seven tea blends, Elderberry Syrup and Fire Cider, sold online, at farmers markets, and in 50 stores around southern MA and RI! There is such a need for health empowerment and connecting back to our roots as humans. That’s what inspires me most — that our products can open a door to working with nature to be healthy. We always say, “your health is *literally* in your hands!”
It was with the help of my life and business partner Adam that Town Farm Tonics transformed from a fun “side hustle” to my full time job. He’s the one with the big visions and plans to get there. I supply the inspiration and creativity. We make a great team! One of the biggest highlights of this process for us has been witnessing the support from our community. We don’t feel like we’re forcing our way into success. Rather, we’re listening to what people need and serving our community. When we hear parents tell us how much their kids love their morning spoonful of Elderberry Syrup or an elder says they’re sleeping well for the first time in a decade, that’s it for us. That’s exactly why we do this, to make life better for folks and to put that power in their hands. It can be as simple and enjoyable as a cup of tea!
We’re creatures of habit, so one of our favorite weekend rituals is a morning in Tiverton. We’ll start at the new(ish) Groundswell Cafe at the Four Corners, for a frothy cappuccino and mouth-watering almond croissant. They have a sweet porch and fire pit, so you can enjoy an outdoor breakfast all year long! From there, you’ll often find us strolling through Weetamoo Woods. You can get lost there for hours, and that’s how we like it! Whether covered in fall leaves or winter snow, it’s perfect. It’s also a great spot for foraging! Our next stop en route home is almost always Peckham's Greenhouse. It’s a no-brainer in the cold weather — who doesn’t want to see tropical plants in November?! They also have the most wonderful holiday market that begins post-Thanksgiving, featuring all local artisans (including Town Farm Tonics). We always go home with a new plant baby and the most thoughtful holiday gifts.
This season we are so excited about our upcoming holiday markets! Along with our usual products, we’ll be offering 5 different herbal gift packages, and a variety of fun lifestyle additions like ceramic tonic cups and leather mason jar cozies. What’s better than giving the gift of self care, especially in these times? Market dates are always on Instagram, but some of the coming ones include:
Herbstalk Wintergreen Market, The Armory in Somerville, MA - Nov. 27, 11a-4p
Field of Artisans Market, Whaler’s Brewing Co. in South Kingston, RI - Nov. 28, 11:30a-4:30p
Hoppy Holidays Market, The Guild in Pawtucket, RI - Dec. 4 + 5, 12-6p
Holiday Cr[eat]or Market, Boston Public Market, Dec. 11 8a-6p, Dec. 12 10a-6p.
For the latest from Carissa & Town Farm Tonics, give them a follow @TownFarmTonics on IG.