Orchard Street

kirsten shanks, founder, naturopath, herbalist & nutritionist

Why did you start Orchard Street?

I’ve had a lifelong fascination with the natural world, which culminated in Naturopathic studies. After several years in clinical practice I realised a general disconnect with our relationship to plant medicines, that they only serve as a prescription to be taken in times of need. While they certainly have a powerful place here, incorporating plants into daily life as a part of our food and beverage rituals can build a deep appreciation and reverence for their potential to heal. So this is ultimately the driving force behind all of our creations, to connect people with the life enhancing potential of plant medicines.

What did you have for breakfast?

After plenty of water and a bowl or three of pu erh tea, I always whip up a hot elixir on homemade nut or seed milk; usually something gently energising and awakening such as Orchard St. cacao or matcha, loaded with Orchard St.’s adaptogenic herbs.

Breakfast an hour or so later is often a smoothie packed with gut healing and purifying herbs, green algae, coconut yoghurt or kefir, avocado, seasonal leafy greens and chia seeds. If I’m craving something savoury, I’ll opt for a slice or two of sprouted seed loaf loaded with tahini, fresh miso paste and avocado with a cold-pressed green veggie juice on the side.

What is your biggest health non-negotiable? 

Movement. Be it a gentle morning stretch, a more intentional yoga or qi gong practise or cracking my little one up with a silly dance while making his brekkie… awakening and aligning my body with movement is a daily essential.

What is your favourite daily ritual? 

My morning practise, before the sun and my Sonny arise. Setting my ‘zen den’ space first by lighting some Orchard St. incense and moving into a meditation, tea and mindful movement practise over an hour or so… or until interrupted with morning cuddles!

What is your biggest indulgence? 

Beautifully, consciously made food and beverage products. Be it a locally made ferment, handcrafted chocolates, natural wine or hand harvested tea. We are surrounded in Australia and New Zealand by some of the most epic and ingenious creators who I will happily spent all my spare pennies to support!

What does sustainability mean to you?

It’s a way of life, a constant journey of improvement. It’s in the small choices we make each day in food choices we make, the way we run our homes, our businesses and the discussions we have with our kids. It’s who we choose to support with our purchases and the involvement we choose to have in the making of policies.

What does luxury mean to you?  

Basking, luxuriating in the moment; be it over a beautiful meal, loving company or snuggling in fresh linen sheets.