Pouring Intention into Every Cup: The Story of Heartfull Herbals
Kathy Timmermanis, owner of Heartfull Herbals and participant in the Starter Company Plus program, has poured her passion for wellness into every blend she creates. With a wealth of knowledge and a genuine care for others, Kathy handcrafts organic loose-leaf teas and latte mixes designed to nourish body and soul. Each blend offers gentle yet powerful support for everyday needs like digestion, energy, and stress relief, all while embracing eco-friendly, holistic self-care. Kathy’s heart-centered approach shines through her work—read on to learn more about her journey, her inspiration, and the story behind Heartfull Herbals.
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
I have been a herbal tea lover for a long time. In fact, I really got into tea when I stopped drinking coffee around 2010 due to anxiety. At the time, I worked in a corporate job in downtown Toronto, and conveniently, there was a David’s Tea below my office. I loved going down there and discovering the world of herbal tea! After leaving the corporate world, I trained as a Yoga Teacher and later completed my Holistic Nutrition training, which further deepened my study of herbal medicine. I started experimenting with making tea blends at home, and when a friend asked if I sold my teas, I said yes! That moment marked the beginning of Heartfull Herbals, and she became my very first customer.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
Today, Heartfull Herbals offers organic loose-leaf and herbal latte blends that provide nourishment in every sip. Not only are they delicious, but they also deliver functional health benefits such as supporting digestion, immunity, sleep, and cycle balancing. Each cup offers both comfort and a sense of self-care. Furthermore, the ingredients are always fresh, locally grown or sourced, and certified organic, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
My greatest inspiration comes directly from the plants themselves, my garden, and nature. By connecting with plants, I gain a deeper understanding of how they can support people and how best to blend them together. In addition, I’m inspired by fellow herbalists and by connecting with people—listening closely to what they are seeking, what challenges they face, and how herbs can truly help.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
At Heartfull Herbals, what sets us apart is the way we weave together holistic nutrition, yoga philosophy, and herbal medicine to create teas that nurture both body and mind. Each blend is crafted with intention, offering clear and functional benefits—whether it’s calming stress, supporting digestion, balancing hormones, or uplifting energy—so they can easily become part of daily self-care rituals. Moreover, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from organic and ethically sourced ingredients to eco-friendly packaging and small-batch production.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it?
Heartfull Herbals applied to the Starter Company Plus Program with the intention of expanding our online presence and e-commerce offerings. While we currently sell mainly through markets, local shops, and word of mouth within the Collingwood/Georgian Bay area, our goal is to reach a broader customer base online. Through this program, we are excited to strengthen our digital presence, connect with other local businesses, and continue building community here at home.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about entrepreneurship that you wish you knew sooner?
I’ve learned to be more comfortable putting things out there before they feel “perfect,” and not letting perfectionism get in the way. After all, analysis paralysis is real—it’s easy to get stuck debating decisions for too long. Sometimes it’s better to just launch, and then learn from the process.
Describe a moment when you felt really proud of your business.
I felt especially proud at the end of the holiday season last year. Heartfull Herbals participated in several holiday markets around Georgian Bay, and we connected with so many enthusiastic customers! It was such a joy to see people excited to purchase teas as gifts for their loved ones. In particular, I was thrilled to launch my first-ever holiday blend, Festive Glow, and this year I’m excited to expand with a gift box offering.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting your business?
I’ve learned that I can be very critical of myself—too hard on myself much of the time. I struggle with putting work away, taking proper time off, and feeling like I’ve done “enough.” However, lately I’ve been practicing taking at least one full day each week without work or external commitments, just time for myself. It feels so good when I make it happen!
What do you consider to be your core strengths as an entrepreneur?
I’d say my core strengths are being organized and detail-oriented. These skills help with tracking, planning, and managing multiple priorities. Since there are always many moving pieces, being detail-oriented helps me stay on top of them and know what to prioritize.
What are your favourite local spots to visit on a day off?
I love the chocolate croissants from Espresso Post, workout classes at F45, and yoga at Power Yoga Collingwood—where I also teach Yin Yoga on Tuesday nights.
What is your favourite way to de-stress after a long day?
It really depends on the season! In summertime and warmer weather, I love going for a swim in the bay or puttering around in the garden. In colder months, it’s definitely about having a hot Epsom salt bath—especially with Heartfull Herbals herbal bath salts!
What’s the most random item on your desk right now, and is there a story behind it?
An acupuncture ball—the kind you use to roll out tight muscles. It feels great, and keeping it on my desk reminds me to use it more often!
What book, podcast, or resource has had the biggest impact on you?
I love the Farmhouse on Boone podcast. It’s been a big inspiration for years—covering homesteading, cooking from scratch, fermenting, and entrepreneurship, especially balancing business with family and home life.
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Connect with Kathy and shop Heartfull Herbals.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartfull.herbals/
Email: hello@kathytim.com
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography