Meet the Makers: Petal&Wood

By Kate Love

Meet the Makers is a series on the makers and creators at Byron Markets, what makes them passionate about their products, and how to make a micro business a success.

We sat down with Mel from Petal&Wood to find out more.

Tell us about your business/product. 

Petal & Wood was born out of my 28 years as a Clinical Aromatherapist, specialising in Women's Health, Natural Fertility Counselling, Pregnancy and Birth. I desire to make products that inspire women to feel beautiful, uplift their spirits, create peace in their busy lives and a sanctuary in their homes. 

What do you love about the markets?

I spend weekdays mostly solo in my “AromaLab” making my products and designing for other companies. The markets are a really important part of my week where I connect with customers and they can smell my perfumes and mists. I love the atmosphere of the markets, and especially the camaraderie between the stallholders. The cool summer evenings, live music, great food and a relaxed crowd makes Twilight Markets my favourite.

What is it like to be part of the market community? 

The creativity of the artisans of the Byron Markets is astounding. I’m in awe of the talent of the stallholders to design, make, fossick or collect and curate their products. Not to forget the music, coffee, food and juice vendors that keep everyone nourished and happy.

I love that I can shop from local small businesses and the money is going to support their families and straight into our community. I have made the warmest friendships and network within the markets. 

What makes you passionate about your business/product?

Scent is my art form, it’s my favourite way of expressing my mood and intention for the day. The blends I make for skincare, perfume or creating an ambience in the home are all designed to make us feel beautiful, exude confidence and destress. 

How have the markets supported you?

The Byron Markets team and the volunteers have been a constant source of encouragement and support as I have been building Petal & Wood. Their holistic approach to the market cosmos has aided to promote my products face-to-face, but also online and in social media. I’m often contacted by people who have seen my products purely on the Byron Community Market Instagram stories.

The assistance that the Byron Community Centre offers to people in need in our Shire is a direct result of the market fees we pay. My own family is supported by my stall and I’m grateful to be a part of the Byron Markets community.