ABOUT US
Hello, we are a creative couple living in the Hebrides, sharing our love of the arts, ancient history, organic gardening and tea!
We realised the road to launching 'In the Hebrides' and our own range of speciality tea blends on the Isle of Mull began over a decade ago. In 2012, Melissa enjoyed working part time in a loose leaf tea shop, she received training by a tea connoisseur, who's enthusiasm for quality tea was contagious. Since then, as a couple we continued to learn more, began concocting our own blends - growing our own lemon balm, self heal & chamomile in containers. We swopped our over stimulating 2nd cup of coffee for a nourishing cup of tea, which led to our waxing and waning blends; we believe they provide an alternative that align with a slower more sustainable quality of life. Until we have cultivated enough plants in our own tea garden to share commercially, we have procured the finest organic ingredients for our blends. Browse options in our online shop here.
If you are visiting Mull - some of Melissa's artwork and our speciality teas are available in the lovely Old postoffice tearoom & shop in Lochbuie and some art prints are on display in the gallery of the An Tobar in Tobermory.
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For updates consider joining our mailing list below and read previous in the hebrides newsletters here.
MORE ABOUT MELISSA
- an artist / writer in the Hebrides.
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I was born in East Yorkshire but grew up in various other places. I have been dedicated to drawing and painting since childhood. Before I turned 16, I became self-employed establishing a creative life for myself - selling my paintings & bespoke clothing designs online. Before we moved to Mull in 2021, we lived in Northumberland where as a mature student I achieved my degree in Fine art. I continue to study Jungian theory, Hellenistic astrology and alchemy, exploring ancient sites, researching local mythology and plant-lore in the Hebrides provides endless inspiration. My paintings are infused by the surreal landscape, unforgettable colours and atmosphere of Lochbuie, where I spend most of my time.
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​I sell my work locally and in our online shop. I also write articles for our newsletter - an informal folkloric travelogue that's infused with time spent exploring and researching the mythology/ plant-lore of Scotland.
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For updates specifically about my artwork, please consider signing up for my seasonal newsletters here.
You can also browse my chronological portfolio of original paintings and artisan clothing here.
MORE ABOUT NIK
- a songwriter/ musician/ storyteller in the Hebrides.
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I was born in Newcastle and since my 20’s I’ve lived in various parts of the UK working in a variety of industries from the shipyards of Wallsend to Music Schools in Hertfordshire. I’ve always been creative, writing and performing music since my early teens. I recently completed my Masters in Music at Newcastle university.
Living on Mull is a huge source of inspiration. Anyone who’s visited the island will have their own experiences and story to tell but I’m sure all would agree its hard not to feel inspired by the stunning landscapes, ancient folklore, wildlife and dramatic weather. For me personally - its’ the knowledge that I’m witnessing a landscape or ancient site that hasn’t changed for centuries which makes the connection to the past even more vivid.
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My songs are available on a variety of streaming sites.
I am most active on YouTube so please consider subscribing and if you wish to support my work you can download my music via my Bandcamp page. All available here. For updates specifically about my music, please consider signing up for my seasonal newsletter here.