Our Story

Bringing Mindfulness to Australia Since 2020

At TidalMind, we believe in the power of presence and conscious living to transform lives and communities.

TidalMind founders meditating on Australian beach

Our Journey

TidalMind began as a simple idea shared between two friends, Emma Chen and Michael Harrison, during a mindfulness retreat in Byron Bay in late 2019. Both had experienced the transformative power of mindfulness practices in their own lives – Emma through her recovery from corporate burnout, and Michael through navigating grief after losing a family member.

In early 2020, as the world faced unprecedented challenges, Emma and Michael recognized that their community needed mindfulness resources more than ever. They launched TidalMind from Emma's small apartment in Sydney, initially offering virtual meditation sessions and a small collection of curated mindfulness books.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. What began as weekly online gatherings quickly grew into a movement. By mid-2020, TidalMind had expanded to include Australian-made meditation cushions, locally designed mindfulness posters, and a range of carefully selected wellness items.

In 2021, we opened our first physical space in Byron Bay – a mindfulness studio and retail space that embodies our philosophy of conscious living. Today, TidalMind has grown to a team of passionate mindfulness advocates serving communities across Australia through our online store, physical locations in Sydney and Byron Bay, and regular events and retreats.

Throughout our growth, we've remained committed to our founding principles: making mindfulness accessible to all, supporting sustainable practices, and fostering genuine community connections.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

To make mindfulness and conscious living accessible and relevant for modern Australians, providing resources and community support that empower individuals to live with greater awareness, compassion, and purpose.

Authenticity

We embrace and share mindfulness practices with honesty, recognizing that the journey is ongoing and unique for each person. We commit to genuine representation in all our communications and relationships.

Accessibility

We believe mindfulness should be available to everyone, regardless of background or experience. We create resources that are approachable, practical, and relevant to contemporary Australian life.

Community

We foster meaningful connections between individuals on the path of conscious living. We believe that collective practice strengthens personal growth and creates ripples of positive change throughout society.

Sustainability

We honor our interconnection with the natural world through mindful business practices. We prioritize locally-made products, sustainable materials, and partnerships with environmentally-conscious suppliers.

Quality

We curate and create products with intention and care, focusing on craftsmanship, durability, and thoughtful design. We believe that mindful objects should bring both function and beauty to daily life.

Growth

We embrace continuous learning and evolution, both personally and as an organization. We remain open to new perspectives and approaches to mindfulness and wellbeing.

Meet Our Team

The passionate minds behind TidalMind

Emma Chen - Founder

Emma Chen

Co-Founder & CEO

Former corporate executive who discovered mindfulness during her burnout recovery journey. Emma brings her organizational expertise and personal passion to TidalMind's mission. She leads our strategic vision and community partnerships.

Michael Harrison - Founder

Michael Harrison

Co-Founder & Creative Director

Former design professor with over 15 years of meditation practice. Michael oversees our product development and visual identity, ensuring every item reflects our commitment to mindfulness, beauty, and functionality.

Leila Patel - Mindfulness Director

Leila Patel

Mindfulness Director

Clinical psychologist and certified mindfulness teacher with 10+ years of experience. Leila develops our mindfulness content, leads our teacher training programs, and ensures our approaches are evidence-based and accessible.

James Turner - Operations Manager

James Turner

Operations Manager

With a background in sustainable supply chains, James ensures our products and operations align with our environmental values. He coordinates with our network of Australian artisans and manages our eco-friendly logistics.

Our Impact & Achievements

Since our founding in 2020, we've been honored to make meaningful contributions to mindfulness practices in Australia and beyond.

Community icon

Community Growth

  • 15,000+ active community members across Australia
  • 200+ mindfulness workshops conducted
  • 35 multi-day retreats facilitated
  • Weekly practice groups in 5 major Australian cities
Sustainability icon

Sustainability Initiatives

  • 100% plastic-free packaging since inception
  • 5,000+ trees planted through our purchase program
  • 75% of products sourced within 200km of retail locations
  • Certified B Corporation status achieved in 2023
Recognition icon

Recognition & Awards

  • 2023 Australian Small Business Sustainability Award
  • 2022 Best Mindfulness Resource Provider - Wellness Australia
  • Featured in Australian Vogue, Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC Wellness
  • Named "Top 50 Purpose-Driven Brands" by Conscious Business Magazine

What Our Community Says

Sarah Williams

"TidalMind transformed my approach to daily living. Their meditation cushions and guided journals have helped me establish a consistent practice that's carried me through some of life's biggest challenges. The team's genuine commitment to mindfulness is evident in every interaction."

Sarah Williams

Member since 2021 • Sydney

David Nguyen

"As a busy entrepreneur, I was skeptical about mindfulness practices fitting into my schedule. TidalMind's beginner workshop changed everything for me. Their practical approach and beautiful products make mindfulness feel accessible and relevant to modern life. I'm now a regular at their community events."

David Nguyen

Member since 2022 • Melbourne

Eleanor Thompson

"At 67, I was looking for ways to remain mentally sharp and emotionally balanced. TidalMind's resources have been invaluable. Their books selection introduced me to accessible mindfulness techniques, and their monthly seniors' group has become a highlight of my social calendar. The sense of community is genuine and supportive."

Eleanor Thompson

Member since 2020 • Brisbane

Join Our Mindfulness Journey

Connect with us to learn more about our products, events, and community