I met Toni McMahon from Plant Essentials in October when we launched Chemical Free Community in the 
Townsville region. Previously a heavy vehicle mechanic, Toni took the opportunity for a career change and after completing relevant education now creates her own range of organic skincare products. I was particularly taken with her creativity with her Frankincense & Comfrey combinations in her Skin Tonic Facial Serum.
Q1. What do you do?
My name is Toni McMahon, and I am the owner, natural therapist and creator of all things natural in our Plant Essentials store.
We are Townsville North Queensland’s, very own natural and organic, preservative free, made from scratch with love, (no really, we do!). Aromatherapy skincare company and natural remedy store.
Our amazing natural, organic and handmade collections include
- Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
- Herbs & Teas
- Skincare
- Homecare
- Crystals
- Remedies
- + MORE
We custom blend Essential Oils | Liquid Crystals | Bach Flowers | Australian Bush Flowers | Herbal Teas.
No parabens. No sulphates. No synthetic preservatives. No mineral oils. No factory. No animal testing
Q2. What got you started in the chemical free industry?
I was in the army, looking to get out and start something new. I was already into natural remedies and aromatherapy, and was over being in contact with chemicals (I was a heavy vehicle mechanic).
My friend Jennifer Jefferies, who owned the Perfect Potion shop in Townsville contacted me about buying her business (one of my neighbour/tenants had told me it was for sale and I had gushed how I love the shop and would love to own it) – after about 1 minute on the phone I bought the store lol … It was originally a simple natural skincare and aromatherapy store, and from the time I purchased it in 2003, every year it has grown and changed with customer needs and new information.
We are now known as Plant Essentials and home is Townsville, North Queensland. We have extended the business to provide products to stockists throughout Australia and we run an international affiliate program.
Q3. What makes your product or service different?
We make everything from scratch in-store in Townsville. We source local ingredients and craft amazing natural and organic products. We love custom blending remedies too, you just need to book a time with me (Toni), and I will create something special, just for you. And of course we offer massages and crystal healings in-house as well.
We have a range of in-store workshops that are designed to help people along their essential oil and aromatherapy journey. We will soon launch online workshops in the coming months so keep an eye out for these.
We also offer a stockists program for anyone who is interested in creating a world of healthy living, by selling our natural and organic Plant Essentials Range.
If you are looking for something specific, get in contact with us, we love to help!
Q4. What has been your biggest obstacle?
My biggest obstacle has always been time. There is never enough time to do everything that must be done. From researching ingredients and remedies to putting together information and training for staff and customers alike.
We like to be thorough and ensure that we supply safe and sustainable products, and this is really important to us, but of course, that takes time.
We create everything in-house and crafting and experimenting with new products is what I love most, however, I have so many ideas that there’s just not enough hours in the day.
Q5. What is your most interesting/best TIP to help families reduce their chemical exposure?
Buy natural wherever possible. Buy from a reputable source and do your research. Small changes such as switching hand soaps, dish liquids, washing detergents and shampoos can make a significant impact. How often do you wash your hands, do a load of washing or wash your hair? Start making small changes and over time you will create a natural and organic household that loves and cherishes the earth.
Also learning to treat minor ailments at home rather than rushing to the doctor, can reduce the incidences of prescriptions being taken. Finally, try and grow your own food, or join a community group such as food for thought, for connections in your community. Each little step can help reduce your family’s chemical exposure.
Q6. Is there another non-toxic business that you think is great & would recommend?
The Organic Pantry in Townsville.
NOTE: MEMBER DISCOUNTS.
* SIGN UP ON CHEMFREECOM, IT’S FREE, AND ACCESS 10% OFF PLANT ESSENTIALS ESSENTIAL OILS & AROMATHERAPY BLENDS
- Click SIGN UP and create an account
- Go to your MEMBERS DASHBOARD click on MEMBERS REWARDS page
- Access Plant Essential’s Coupon code then
- Click HERE to go to the PLANT ESSENTIAL’S ONLINE STORE and enter coupon code at checkout to receive 10% off essential oils and aromatherapy blends
Plant Essentials are a member of the Chemical Free Community– Find their listing on the directory HERE
Chemical Free Community | Directory – is about education, awareness & making it easy for folks to find non toxic and less toxic alternatives (food, product & services including services such as hairdresser, pest control, vet services, dental, dry cleaning, schools not using chemicals, parks not using glyphosate, speakers, courses etc..) via our online global directory ChemFreeCom.com. We are focused on transparency, B2C, B2B.
- CREATE YOUR OWN ACCOUNT FOR FREE – CLICK SIGN UP
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- LIST YOUR NO/LOW TOXIC BUSINESS NOW – CLICK SUBMIT LISTING
If you have a business that offers a no/low toxic option and you wish to list your business on the directory please click SUBMIT LISTING on the top menu and complete the webform. Any questions ? send us an email info-at-chemfreecom.com or call Jillian on 0411246133.