A Story About Work by Nature

Hello, I'm Fiona Yanyi Tsang, the founder and hand-crafter behind Work by Nature, now based in St Albans, UK, after recently moving out of London. Established in 2017, this brand is a reflection of my deep admiration for the natural world and its quiet, powerful beauty.

The idea for Work by Nature came from a turning point in my life. I was working long hours in Hong Kong, pushing myself to maintain excellence in a high-pressure environment. Surrounded by screens and confined indoors, I felt drained and disconnected. I didn’t know how to escape that cycle of burnout and exhaustion.

So, I quit my job.

Not knowing what to do next, I travelled to Kyoto, Japan, hoping to find clarity. As I wandered through the temples and gardens, without any formal meditation or prayer, I felt a deep sense of calm. The anxiety, hesitation, and despair began to lift. That was my first Zen moment, a reconnection with nature that felt like returning to life itself.

That moment became the beginning of Work by Nature.

I started creating jewellery inspired by the shifting seasons. Using hand-pressed flowers from across London and the UK, seashells from Hong Kong, and other natural elements, I aimed to bottle small moments of calm. Each piece became a quiet celebration of nature's beauty and a gentle reminder to slow down.

In 2017, I spent a full year developing my handmade brand in Hong Kong. Although I received positive feedback, I soon realised that sustaining a handmade business was not financially viable in that environment. As I reflected, I came to see that crafting did not hold the same value in the culture I was surrounded by. It was a painful decision, but I chose to step away from the work I had poured myself into.

For a while, I couldn’t even look at my earlier creations. Deep down, I didn't understand why I had to let go of something I truly loved.

Years later, I moved to the UK, and the change of environment brought space to rediscover my passion. The connection I once felt with handcrafting had never disappeared. The mindfulness, the textures, the joy of creating with my hands was still there. With fresh perspective, I chose to begin again.

This time, crafting is no longer just a business pursuit. It is a way for me to share emotion, cultivate connection, and honour the artistry of the natural world.

Local, Sustainable & Ethical

Now, I handcraft each piece from my home studio in St Albans, using UV resin, flowers collected across the UK (including London), and natural materials like Hong Kong seashells. I am committed to working with sustainable materials and mindful packaging. Most of my packaging is paper-based with minimal plastic, and each item is finished in gold or 925 silver plating to add durability and elegance.

Supporting local, handmade jewellery brands like mine helps reduce environmental impact while supporting independent creatives here in the UK.

Every necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings tells a story. Each one reflects the seasonal beauty I see and the quiet Zen moments I hold close. Whether you're in London, St Albans, or anywhere in the UK, I hope you feel that calm, joy, and connection in the jewellery you wear.