Mandi with Tolly’s Treatments

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? 
I grew up and went to college in Minnesota, lived in San Francisco for a year, Colorado for a year, and now I’ve lived in Los Angeles for 15 years! I’ve learned a lot about myself and different lifestyles along the way, but being a Scandinavian from Minnesota mostly gave me dry skin and a kind attitude ;) I bring both of these things with me into formulating skincare and aromatherapy products!

Tell us how you got your start? 
I began making the Citrus Honey lip balm when Brian and I got married in 2012 (my last name became Tollefson, hence ‘Tollys’). I wanted a non-toxic lip balm for our wedding favors and it was hard to find! So I made my own. It was continually requested by friends and family and I became enthralled with learning how to formulate more and more non- toxic products.

I launched Tolly’s Treatments officially when I became a mother in 2016 in order to stay home with my baby and still have a creative outlet. In 2022, I became a Certified Organic Skincare Formulator and began creating the formulas and branding you see today!

That is so cool. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Formulating products is a science, as well as an art. It takes A LOT of trial and error, feedback, and perseverance. I have the hardest time with my patience for something to click - but when it does…it’s magic!! That’s what keeps me going

What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
I LOVE the Hydrating Skin Repair body butter - it’s almost like a cult classic at this point, ha. I’ve had it since the very, very beginning and my customers still keep coming back for it. It smells divine (no synthetic fragrances, of course!) and is the perfect consistency, plus very versatile - I made it as a pregnancy belly butter, but it’s extremely healing for scars, stretch marks, extra dry skin, etc. Of my new Mindful Beauty line, I love most the intention: gentle gel cleanser.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
There are so many things I love about Pasadena, but the people top it all!! Everyone is so kind and interesting to talk with, always. And the food, I love the food.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
Before starting Tolly’s, I was working as a producer in live TV. Mostly award shows and live specials. I loved it, but I love this work even more!

Oh wow that is a surprise! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?   
This is a hard question for me because I’m in my era of working on Mindfulness and living each day - but I also believe in having goals and dreams! In 5 years, I see myself as a healthy, happy mom and business woman who is working every day at being better. I’d love for Tolly’s to be a full time income and generating profits that can do good for my family and community.

That is a great goal. Any advice for someone just starting their own business?
Keep learning. Always work on getting better at what you do. Be mindful of what resonates. It’s going to be soul crushing sometimes, but keep trying. It doesn’t have to be huge right away, gain knowledge and perspective and you’ll find the thing that works.

Great advice. Anything special you’d like to share?
I LOVE JACKALOPE! I am so happy to be part of the most awesome community of creatives and customers. I am forever grateful, thank you for this opportunity. Xo Mandi Tollefson

Find Tolly’s Treatments at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: www.tollystreatments.com

Instagram: @tollystreatments

Nicole of Mountain Essentials

Do you have a story behind your business name?

I’m not sure the best way to phrase this but Mountain Essentials is M.E. It’s from my heart but it’s also essential to have good skin care in the mountains.

Very true. How did you get started?

My daughter had some extreme skin allergies. I couldn’t find a diaper cream that worked for her, so I created my own. I was excited to see what else I could make. When we got a couple little goats I had too much milk. Read about all the benefits it has to offer our skin. Started adding it and haven’t looked back.

Very cool. What is a typical studio day like for you?

My typical day in the studio includes the farm and daily chores. From milking the goats, feeding the babies, mucking pens, helping does give birth, shearing the fiber animals. Farm chores typically take 2 hours a.m and pm. Then I head to the shop with my fresh milk in tow. After processing the milk so it is ready for soap and lotion making, I tend to the shops needs. Opening and helping customers. I’ll make products as the day goes if time allows. Then back home for evening chores.

What is your favorite part of being a maker?

My favorite part about the marker process is being creative and experimenting with new recipes. Filling a skincare need. Helping people with their skincare needs.

And what about a favorite product that you have created?

My favorite product is the Healing Balm. It’s what changed my course.

What do you like most about Arvada?

I love Arvada! I love the people and the atmosphere. This event brings me joy!

That makes us smile! What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I’ll be bringing all my favorites and staples.

Soaps, lotions, lip balms, healing balm, plus we are launching the holiday line! So excited to launch it. 

Find Mountain Essentials at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.mountainessentialsllc.com

Instagram: @mountainessentialsllc

Facebook: @mountainessentialsllc

Margaret

Do you have a story behind your business name?
The founding belief of my business is that we ARE Nature. So the name came from remembering that our innate wildness is what helps us reclaim our radiance. And everything I make comes from the land so I wanted to invoke that connection to Mother Nature as well.

How did it all get started?

I worked at Whole Foods in college, in the body care and supplement department, which is where I learned about non toxic skincare. But being a broke college kid, I didn't have money to buy those products so I started making my own skincare. 10 years later, I started my holistic health coaching business supporting women in menstrual health and fertility, and clean skincare is one of the topics we focus on. So I started the skincare side to complement the health coaching, and to offer simple botanical skincare that's so clean you could eat it.

That is so cool! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Growing some of the plants I use, harvesting them, and making them into products that are deeply nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. 

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Being able to work with plants and help people remember their connection to Nature through what they put on their body.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

I light a candle, listen to an audiobook (currently re-listening to Outlander), then get into the flow of whatever needs to be made. I also chant healing mantras whenever I first start working with the plants to invoke that loving energy into every product that gets applied to people's bodies.

Love how personal that is. What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

Naked Body Oil! As an Ayurveda Health Counselor, massaging your body with oil is one of the most highly recommended practices. And for good reason! Not only does it support the lymph system, circulation, digestion, and the nervous system, but oil in Sanskrit is sneha which is the same word for love. And your hands are an extension of your heart. So when you massage oil into your body with your own hands, it's a way to imprint self-love into your very tissues.

So interesting! What do you like most about Arvada?

I love how community centered it is, with a lot of focus on supporting local businesses.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I'll be bringing our signature line of skincare which includes herbal powder cleansers, hydrating toners, face oil, and body oil. I'll also have tallow belly balm for the pregnant people wanting a clean, non-greasy, and deeply nourishing balm for their growing bellies.

Find Wild & Radiant Botanicals at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wildandradiantbotanicals.com

Instagram: @thewildandradiant

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

Alicia | 3H Nails

I was born in China and raised in Walnut, California. This has allowed me to blend Western and Eastern artistic cultures, shaping my identity as an artist. My travels to various places have also inspired me to explore different styles in nail design creation.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influence?
In the current US nail design market, I predominantly see machine-made press-on nails. Even in nail salons, the range of designs offered is quite limited. My inspiration for change stems from this observation. When I examine those machine-made press-on nails, I feel they lack the soul of art. I am motivated to create nail designs that originate from an artist who is dedicated to designing increasingly beautiful nails. I also believe everyone deserve to have their own nail style.

We love that! How do you define success as an artist?

I view success as the capacity to creatively express oneself and derive personal fulfillment from one's work. It also involves connecting with and impacting an audience, whether through exhibitions, performances, or social media interactions.

Well said. What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Keeping up with recent trends is the most challenging aspect for me. I can't just create nail designs that appeal to my personal taste; I also need to research new trends and adapt them to nail art. Additionally, since some nails can be quite small, drawing on them is also a tough task.

I bet that could be difficult, patience is key! How has your style changed over time?

Since I also offer customization, my styles have evolved significantly. Some of my designs are inspired by my 9-year-old daughter, who is a natural painter with a consistent passion for drawing and creating art pieces.

Very fun. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

My favorite creation is the 'Magical Kawaii Claws,' which holds a special place in my heart. This design was inspired by a drawing I made two years ago when my daughter was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to stay in the Long Beach Children's Hospital for a week. Since I couldn't stay with her, I missed her terribly. To stay connected, I drew several pictures and wrote notes for her to read during her stay. The 'Magical Kawaii Claws' was her favorite among them. I believe the drawing gave her strength, helping her to recover and regain her health. This design brings back a flood of memories and love for me.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I often visit Old Town Pasadena for shopping, as the city always exuded an artistic and cultural ambiance, particularly with its architectural styles. The primary reason I didn't relocate to Pasadena was due to the high housing prices. My favorite activity there is attending the Rose Parade, a colorful and festive event unmatched by any other location.

Anything special you’d like to share?

Last year, I created four nail collections: Mommy and Me, Teen Dream, Eclipse Edge, and Heart Hue. Currently, I'm working on my new collection inspired by the zodiac. I'm excited to share it with all the nail enthusiasts soon.

Catch 3H Nails at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: 3hnails.com

Instagram: @3h_nails_official

Jen of Blue Heron Body / Home

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

Being raised on a hobby farm in Elk River, MN until I was 12 years old meant that I spent a lot of time outside…hunting for agates, running around in the yard, and climbing trees. We planted lots of flowers and vegetables and had chickens, cows and pigs. I loved spending time looking up at the trees and the sky and to this day draw a lot of inspiration from nature…trying to keep ingredients as close to natural as possible while creating soaps and scents that bring us closer to the outdoors.

How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success has a lot to do with priorities and values. Am I able to enjoy the journey of creating and running a business while loving my family and spending time with friends and recreating? Do my products help people in their own busy lives to spend some moments of rejuvenation feeling pampered and cleaner, calmer and cozier? Am I living and producing in a way that has minimal environmental impact and brings people closer to nature? Are we giving back in a way that makes a difference in the lives of women around the world? These are the things I think about when I’m defining success for me & Blue Heron Body Home.

Love the intention behind it all. How have you developed your skill at your craft?

Earning a BA in Chemistry from the University of MN Morris has certainly helped with skill and confidence in formulating and creating products. Also, having four children and a loving husband has helped with overcoming challenges in business. Family has been my anchor and allowed me to experiment with new ideas and creations over the years and I find myself making things that ease stress and bring relief.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

One of my favorite products is our bath butter melts. Baths hold a special place for me as I find lots of relaxation and calm in a candle lit bath. The melts are made from raw organic fair trade cocoa butter that supports the ladies in Ghana who hand process it. It is one of the smallest things (.3 ounces) I make, and it makes the biggest difference to my skin.  I enter the tub feeling tired and my skin feeling dry, and I emerge feeling relaxed and moisturized. They’re pretty great!

What do you love most about Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is one of the most beautiful cities and among the best places to live in the country! We have bike trails, walking trails, green spaces, access to water and transportation, a great food scene, and artists and orchestras!  It offers a place for everyone and is becoming more that way as time goes on which makes it hospitable and a great place to call home!

Catch Blue Heron Body Home at Jackalope Minneapolis on September 23rd & 24th, 2023.

Web: https://blueheronbodyhome.com

Instagram: @blueheronbodyhome

Lindy of Apothecary 19

Where are you from and does that have an affect on your work?  

I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but I have been living and working out of Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota for over five years. While Minnesota is my home now, STL and all of its fun quirky bits will always be deeply ingrained in my soul.  The biggest way living and working out of NE Minneapolis has affected my work is just the monumental support of the community. There is this really great cooperative vibe to the maker/artist community in NE, and Minneapolis in general. One like I’ve never experienced. And, well, Minnesotans just love to support each other so that’s been the cherry on top of it all.

Very true! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Oh boy. This is a hard one to answer. I’ve always been a bit mesmerized by other creatives in general - makers, artists, writers, musicians, etc. There is something profound in the ability to create something that causes others to feel and connect with their emotions. That admiration, and knowing I possess that same talent, inspires me to keep going when I might be in a slump.

When I sit down at my bench to create something new I draw inspiration from people, places, memories, books, music, or feelings and go from there. How do I turn this memory into a scent that evokes the same emotions I felt when I was living it? How do I make that resonate with others?

A certain scent can definitely take you back to a memory! How do you define success as an artist?

Creating things that I love that bring me joy. It's a bonus when other’s love them as well. As long as I’m making things for me and not just for others’ blind consumption, I’ll consider myself a success.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?  

It’s a coping mechanism. I have CPTSD and I’m a very anxious person. Creating is the only time I can quiet my brain. If I’m having a hard time regulating my emotions or my brain is in overdrive, getting my hands busy quells the inertia and brings me back to earth. Even if, sometimes especially if, I have to make a hundred of something. I’ll put on some noise and just get to work. I only have to focus on creating and that takes me out of a loop.

I also love doing markets. If left to my own devices, I’d rarely engage in social activities so getting out in the community and meeting people that either make or appreciate art feels good. It is great to feel a part of a really interesting group of people.

Love that. How have you developed your skill overtime?

A lot of trial and error. When It comes to making things, there isn’t much that intimidates me or that I think I can’t do. So I’ll come up with an idea and try to make it work. When I get lucky it’s a home run the first time, other times I have to go back to the drawing board once or twice. I feel like the refining stage is where the growth really happens and I appreciate that. It would be boring if everything was easy.

The biggest and most helpful thing I’ve learned is when to say this isn’t going to work and it’s time to move on. I think that’s a pretty great lesson to apply to all areas of life.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

When it comes to the actual making part, it is definitely the scent formulation. Whether I’m developing a scent for my regular line, a commission, or something that folks have strong opinions about, like a book character, I spend a lot of time and effort trying to get it right.

The other part of the process that can be challenging is the balance between creating and the other aspects of my life. Ask anyone who knows me well and they’ll tell you I’m a workaholic. When you’re lucky enough to have a job that doesn’t feel like work, striking that work/life balance can be really difficult.

How has your style changed over time?

My overall branding and offerings have been pretty consistent from the beginning. The biggest way my style has been transforming recently is where I draw my inspiration from. When I first started out, I focused mainly on memories, places, and seasons for my scent profiles. Now I’m sourcing more inspiration from books, music, and other aspects of my life instead of things that I know everyone loves or things that “make sense.”

It makes me think of that scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Meryl Streep’s character says, “florals for spring? How groundbreaking.” These days, I’m trying to stay away from the predictable. You can get that from Target.

What’s the best thing about being involved in the ?

Everyday brings something new and different, even if the process for everything is the same. My capacity for doing the same thing over and over is about two years. I learned this during my time in the trenches of corporate work. Being both self-employed and creative, I get to set the pace. If I get bored with something, which doesn’t really happen anymore, I just work on something else. I create something new. I don’t feel like a cog in a machine anymore.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Scent No. 13. I am obsessed with all things Halloween, spooky season, and the Occult; the weirder the better. When I launched my first line of candles I purposely skipped No. 13 because I knew I wanted to save it for Halloween. Honestly, I think the scent description sort of speaks for itself.

No. 13 is a scent inspired by the path of night. A love letter to my absolute favorite season of the year - the season of the witch.

Homage to our aunties and to our grandmas who weren't witches, but were superstitious. 😉 To the thinning of the veil, and the return to the dark part of the year. A time for resolutions for the year ahead. A time for contemplation and rest after the harvest.

It's the smell of spells—incense, sweet tobacco, the crisp air of a full moon's night, and the cauldron's spent ashes.

What do you love most about Minneapolis?

Everything. My husband and I moved here from St. Louis to grow roots and start a family because it had everything we wanted - good schools, great parks, fun things to do. The vibes are just different here. It probably has something to do with the brutal winters, but Minnesotans genuinely love this place and that’s really fun to be a part of.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

One question I get asked the most is, “why are they all numbers?” I did this intentionally so that people aren’t influenced by a name. When you’re looking at a number and a handful of scent notes, you get to decide what it smells like, instead of me telling you. Not only does this help folks branch out from a familiar scent, it also makes for some really great conversations at markets. It’s one of my favorite parts of interacting with my customers.

Catch Apothecary 19 at Jackalope Minneapolis on September 23rd & 24th, 2023.

Web: www.apothecary19.com

Instagram: @apothecary19

Michelle of Dandelion Naturals

Where are you from and did that impact your work?  

We live in a very small farm community in SE Minnesota, about 90 minutes south of Minneapolis.  We live on a 10 acre homestead with chickens, cats, dogs, apple trees, and gardens (when we have the time). While it's not a quick and convenient drive to Minneapolis, we wouldn't trade country living for anything.  It's peaceful and offers us a place to rest from the busyness of life. 

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Nature is my biggest influence! Nature offers us so many wonderful natural ingredients to use that enhance our health and heal our bodies. Nettle, Dandelion, Calendula, Yarrow are just a few ingredients that are available right here on our property that I use in our products. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Customer satisfaction and providing products that are unique and different from other makers. 

Does being a maker help you in other areas of your life?  

There is definitely something magical about doing work that you truly love. While it definitely has the 'grind' feel some days and has many highs and lows, getting to do something I believe in and am 100% passionate about for work is really a special thing. 

How have you developed your skill over time?

I simply don't give up. I keep trying until I'm satisfied.  I'm not ashamed to ask for help or advice.  I have failed at a particular type of soap process two times and haven't been able to perfect it yet.  I love to have a challenge to work at.  

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

I've never been fond of the saying "There's just not enough hours in a day." However, that feeling is truly the hardest part of owning my own business.  Going from hobby to business is another level; I have to prioritize my time to allow for creative work and product development. There are always 'business' things to do and they are generally not 'fun' things to do so it's vital to sketch out time to do the things that made me start this thing in the first place! 

What’s the best thing about being involved in the maker community?

Interacting with customers at shows and meeting other artists! And freedom with my time.  I'm busier than ever, but I have control over my schedule and there is no better feeling. I have a 4 year old daughter and this time with her is an answer to prayer. 

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Our cold process soap bars are made with 100% all natural ingredients and are made the old fashion way. They are what started Dandelion Naturals and they are truly unique. We offer a large selection of over 50 different options. Customers go nuts over how good they smell and feel on their skin.  We only use essential oils and we curate very unique blends that are different from other bars on the market. It's an amazing feeling when the smell and aesthetics of our booth at markets lure people in.  The unique smell of our product is always a great conversation starter. 

What do you love most about Minneapolis?

Opportunities! and all the beautiful people and the diversity. While I love living in the country, I look forward to my frequent travels to the cities. I've made so many new connections and friendships. I'm so grateful. 

Anything special you’d like to share? 

We are working on Shampoo and Conditioner bars for our next launch (date TBD)! We are so excited to offer this product.  I have been using them and they are a game changer.  No more huge plastic bottles taking up space in the bath. They are travel friendly and last a long time. And the best part is they are effective; my hair has never been healthier. 

Catch Dandelion Naturals at Jackalope Minneapolis on September 23rd & 24th, 2023.

Web: https://dandelionnaturals.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dandelion-Naturals

Instagram: @dandelion.naturals

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Yes! HINDES is the Old English spelling of my married name, Hynes. Historically, the name was given to families responsible for tending deer and it means "female european red deer.” You'll see a subtle nod to this within our logo, an H with deer ears.

That is so cool! Tell us how you got your start?

I've made my own skincare products using minimal, natural ingredients nearly my entire life. My products have been well-loved by family and friends. During the 2020 pandemic, I added CBD to my products for enhanced wellness and mood-boosting. By October 2021, I decided to make a business out of it!

We love what CBD can do for the body. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part is creating new aromatherapy blends! Essential oils have tons of uses and layering them in different proportions can really change the scent profile. Testing new blends is my creative outlet.

Fun! Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Notebooks galore! I make note of product recommendations and favorite scents that people have mentioned. From there, I review the healing properties of ingredients that would be best suited for the product I'm interested in creating. I'll write up several recipes to test. The fun part is the product testing! I'll fine-tune a recipe over several weeks until it is just right.

What inspires you to create?

Thinking of useful applications of ingredients, such as essential oils and CBD, inspires me to create. There's lots of room to play with aromatherapy profiles, types of products, and even how to use or apply certain products. My goal is to go beyond traditional avenues and to think differently!

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

My favorite product is the HINDES Skin Soother Body Spray. It's heavenly! While it's great throughout the year to moisturize dry, dull skin, it is specifically designed for after-sun skincare. It smells amazing - a mix of rose, lavender, and a hint of peppermint. The Skin Soother eases inflamed and irritated skin while adding a ton of moisture and it's light enough to layer under serums and lotions.

A must have for the lake days! Speaking of lakes, what do you love most about Minnesota?

Minnesota is an absolutely gorgeous state year-round, including all the lakes, hiking and biking trails, and even ice caves to explore!

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

There are so many HINDES products available on our website, but I'm just not able to bring them all to market. You'll see our best sellers, such as Essential Oil Rollers, Extra Strength Body Oil for pain relief, Soaking Salts for relaxation, Diffusing Oil for aromatherapy, and plenty more!

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 10th & 11th for Jackalope Minneapolis!

Where to see more of HINDES:

Website | shopHINDES.com

Instagram | @shopHINDES

Do you have a story behind your company name?

After not feeling completely satisfied with my business name for a third time, I decided to take a walk to clear my head. It was a full moon that night and I jokingly said to myself, maybe I should change my name to The Moonery Collective. No, that's silly.. I looked up the definition when I got home and beside the obvious of mooning someone(!), I found that a "mooner" is a person who abstractedly wanders or gazes about. I have always been a daydreamer and get lost in thought. So the name stuck! It's a homage to all of those daydreamers out there!

Oh we love that! How did you get your start?

I have been dabbling in herbalism and creative processes for twenty years and in 2019, finally made it official. I am a professional archaeologist, and while that is a fun and fascinating career, I needed a creative outlet. My motto is "where science meets magick" slow fusion skin and ritual care, blending traditional herbal remedies I've learned over the years with fun, witchy ritual things like intention candles and bath items.

Definitely important to have balance. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Coming up with an idea and then watching it unfold for both the successes and the ideas that didn't quite come out the way I planned. It is all part of the learning process.

Very true. Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

The first thing I do is sip herbal tea, take in a deep breath, and say, "You got this," then get the candle melter started. While that is heating up, I check orders and emails, as well as the low inventory list. Some days I just start creating without a routine and follow my heart. Other days I'm overwhelmed and sit on the couch ignoring it all!

What inspires you to create?

I love teaching people about my products and to encourage others to make or do what inspires them, even if it's been done a thousand times. I'm not re-inventing the wheel here. You can buy a candle or a salve from a lot of amazing people, but it's that connection and conversations that keep me going.

Love that. Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Lady From the Mountain (a line in a Stevie Nicks song, can you guess which one?) is my most popular candle. Made with my own wax blend of coconut, soy, and mango butter using only essential oils, it smells absolutely intoxicating and is so pretty to look at! The candle is adorned with botanicals and a crystal that corresponds to the candle to help set your intention. The candle is safe to use on your skin, too! But if I'm being practical and want to share my love of herbalism, then I would have to say the Colorado Crack Salve is my favorite. It's like a first aid for your skin! Great for dry, cracked hands and feet, minor cuts, bites, and even safe for healing tattoos.

What do you love most about Arvada?

I love seeing the mountains every day, it never gets old. Arvada is a cute town just down the road from Golden, where I live. Olde Town Arvada is really great - the shops, the food.. one of my favorite places to meet friends is The Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge, there is something for everyone and the people are friendly.

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of The Moonery Collective:

Website | https://www.themoonerycollective.com/

Instagram | @the.moonery

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I have been very blessed throughout my life with regards to family, friends, health, work, sports, etc. Pretty much all areas of my life. I attribute all my successes as blessings and gifts from God. So, when it came to naming my company, I wanted to recognize and honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I chose FG&M, which stands for Frankincense, Gold & Myrrh. 

Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh were the gifts the three wise men brought to the Christ Child, Jesus, in Bethlehem. These gifts were to honor him as King. In those days, frankincense, gold, and myrrh were highly valued and proper gifts for a king. Even today, these three elements are very valuable and quite expensive. Frankincense and myrrh have excellent therapeutic properties for skin and hair care products. And gold, well, gold speaks for itself. 

In designing my logo, I wanted a classic crest with a crown. Interestingly, the flower of the frankincense tree, Boswellia Sacra, looks like a crown, so, I asked my package designer to draw the crown of the crest to resemble the flower. The leaves on the sides of the crest are also in the shape of the leaves of the Boswellia Sacra tree. 

Very cool. Tell us more about how you got started?

After 24+ years as a Certified Public Accountant, I wanted a change in my life to do something different, something with my essential oils, something that would be healthy and good for people. I had been using essential oils for about eight years and had taken a couple of herbalist courses. I made various skincare serums and salves for myself and family, as well as herbal remedies for minor injuries and illnesses throughout these years. So, I retired from Public Accounting May 31, 2018, and set out to do something different.

I happened to buy my husband a natural shaving soap one day shortly after retiring from Public Accounting and noticed the ingredients – all natural and scented with essential oils. I thought, hmmm, I can make this. So, I started my soap making journey. After two and half years of researching, reading, formulating, and practicing, I launched FG&M Soapery’s website in October 2020. 

I learned early on in my research that the handcrafted soap industry was very much tailored to women. So, I decided to focus on men’s grooming products, as I had a great background to work with. I have a husband, a son, and two brothers, and I was always encouraging them to take care of their skin, and to use natural and organic products. So, focusing on men’s grooming came naturally with all the guys in my family. My husband and I are also avid golfers, so I had the benefit of having some of the men from the club evaluate products and give me feedback. 

We love that it is geared towards men, they need self care too! What inspires you to create?

I believe that the God given wisdom found in nature’s botanicals, salts, and clays hold the true properties and constituents our body needs to be clean, nourished, protected, and revitalized. Just as real food from the earth nourishes and sustains us on the inside, it is just as important what we put on the outside for nourished, healthy, vibrant skin and hair. This is what inspires me to create – all the wonderful bounty of plants, flowers, clays, and salts we were given to enjoy and use to keep our bodies looking good. 

That is inspiring. It is so important to consider what is in your skincare products. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of making my products is cutting the soaps. After making the soap, it stays in the mold for two days, and then another day or so after coming out of the mold before I cut it. I am always anxious to see it right away, but I know I need to be patient and let the soap saponify for a few days before seeing the end results.

Patience is not my strong suit, that would be challenging! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

In making bath and body products, it is very important to follow Good Manufacturing Processes to ensure the products are as safe as possible.

In a nutshell, my day goes like this:

• Print out the product batch sheet

• Sanitize work area, equipment, and utensils

• Get out the ingredients and log the ingredient info on the batch sheet

• Weigh and mix ingredients for what is being made that day

• Record any notes on the batch sheet

• Clean up, wash equipment/utensils, and sanitize work area

Other tasks of the day include packaging and labeling finished products, fulfilling any online orders, or working on formulating new products.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

My favorite creations are my salt soaps. I use real stones from nature as my inspiration and try to design the soaps to look like the stones. Theses soaps are difficult to make for two reasons; 1) salt soap sets up very quickly, so I must work fast, and 2) it was challenging to get the colors right. I only use plants or clays as color, so getting the colors close to the natural stones’ color was a challenge. I often display the actual stones next to the salt soaps in my booth.

That is so unique! Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

In addition to my current product range of shaving soaps, beard oil, mustache wax, bath soaps, and lip balm, I will be bringing a special limited addition Jackalope Soap. 

Love it!! What do you love most about Pasadena?

That is a hard question because there are so many things that make Pasadena a great city. If I had to pick one thing, I would say it is the arts - the museums, botanical gardens, and of course the most wonderful natural art display ever – the Rose Parade.

We can’t wait to see you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of FG&M Soapery:

Website | https://fgmsoapery.com/

Instagram | @fgmsoapery