Hi! I’m Jessica
In this journey that we call life, there is one statement that I feel to be an absolute truth – the only thing that’s constant is change. We are forever growing, evolving, learning, changing. Constantly bettering ourselves – trying to figure out our life’s purpose. Asking, where do I belong? How do I get there?
I started my journey into herbalism in 2015. At the time, I was yearning for something different. Something that would give me a greater purpose and a path that would benefit the environment while making me feel whole. I found myself wanting to go back to school, and while researching institutions I happened upon an apprenticeship program. A six-month, hands-on approach to medicinal plants that would allow me to get my hands dirty. It was perfect and felt exactly like my style of learning. The late Judy Henry of Judy’s Organic Herbs was to be my mentor and during the interview process, she told me about Rosemary Gladstar’s course called The Science and Art of Herbalism. I fell in love immediately.
I first started this endeavour with a very scientific mindset and viewpoint, but the deeper I dove into herbalism, the more I realized that I had to unlearn (or rather change) my way of thinking that encompassed everything in a tangible way. Plants and nature have a way of communicating that our society has a hard time understanding. It’s a constant process to learn in this new way, and I’m grateful to be on this path that feels like home.
We felt called to provide people with products that are created in a sustainable way from start to finish. we strive to grow or forage many of the herbs and botanicals found in our products. If we can’t, then we source them from trusted local companies whenever possible. When exotic ingredients are used, they come from small batches that we’ve collected sustainably from traveling abroad.
Handmade Herbology & Of The Earth Soap Works both embrace an eco-friendly model and works with the land to reflect how we are all interconnected. Every batch for each product is a little bit different, but each one made with love and intention following the same principles of sustainability, care and balance.
Our tallow comes from Arc Acres Beef Farm in Manotick Station. Amber is a very good friend of ours and her farming practices are in alignment with our values. Her herd is grass fed and grass finished and free of allopathic medication of any kind. We chose tallow as our base ingredient as it has many incredible nourishing and protective properties for the skin. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin A, E, D, K & B12. It is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial & anti-inflammatory. It is very similar to the composition of our skin, and has helped people with sensitive skin, eczema and acne to name a few. It also supports regenerative, sustainable agriculture, which in our view is the best way to support a healthy and thriving ecosystem and the environment as a whole.
