July already? It feels like June only just began! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of preparing for and attending farmers' markets in Gardiner and Yarmouth. A huge thank you to everyone able to come out to either. It's been fantastic to see some friendly faces and meet new ones as well. Weather-permitting I'll be at every Gardiner market through the summer (although today isn't looking promising weather-wise) and I'm planning on every other week at Yarmouth, including tomorrow, July 2. I'll post on Facebook if I'll be missing a market for weather or other reasons. If you're interested in more updates and photos from Ridge Pond, be sure to like the Ridge Pond Farm + Herbals Facebook page and follow me on Instagram.
The latest product from the Ridge Pond Herbals kitchen is Roses & Honey Salve, packaged in either a 1/2 oz tin, decorated with dried rose petals, or unadorned in a 1 oz glass jar. The rose petals in the tins are really just for the pretty and a little extra fragrance. You'll likely want to remove them before using the salve (they come out easily). I like to remove them all at once when I open the tin and rub them with a little salve in my hands like a fragrant mini scrub and then rinse, leaving my hands soft, exfoliated, and smelling divine. This salve is made from fragrant, organic rose-infused olive oil mixed with beeswax redolent of honey and a little extra rose essential oil. Roses & Honey Salve is great on practically all parts of the body including the face, lips, anywhere needing moisture, and even as a subtle perfume to put on and not feel like you're overwhelming those close to you. Rose softens the skin and its scent can instill happiness.
It's been a challenging and rewarding experience learning the ropes starting this small business. Product making, finalizing packaging, attending markets, tending the gardens. I have been fortunate enough to have had a couple of bulk orders to fill over the past few weeks which have been great fun putting together (and thank you, thank you to those customers for your generous and early support!). Weekly product offerings to CSA members of Crooked Door Farm in Whitefield began last week as well. I'm also working on some exciting retail collaborations which I'll be announcing soon.
I want people buying my product to have the best possible experience, both in using the product itself and in the purchasing process. For that reason I am taking the time it takes, in the time I have, to make the Ridge Pond Herbals Etsy shop the best it can possibly be before its launch. I appreciate the patience of those of you who've been waiting. It's just around the corner! However, if you're really wanting to order something from me that you've tried or read about in the meantime, please email me at ridgepondfarm@gmail.com and we can discuss your order. If you're willing to work with a clunky, initial process, I'm eager to supply you with Ridge Pond Herbals products!
Welcome, July! I'm not sure how you got here so quickly but glad to see you all the same.