One of the great joys of running a community-centered business is getting to know and work with the myriad creative makers and crafters who reside in our region and make up our merchant base. These partnering merchants are the cornerstone of our business and our community. This quarterly blog spotlights some of these talented folks and their inspiring, nourishing, creative endeavors.

1.How long have you been in business and how did you learn your craft?

I have been interested in Aromatherapy since I was a teenager. I always loved plants and the essences that come from them - their essential oils. As I got older I would purchase and test all different types of aromatherapy products. After not being satisfied, I started making my own. My products are all locally & ethically sourced and environmentally sensitive. I blend the essential oils according to their properties to set a mood, like PEACE or HARMONY for mists and candles. I utilize the medicinal properties of oils and other ingredients to create specific lotions, creams and soaps, as well.

Hank's Garden candles in a variety of scents — Creating a Mood

Hank blends essential oils according to their properties to set a mood. Madrona Gifts carries his *Serenity* and *Peace* organic soy candles, designed to promote a mood of relaxation and focus. Find *Serenity* in our **Unwind** gift box and both candles in our **Build-a-Box** store.

2. What is the guiding mission/principle of your business?

My guiding mission is to share the naturally extracted aromatic essences (essential oils) from plants to balance, harmonize & promote the health of body, mind and spirit. And to be able to do this without harming our bodies or the planet. My motto is EARTH SAFE = LIFE SAFE. (The unabashed environmental ethis in Hank’s business practices is what first drew us to his products.)

Bug Away natural bug repellent from Hank's Garden — Bug Away keeps the bugs at bay - naturally!

3. Describe your favorite or bestselling product in your shop. Why is it a favorite?

PEACE Aromatherapy Body/Room Mist is the first product line that I made, of mist and soy candles, and of course I used some of my favorite essential oil blends. This is why it's my favorite. My best selling product changes depending on the season. Right now it is definitely the BUG AWAY! Mist. (You can find Hank’s Bug Away! mist in our Great Outdoors gift box and our Build-a-Box store.)

4. In what ways, big or small, do you apply sustainability in your business practices?

I only use non-toxic, organic, local, and biodegradable ingredients to create the safest, cleanest & finest products for your home and family. I try to reduce my carbon footprint on this planet every day by recycling and reusing everything! I also offer a deposit on all reusable bottles and containers. (See labels for instructions.) I now use recyclable, biodegradable paper and packaging as well as plant based biodegradable tape. And of course all my ingredients are organic, vegan, biodegradable, wild harvested, palm-oil free, cruelty free, non-GMO, and free from toxins or harmful chemicals. (Now this is a business worth supporting!)

5. What is your favorite place to spend time in the Salish Coast region? Why is it special to you?

My favorite place is right here in the Bellingham area, more specifically, my own Home Sweet Home farmstead out in Whatcom County. It is special to me because this is where I energize, harmonize with nature, get my ZEN on, and create.

6. Where can customers find you, and what are some ways they can show their support?

I sell through Etsy and my website. The first way to support me is to purchase my products. You won't be disappointed - 100% customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Second please help reduce plastic waste. My products come in glass or metal bottles with plastic pumps or sprays. You can keep and reuse these on new refill bottles, which come with metal caps. Just take the pump or spray from the old bottle and put it on the new bottle. You can also save up the old bottles and request a prepaid label to send them back to me for credit toward your future purchases. In this way, we can all do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. (If you’re local, you can drop off used containers at Madrona Gifts’ studio, and we’ll make sure they get back to Hank for repurposing.)

Gratitude to Hank’s Garden for their contributions to our business and our community, and their stewardship of the planet we all share.

Merchant Spotlight • Hank's Garden