About Herbal Oasis
In 1991, I worked at a Seattle-based store called The Soap Box. The shop carried bath and skin care products from all over the world. Bulk, unscented products were available and customers could create a scent blend or chose from scent recipe cards. I learned a lot about skin care, enjoyed helping customers find products that suited them and I absolutely fell in love with the creativity of scent blending and all the smells I never knew existed (I grew up on Ivory soap and 1980’s perfumes!). I knew by the time I left Seattle that I found my calling and finishing my college degree had become a formality.
Dream Becomes Reality
In September 2002, after 9 years in the Metro Detroit area, I moved back to my old college town of Marquette, MI – soon to be the home of my dream business of owning a natural bath shop. In May 2003, I opened a store with beautiful murals, antique furniture and a wide selection of soaps, lotions, body oils, bath products, accessories and essential oils. I spent a lot of time reading and learning about ingredients so that the products I offered were as natural as possible. I had a ‘Blending Bar’ with unscented bulk products where customers could select one of my Signature Scent Blends or make their own essential oil blend creation. Upon finishing the product, they could bring back their empty bottles for a discount on refills. I began dabbling at making my own products, starting simple with sugar scrubs, bath salts and sprays and moving up to body oils, body butters and more complex ingredient combinations.
Transitions
After 2 years with a brick and mortar store, I transitioned to a home-based business operation and started vending my handmade products at the Marquette Farmer’s Market and Michigan art fairs and music festivals. My product lines have expanded significantly to include a full facial line, baby products, skin salve, insect repellent and many more. The more I learn, the more I create!
I adore my face to face people interactions and all that festivals have to offer, but have since cut back on shows in favor of a more relaxed lifestyle pace and more time with my dog. I continue to vend in a limited capacity at my local Saturday Farmer’s Market and do occasional shows. I look forward to sharing my offerings beyond the borders of Michigan with this updated (and finally, properly shopable) website.
Marteeny
Inspiration for the Pet Products
My beloved dog was a rescue from Roscommon, MI Humane Society in 2011. Following a show at Earthwork’s Harvest Gathering, I met and road tripped home with my new friend. Marteeny was a 12 1/2 lb Chihuahua mix with a lot of personality. He was Cujo on a leash when meeting other dogs and generally aloof off leash. He was very affectionate, overly licky, the snuggliest lap dog, a total goof and had the best facial expressions. He liked to snuggle and sleep under the covers even when it was 80 degrees and wanted to be wherever I was. He was very challenging and peed on everything with stationery legs. He was total pain and I loved him fiercely. I had cats my whole life and he turned me into a dog person. I lost my baby Marteeny in November 2021, a few months shy of his 11th birthday, due to complications of nasal cancer. I miss him every day.
Rumi
The Inspiration Continues
Rumi is an adorable, 8 ½ lb, long-hair Jack Russel-Chihuahua mix. He is very sweet, super smart and very sassy. He is a happy-go-lucky guy who loves all dogs and humans. He likes to play more than he likes to snuggle but does like to sleep under the covers.
He enjoys napping in the sun, walks with dog friends, squeaky squirrel, barking at deer, cleaning dishes and eating yard salad.
He is an absolute joy.
