Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Holdridge.
Hi Michaela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I grew up on the move, living in 17 different places the first 16 years of my life. I was a military brat. I attended college at University of North Dakota as a classical major at the same time as my mother whom attended for the P.A. program. It was then that I went on a 10-day trip to Haiti as part of her study abroad. That visit had a life-changing impact on me. I fell in love with anthropology and learning about other cultures. I became fascinated with the connection between culture, botany, and medicine, and eventually went on to earn a master’s degree in cultural anthropology from Colorado State University. I wanted to gain first-hand experience with ethnobotany- how other cultures use plants. I was lucky enough to be able to travel to different countries and Native American reservations to immerse myself in various communities. I camped with the Crow Reservation and was taught about plants like yucca, echinacea, and prairie sage. I learned about beekeeping and plant ecology in the Yucatan Peninsula. I became excited to put this knowledge into practice and later began blending herbs at home, making teas and tinctures for my family. I would have friends over who would notice the teas and herbs on my windowsills and be curious about them. They always sparked interesting conversation! I was teaching Sociology and Anthropology classes at a local college when a neighbor and friend suggested I sell my teas and natural products at a local farmer’s market in town. What started off as a passion and hobby at home turned into a business practically overnight! After one season at the Farmer’s market, I was able to open a downtown storefront in Tecumseh, MI. Today, I have my Anthro Apothecary storefront and sell my products in 12 other Michigan and Ohio stores!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business at the height of Covid is no easy task. People were frightened to be out and there certainly was a negative impact on sales for many businesses. For me, however, it was the perfect time to open a business! Our community really rallied behind supporting our local businesses. We saw great turnout on our opening day. We noticed that during the holiday season, people were buying more from local stores to try to keep the community thriving. We also focus on healthy, natural products, which seem to be getting ever more popular. We had the same struggles of starting any business, but our community really pulled together to support local!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have a master’s degree in Anthropology with a focus on cultural anthropology. I have taught college classes in both Sociology and Anthropology since I graduated in 2014. My first job outside of college was as an Executive Director for a non-profit where we worked to bridge together communities of various cultural backgrounds. My professional career has really provided the foundation for my creative and artistic adventures in opening Anthro Apothecary. I love teaching about cultures! I have a passion for life-long learning, and I have a passion for sharing this with the world! I offer classes at my store on everything from tea blending to infusing oils to making medical tinctures. I carry products that meet my values in supporting small, woman-owned businesses across the globe such as Ten Thousand Villages, Malia, and Fair Anita. I also love to partner with other local businesses to support our community. I carry products from local pottery artists, dried flower vendors, soap makers, local household plant vendors, and local coffee roasters. I meticulously research the ingredients I use in my products, the herbal benefits, and the cultural impact. I am proud of my degree, yes, but I am most proud that I am able to use all I have learned to create a store with products that are truly good.
What do you think about happiness?
As my husband can attest, I am happiest when I have one of those days where I feel I helped someone. Whether is it a customer who comes in with ailments, buys a tea or topical treatment, and then calls to tell me how it is working, or someone looking for the perfect gift for a loved one. I truly find joy in guiding and instructing others to grow and learn and explore. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are having a positive impact on your community!
Pricing:
- Herbal Hint $24
- Herbal Face Scrub $22
- Herbal Tea Blends $14
- Herbal Hint Coffee $14
- Healthy Formula Cuticle Oil $8
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.anthroapothecary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthroapothecary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthroapothecary
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6qPheEF2Gz8vxlV9HMXWw
- Other: www.herbalhint.com
