2022: Gift Guide by Handmade Arcade
“…we love how Trail Botanica is committed to sustainability initiatives in and around the outdoor community.”
2021 13 Zero Waste Beauty Brands by Sustainable Jungle
“Their no waste beauty products are entirely vegan and cruelty-free, as well as palm oil-free.
Products come in either reusable stainless steel tins or compostable cardboard push sticks.”
2020 15 Zero Waste Deodorants for Plastic Free Performance by Sustainable Jungle
“With earthy-inspired and gender-neutral scents, these deodorants in a paper tube are a good zero waste natural deodorant for men.”
2019 Top 10 Zero-Waste Skincare Brands by Repurpose
“[Trail Botanica] is helping outdoor enthusiasts keep their skin in good shape throughout their adventures and spontaneous trips. The products are specifically curated to protect sensitive skin from the harsh conditions like dirt, wind and rain. Their packaging is 100% zero waste and their products use ethically and locally sourced ingredients.
The brand offers sunscreens, deodorants and muscle balm are just a few in their long list of products. [Trail Botanica] is also one of the most affordable zero waste skincare brands on the market today.”
2018 Kiva Borrowers to Thriving Business by Kiva
“Eryn of Pittsburgh considers herself a “first-generation city woman, with nature in her heart.” Influenced by both urban and rural lifestyles as she grew up and into adulthood, Eryn became focused on “deconstructing and disassembling” cultural expectations for women in leadership, sports and health. Her store sells more than soap; [Trail Botanica] focuses on a variety of handcrafted and environmentally-friendly body products for outdoor adventurers.”
March 2017, Bike Pittsburgh newsletter and Women’s Month campaign
“My tiny business involves crafting herbal soap and adventure skincare to meet athletic demands under the pressure of a changing outdoor environment. I ride because it is always interesting.”
September 2016, PRINT newsletter by Ann Belser: Shadyside Farmers Market Season Finale
July 2016, The Cooperator by Kate Safin: Spotlight on Local
November 2, 2015, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by Patricia Sheridan: Seen
– See more at http://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2015/11/02/Face-It-Healthy-Beauty-event-held-at-Jay-Verno-Studios/stories/201511020004
October 2015, Boutique 208 Interview Questions by Tamara Barker
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your handmade business:
Howdy, I’m Eryn Hughes, the owner and adventure skincare maker. My products combine herbalism and aromatherapy for environmentally safe and practical use by outdoor adventurers who bike, hike, run, paddle or ski.
How did you come up with your business name?
In the 90s and early 2000s, I was a professional DJ, with the name DJ Muse. Not employing the cutthroat competition tactics observed in my colleagues, I considered it most advantageous to always be in a learning state; humble. This philosophy continued as my obsession with bikes turned into a mission of advocacy, with an organization I founded to create lifelong cyclists, called Velomuse. And now, I continue my pursuit of expertise through the senses with herbalism and aromatherapy, but am still closely tied to my cycling roots with the Woodsy Warrior, Bike Face Soap and Skin Salves.
Where do you live?
I am fortunate to work out of my Point Breeze home. My soap studio is mostly confined to an extra bedroom in my Point Breeze apartment, but it often spreads to the kitchen and outside deck.
Who’s in your family?
Our household includes my supportive and equally creative boyfriend, Justin and our two cuddly – yet demanding – black cats, Burrito and Toni. The cats hang out in a room treated with an air purifier when I’m using essential oils, because they metabolize essential oils (even in airborne state) differently than humans. Burrito would supervise every step of my work if she could, though!
If you could sit down and talk to any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would really enjoy to sit and have tea in the woods with the Dalai Lama, hear his laughter and experience his calm.
What inspires you?
I listen to music and dance a little bit every day, just to feel more like myself and not get weighed down with bureaucratic policies and the state of economics that can interfere with my creative process. I don’t feel the need to be the best all the time, but it is more important to make something meaningful in my adventures. When I’m not making products, I’m usually out in my garden or hiking/riding in the woods, and harvesting herbs for infusion into the products. The sun also gives me a lot of inspiration, in this way.
What is your favorite item you make for Boutique 208 and why?
Although most of my items are seasonal, the Meditation Mixer soap is a year-round favorite because the traditional cold-process soap is made with base oils that have been solar-infused with organic lavender, for a deep, lasting aroma that makes me close my eyes in bliss every time.
What is your favorite item at Boutique 208 that’s not one of your own and why?
This is very difficult, as I also seek meaningfulness in process which I come to learn through the makers and I want to support all my fellow makers. I recently bought one of Charmed by Jenn’s bracelets with the “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, it is one of my favorite quotes interpreted by many brave women throughout history. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at this piece, and coming to my own translation. In addition to the bracelet being made with strong materials that I expect to withstand many adventures, the quote is engraved on a piece of metal that resembles a military dog tag and I think, makes a subtle statement about how women’s rights is evolving.
What advice can you offer to someone who would like to start selling their handmade creations?
Talk to fellow crafters to get an idea of what is required, but do it your own way. Always be honest and transparent about your process, that is what gives your craft value.
August 2014, Pittsburgh Magazine by Leah Lizarondo: From Field to Fork.
7 Essential Farm-Sourced Gifts
➊ Apothecary Muse’s gardener and chef soaps and other handmade natural care products feature herbs from local farms. For example, you’ll find Quiet Creek Herb Farms essential oils in the chef soap and gardener soap. Other products, such as tinctures, can incorporate Healcrest Urban Farm herbs.
– See more at: http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/August-2014/From-Field-to-Fork/21
