Self Care is Self Love: Q&A Interview with Wisconsin Maker Lenora Organics
Sep 19 , 2023
2 Comments
Join us as we dive into all things self care, certified organic minerals and locally made skincare products with the lovely Lenora Organics.
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About me: Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi there, my name is Jenn, and I am the owner/operator of Lenora - a skincare line that is created in small batches using skin nourishing ingredients. All the ingredients are mindfully sourced, and most are certified organic, which means that they are not grown with chemicals or pesticides. I love to support organic farmers! Lenora products are housed in eco friendly packaging (as much as possible) such as paperboard tubes + glass bottles and jars.
The name Lenora was from my Norwegian Grandmother, she was the loveliest person and taught me self-care at a young age.
How did you get your start as a small business?
It started when it was difficult to find a simple, organic product to cleanse my problematic skin… a product that didn’t have loads of chemicals or ingredients that you could not pronounce. My research and experimentation led me to create a super simple cleanser with just a few organic ingredients. My skin loved it, and I thought that others might like it as well…. so Lenora was born. I received such great feedback and support that I started branching into lip, body, and aromatherapy care.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a small business as a maker?
Don’t be hard on yourself- and please don’t rush it, let the nudges from the universe lead your way. Also, making mistakes and failing is a GREAT thing. I have created my most popular products by failing terribly, it always led to the aha moment. Most importantly, don’t give up!
Tell us about your artistic process! What do you love about it?
You won’t find me without a notebook of some sort - you never know when or where an idea will strike. I find that being out in nature gives me the BEST thoughts! If I’m not in nature, I love to create or research in the afternoons when my energy levels are high and my mind is clear. Blasting music is a must… jazz or classical helps me to concentrate, getting the juices flowing. I also love to think about self-care practices when I create new products… how it might relax someone or calm their nerves after a long day.
What inspires you most as an artist?
It brings me so much joy to know that our community can benefit from my products, and it’s so nice to be able to control every ingredient that goes into every product, no ghost ingredients. I also love being able to create something new, experimenting with new ingredients and formulas. Some work, some don’t, but you just keep going.
Can you share with us some of your favorite North Shore locations?
Escaping to the North Shore is a must and a favorite is Lutsen, a quick stop for Fika coffee and then continuing to Grand Marais for a bite to eat and sightseeing. Since Autumn is my season, hitting the Superior Hiking Trail for leaf peeping is good for the soul! We live in the best area for this.
Here at North & Shore we are all about supporting our community. Who are some of your favorite makers/small businesses to support?
There are really too many to mention, I don’t want to leave anyone out! But, I love to support as many as possible. We live in such a beautiful area and it’s fun to adventure out to all the shops, coffeehouses, etc… local is always best!
What is a favorite adventure, nature, or everyday
quote you love?
“Allow yourself the things you need right now. Whether that’s space, rest, support, or something else, know that you are not a burden for taking care of yourself.”
— TWLOHA
I actually have this quote written down in a lot of places to remind myself. It means a lot to me, as I am a caregiver to my Father. If I didn’t take the time to breathe, exercise, and enjoy nature, it would be very difficult to give him the help he needs- it’s so important. I can’t stress it enough. Self-care is so important and when we don’t take the time for ourselves, we tend to burn out very quickly. As you might know, it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup. Please allow yourself that time. It can take on many forms; a little walk in the woods, sipping tea, yoga, meditation, facial masks + baths. It’s whatever you want it to be - something that allows you to unwind. Everyday might look different, some days you may have more time than others. Even ten to fifteen minutes a day does wonders for mental + physical health. If you look at my calendar, a bit of time is carved out for self-care, so I don’t forget… it’s too easy to get lost in the day otherwise.
Maker Highlight:
Lenora Organics is our self-care guru. Based out of Superior, WI.
Jenn has taken her passion for self-care and curated a business that mindfully sources organic ingredients to bring us small batches of skincare products. Lenora is a business of quality and intentionality. Shop a wide variety of her line in store and online.
2 Comments
Denise
I love Jenn’s products…………Most of all Jenn is all about helping people. She will donate a percent of her profits to different organizations. Jenn believes in giving back with whatever she can. One of my favorite things to do is meet up with Jenn and enjoy a cup of organic tea and visit. She is a breath of sunshine to me.💕🌞
Lynne
Lenora is so great!! I use so many products, gave myself a self care pampering just the other night with a foot soak, following up with some silky Lenora Foot Butter!!! Heavenly.