A love note to our waterways

Hello, fellow lake lovers!

Spring is FINALLY here. 

In this semi seasonal newsletter, I'll share a little more about myself, the founder of Stella Apothecary, how I started this journey, and a glimpse of what’s happening in the coming months. 

Before I dive in, some thoughts on the power of this place (Lake of the Woods, ON) and how it’s shaped me over the years.

A love note to our waterways

Growing up between Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River, my core memories are of camping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming. I was lucky enough to have knowledgeable friends and family who loved to explore water trails across the Treaty 3 territory, whether on the Jones Road, the English River system, Lake of the Woods, or Winnipeg River. I'm so grateful to have had access to these magical places and for those friendships to share a deep love and curiosity for water exploration over the years.

My dad often reminds me “One day on the water gets you another day on land.” and I do believe it's true.

The lakes around here are still mostly frozen, but if you dress warm and get out in a kayak in a week (or so) when the candle ice crystals start clinking together and shimmering as they melt away, you’ll witness one of the most magical times of year on the water. There’s a good chance Green Adventures can set you up with the right gear for this kind of adventure.

If that’s unfeasible, find a safe place to observe ice melting away from the docks from land. When it gets a little warmer, head out to Rushing River or Morgan Falls so you don’t miss the magical moments of spring shifting into summer.

Being near water is energizing, healing, and calming, especially when we keep it clean. It’s important we do everything to protect it so our local wildlife can thrive. Let's work together to keep our shorelines and waterways pristine and free from debris this season. 

It was so great to see so many people out picking up trash this past week- especially youth. Keep it up!

A little about me and how Stella Apothecary came to life (feel free to skip to bottom to get right to new products + upcoming pop-ups!)

In 2013 I moved to Toronto when I decided to pursue a career in technology. That same year I was introduced to DoTerra essential oils, a company that ethically sources the highest grade essential oils from around the world. Since then, I’ve dreamt of creating my own products with these potent oils to keep my loved ones grounded, happy and feeling great.

Seven years later, in 2020, I was able to move back to Lake of the Woods to work remotely, which meant I could be closer to my favourite dog, Stella.

Stella was my sister, Sam’s family dog, who ended up living with me in 2022 as her senior years caught up with her. She’d often sneak off to wait for scraps from customers on the Keewatin place steps and was very lucrative at that! As she lost the majority of her hearing and eyesight, we knew her lifestyle had to change. Since she required more supervision, we decided it was best for her to stay with me full time as I worked from home. 

Stella and I always had a very special bond. We were especially inseparable during her final years. I made sure she could still do all her favourite things: paddle board, canoe, chase bush bunnies, squirrels and fetch sticks at the beach.

In 2023, Stella turned 15 and her health conditions worsened. Cushing's disease impacted her ability to naturally regulate her temperature, so she became uncomfortable in the winters and summers alike. 

We did everything to accommodate her and found creative ways to get her out for her favourite adventures like when we’d take her in the Bass boat. We’d drape the weeds we collected from our fishing lures across her back to keep her cool on the hot days. It works!  She loved to jump in the water every time we released a fish, which also kept her cool.

When the winter came around, both Stella and I became restless. Since we couldn’t spend much time outside, I dove into my long-time dream of creating natural wellness and skincare products from scratch with my extensive essential oil collection and plant butters. 

Late 2023, Stella became my muse and my studio assistant. She kept me in line with her strict medication schedule. As a creative person, that consistency kept me ultra focused and allowed me to harness my creativity effectively to become the happy scientist I am today.

If it weren’t for Stella, I’d have never picked up my passion for creating these products which is why I named my new business after her. Luckily I get to talk about her and remember her every day, especially as I work on creating products for you.

My sister, Sam also plays a big part in creating Stella products. She always shares the best ideas, like adding the ground rose hips in our new scrub! She often makes luxurious bath bombs to our market offerings when she can. Keep an eye out for them at the next pop-up! 

On that note, let’s chat about the newest Stella product + upcoming pop-up events.

NEW PRODUCTS:

Pink Rosy Scrub: Mix this scrub powder with your Stella Sunrise Serum or another light oil, like olive oil or rose hip seed oil. Massage into the skin 1-3 times/week to slough off dead skin cells. 

This scrub marries two forms of vitamin C - ground rose hips, and 100% L-Ascorbic acid, with natural ceramides from ultra fine rice powder to nourish and renew your skin. French pink clay draws out impurities and beet root brightens and reduces inflammation leaving you with a rosy glow. 

Rosie Gloss: Your go-to spring gloss for sheer dusty rose lips. Made with shea butter, hexane-free castor oil, silky moringa oil, spearmint and rose mica.

Brow wow: This Brow growth serum is invigorating and soothing with only two powerful ingredients: hexane-free castor oil and rosemary essential oil to promote growth. 

Follow Stella on Instagram @stella_apothecary to see sneak peeks of these products and you'll be able to pick them up exclusively in person, along with our full line at the events below.

UPCOMING POP UPS:

• MAY 3 - 10th: Week-long pop up with the new Adelina Jane + Babe In Bloom shop. We’ll have Mother’s Day gifts and more! 
  • Address: 213 Matheson Street, Kenora, ON 
  • Time: 10-3pm Tues - Saturday

 

• MAY 3:  Lakeside Yoga Collective Grand Opening at their new location.
  • Address: 1 Denis Place, Kenora, ON
  • Time: 3pm - 4:30pm

 

• MAY 17: Spring Fling market under the tent
  • Address: Jarnel Contracting tent
  • Time: 10-2pm

 

• JUNE 11: Our first Matiowski Farmers Market of the season
  • Address: Kenora Harbourfront

 

Thank you for taking the time to read, support and follow along. I hope to see you soon!

If you think a friend would like this blog, please pass it along! 

More soon, 

~Ali

PS. I need your help to win a Pitch competition through NWO Innovation centre! I am one of the top 5 contestants across a wide range of businesses. You can help me win the $2k People's choice award by voting between Sunday April 27th at 6:30pm CST and Monday April 28th at 6:30pm CST which is the cut off. 

To vote, text pitch2025 to (807) 698-0332 and follow the prompts. :)

Thank you!!!