Conversations with Katie Sanders

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Sanders.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When my children were little, I was inspired to live a more creative and healthier life; this included herbal remedies. The world of herbal remedies captured my attention so completely that it has led to shops, books, and continued research for over 17 years. I make dozens and dozens of traditional, indigenous remedy blends for any ailment one can think of. My goal is sustainability and respect for the way herbal medicines are supposed to be made. Nearly all of the herbs I use are grown or harvested nearby in a proper way. I am also a weaver and painter. I weave medicine or prayer shawls for individuals as gifts or as commissions. As an intuitive, the prayers for what that person needs is woven into the shawl and an encouraging message comes with each finished piece. In my shop, I welcome artists and crafters to show their work and keep all their profits for a donation of their choice. I invite other creatives to come in the sit in our craft circle, have a cup of tea, and create, build community, and be truly seen. In my shop you will find herbal remedies, handmade body products, candles, hand dyed, hand spun yarn, fiber art, books that I have written, and the art of others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have opened four apothecaries over the years. I purposely do not raise my prices so that everyone can afford what they need. That can make it difficult to survive as a small business, but I always try again!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me a part is I am one of the few Apothecaries that is indigenous based, using local herbs and Cherokee traditions. My weaving seems to tie into the work I do as a Master herbalist, as I feel that sometimes a handwoven shawl acting as a hug can help people feel important, which helps them heal.

I make herbal remedies for everything from allergies to diabetes, to sleep and antibiotics, all from traditional plants.

My whole goal in my shop and my business is to create a place that is not just retail, but rather a place where people can feel encouraged, make friends, and build community. Our entire art space is donation based. I am proud that I do not put greed before the people in my area.

I am also a painter. I create mostly landscapes of places that hold sacred medicines.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is time in my gardens, hiking to find sacred plants, time with my husband, kids, and grandkids, and things like hot coffee, finding a feather, the way the sun glints through the crystals hanging in my kitchen window.

Pricing:

• All remedies are $15
• Medicine shawls $100

Contact Info:

• Website: https://farmgirlschool.blog
• Instagram: Farmgirlschool
• Facebook: White Wolf Canon City