Growing up in the New York countryside l always had an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit available from farm stands. At those stands they had honor boxes where I learned about people's good nature and trust.

Summer days were spent at our log cabin (built by my grandfather and local Native Americans) on the lake. Winter was spent in the 500 acre park across the street from our home. Growing up with the changes in the seasons gave me a great appreciation of each season and the abundance and diversity they produce. This created my love of fresh food and nature. My Aunt was a gardener and had a passion for herbs and their medical properties. She shared her wisdom and excitement with me. As a teen would kitchen formulate products for my skin and hair and search for all books I could find on natural skincare.

As a young woman I traveled west and ended up in Hawaii. backpacked around the Islands, researching the beautiful plants and working for the conservation department in Kauai. This is when my passion for botanicals and conservation came together.