About Us
Tara and Kathy
About Kathy:
My journey began making natural bath products when I moved to the Pacific Northwest. I was studying under a Cherokee Grandmother and gathered a deep understanding of healing in natural ways. I have a very keen sense of smell and that lead me to aromatherapy.
I studied every book I could find and kept a journal of all the healing properties of herbs, flowers and plants. I began making bath salts in 1996. I wanted to create a product I could put prayers and healing energy into for people to take home to heal and relax.
I first started making the bath salts for close friends that were in need or interested in what I was creating. They loved them so much that it was suggested that I sell them. So from much encouragement from users of my products, I began to sell the bath salts in hopes of bringing sacred healing energy to those who desired it
As time went on I developed other products using healing plants. I kept expanding my knowledge of aromatherapy, herbal mixtures and inner healing. I welcome and relish the opportunity to combine my intentions of creating products that soothe the body and spirit with Tara. We make a wonderful team in every effort we take on together. Namaste
About Tara:
Through necessity in 1981 Tara began creating all-natural bath and body products as her skin and children’s skin is extremely sensitive.
During the years of 1987 and 1999 Tara Orlando owned and operated the Riddle Mill Organic Herb Farm in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. She has lectured and given many workshops in the subjects of home remedies, organic pest control, gardening, cooking, incense making, herbal cosmetics and starting your own business to name a few.
She has been featured in 3 public TV shows, the FX network morning show, and in numerous magazine and newspaper articles. Tara is fluent in the languages of Spanish and French as she grew up in the Dominican Republic, Switzerland and France.
She believes in paying attention to what is sacred and life-giving and has a deep respect for our Mother Earth. She loves the ocean, rivers and lakes – often can be seen kayaking or snorkeling, or hiking deep in the forest beside a waterfall or photographing wildlife, as being in nature nourishes her Spirit. The eco-tours are her way of sharing her enjoyment of nature with like minded folks.
Tara has also developed a passion for oil painting – a gift she received from her beloved mother – and her art has been displayed in various galleries and may appear on this website in the future. It is with great pleasure that I share this journey with Kathy Stone. We both enjoy creating all natural products that nourish, heal and please us. Thank you for visiting our website, and we look forward to meeting you at one of the shows or workshops in the near future!
Though Tara is not of Native American heritage, she is first generation American. Through her mother she is of Native Dominican heritage – one of the few Native people that Columbus’ army did not manage to kill when they massacred the “Indians” - though he did die in captivity after her ancestor became pregnant. This is a story that her grandmother and others in my family were ashamed of, but she is very proud of being part of Native blood – and celebrates it every chance she gets.
She is passionate about drumming – hand drums – and playing Native and African rhythms. Wherever she is, she either starts or takes part in drum circles. Please check out our Calendar and if you see that we are going to be in your area, feel free to let us know of any happenings of interest that you may wish to share with us – such as PowWows or sweat lodge ceremonies – both traditional and non-traditional. For sweating – We prefer women-only sweats.
Tara wholeheartedly agrees with the Lakota statement that “we are all related” not just the two legged, but the winged ones, the scaled ones, the creepy crawlies, the four legged – we are all one. We all share life on this our Mother Earth and it is our responsibility to take an active role in caring for our Earth. We all breathe the same air and drink the same water. While we are here, let’s celebrate life and do our part to stop the destruction of our beautiful planet! Be mindful of our actions and how they will affect the future generations.
