MEET OUR MAKER CATHERINE RISING
Many of our makers are starting to return to work, including the intrepid owner of Catherine Rising, a women-led company that makes sustainable products in Upstate New York. Catherine Rising founder Catherine Constanza makes beautiful smudge stick bundles, hand-rolled incense, and apothecary products from her studio in Rochester, NY. We recently checked in with our maker to see how she's doing.
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ABOUT CATHERINE RISING
Catherine Rising is a small company that creates beautiful, original apothecary products. Catherine practices sustainability with her recycled packaging and supports female farmers and makers, from local organic flower farms to a woman with a goat farm who makes the company’s soap.
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Catherine Rising’s hand-rolled Incense sticks and a selection of multi-element Smudge sticks.

We caught up with Catherine in her living room during a “work from home” day.

What’s your biggest challenge as a maker?

Sourcing materials has been tricky. Since most of the crystals we use are imported, I was worried about keeping them in stock. Back in February, I ordered several pallets, and my studio is basically a selenite cave right now!

How are you staying strong and resilient?

I think the challenging aspects have made it so we need to be more creative across the board. It kind of reminds me of when I started the line and had less resources and contacts, and while it's super hard, it's also really inspiring.

Where do you find moments of joy?

Spending time outside, going for walks with the dog, working on the garden at our new home are times that bring my joy. I think the sun is helpful.

What are you grateful for?

I am grateful for orders that continue to come in, socially distant dates with friends, and long phone calls.