By Ashley Morken, Owner, Unglued

When you aren’t finding what you are looking for you might just need to create it yourself—which is exactly what Jess of Rebuild Self-Care Boutique did! We met Jess at a Brewhalla Makers Market and love the variety carried in this tea-based boutique. Read more about this handcrafted maker you’ll find at local markets and beyond below!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Jess. During the day I’m a virtual banker in credit card customer service. I practice Taekwondo and frequently compete in tournaments. When I can make time for it, I enjoy hiking and exploring state and national parks. On other weekends, I spend time at my husband’s disc golf tournaments or local vendor shows. I am a proud sponsor of two tournaments (with potential for more) as I find supporting activities that keep people active important.

How did you get started with your business Rebuild Self-care Boutique?

I opened my business at the beginning of 2022 when I wanted to share products I used frequently with other people. I started blending my own teas because I could never find exactly what I wanted in the store. I learned how to dehydrate fruit from my grandmother when I was young and started thinking up new blends that would capture “grandma’s baking” and the benefits of tea. I source as much as possible from local farmers markets or local farms. And this year, I’ve even started growing some of my own ingredients in my garden.

What are your personal favorite items/ flavors you’ve created so far?

Since the ingredients are seasonal, many flavors are also seasonal. I also enjoy making unique flavors for events. For example, I’ll blend Apple Cinnamon Roll Irish Breakfast Tea specifically for the Apple Harvest Festival in the fall. In the spring, I blend Spiced Watermelon Tea to kick off summer. Then, in the fall, I find the best pumpkin and make a variety of Pumpkin Teas. This started as Pumpkin Chai but last year expanded to include Pumpkin Chamomile, Apple Pumpkin Irish Breakfast Tea, and Smoked Pumpkin. The Pumpkin Teas are hands down my best sellers and my absolute favorites.

You have a few other types of items available on your online shop that complement your own products so well! Tell us about them.

I order the soaks, salt soaps, and candles wholesale from a small business called Harvest Soaps in Huron, SD. The salt soaps were custom-designed and unique to Rebuild Self-Care Boutique. Although I don’t personally handcraft these products, I enjoy collaborating on scent blends and creating custom labels. The background on the Cedar Creek label is actually a picture from the disc golf course that hosts a tournament I’m a sponsor for. The salt in the soap helps give it a scrubby feeling. I wanted to have the benefits of a salt soak that I could use in the shower. The candles are usually a seasonal scent and a garnish to complete the “self-care experience.”

What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?

What I enjoy most about my business is brainstorming new unique flavors and designing my packaging, especially when I can incorporate actual photos of the ingredients used. I’m also enjoying the adventure of growing more of my own ingredients. This year, I started pumpkins and have a Chamomile and Hibiscus bush. And my proudest moments are when customers return and tell me they loved my teas and either want to restock or try something new.

What is the most challenging thing?

The most challenging thing for me is finding time for everything I’d like to do! I’ve learned to manage this by setting goals for myself that also double as boundaries so I don’t burn myself out.

What is one craft or art medium you haven’t really dabbled in yet that you want to try someday?

Something I would like to learn is more about gardening and canning food. I’ve grown a lot of fruits and vegetables this summer and I’m proud of how well my plants are doing! As fall rolls around, I want to dabble in canning to preserve some of my produce so I can enjoy the fruits of my hard work all year.

What is a word that best describes you?

A word that describes me is adaptable. As comfortable as the status quo is, I’ve found that success comes from finding what works in the current environment and trying new things that fit into my reality.