21 Questions With Elizabeth Ryan and The Medicinal Melange
As part of our ongoing craftHER Market, we recently launched 21 Questions—a series of short and fun questions designed to spotlight the stories, missions and personalities of our featured vendors.
In conversation with bbatx Communication Design Intern Eunice Bao, Elizabeth Ryan, founder of The Medicinal Melange, chats about her current reads, favorite tea flavors and having a grounding connection to the earth.
Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange.
ABOUT ELIZABETH RYAN AND THE MEDICINAL MELANGE
Elizabeth Ryan (She/Her) is the sole proprietor of The Medicinal Melange, a holistic vegan apothecary in South Austin. Elizabeth has been working with plants her whole life, but felt called to herbalism and aromatherapy when her daughter was diagnosed with PANDAS and total healing wasn’t happening with prescription medicines. The Medicinal Melange is focused on introducing herbal healing to the community and cutting out harmful byproducts often associated with western medicine. Elizabeth is a prideful South Austinite, skater, wife, the mother of an unschooler, co-runs CIB Austin, and works closely with local mutual aid organizations while finding creative ways to give back to the community.
HERE ARE ELIZABETH’S 21 ANSWERS:
1. What’s your day-to-day mantra?
“As we work to heal the Earth, the Earth will heal us.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer
2. Describe THE MEDICINAL MELANGE in three WORDS.
Accessible. Sustainable. Healing.
3. Why did you start THE MEDICINAL MELANGE?
To create valuable, accessible medicine for all
4. Craziest thing on your bucket list?
To form relationships with herbalists across the world and learn about their herbal traditions
5. What would you love to see more of from small businesses like yours?
To cut out the waste and plastics
6. No. 1 muse?
60’s Girl Garage groups
7. You want the future of Texas to look like...
A large community garden for all
Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange.
Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange.
8. First thing you think about in the morning?
I need to brush my teeth ASAP.
9. You can never leave your house without…?
Tranquillium, my anti-anxiety tincture. “Fight or Flight” mode sneaks up on ya.
10. What have you let go of this year that’s made a positive change in your life?
Saying yes when it takes up time I can't spare
11. Favorite small businesses in Austin?
Dempsey’s Official (BEST. SAUCE. EVER.)
12. Current favorite tea flavor?
Holy Basil and Lemon Balm
13. Hardest lesson learned?
I have to ask for help from time to time.
14. Something new you’re trying?
Qigong (life changing!)
Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange.
Photo courtesy of The Medicinal Melange.
15. Currently reading…
Re-reading the Hellbore zines
16. How would you describe your creative and production process?
Methodical research with a splash of Magik
17. Best advice you’ve been given?
“Everything happens for a reason.” - My mom whenever it doesn't work out in my favor
18. What does a day-in-the-life FOR ELIZABETH consist of?
Sleeping in, learning through experiences, working until 2am
19. Proudest career milestone?
Selling out at my first market
20. What do you want people to feel when they buy/use your products?
A grounding connection to the Earth
21. What’s next for The Medicinal Melange and yourself?
Mutual aid, in person shopping, and buying more land to grow and share
The Medicinal Melange is part of craftHER Market—our creative community marketplace nurturing homegrown artists, small business owners and designers in Texas.
Want to know more about our vendors? Our digital catalogue, crafthermarket.com, is open through April 30. You can browse 120+ vendors there online 24/7.
Some of Elizabeth’s favorites on the lineup are:
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