Earth and Soul Collections was unexpectedly created in 2016 when partners Brooke Rankin and Scott Lesage delved into making crystal jewelry.
“We had a date night weaving crystal jewelry for each other, we both share a particular love for crystals, and this was a nice way to share our creativity with one another,” said Rankin.
“Later that week a friend of ours kept inquiring to buy them from us.”
This inspired the couple to develop their skills and begin to offer jewelry and other holistic items for sale, settling on the name ‘Earth and Soul Collections’.
“Earth and Soul Collections was born offering gift baskets made up of crystal bracelets, wholistic Malas, artisan bar soaps and moisturizing Epsom salt bath bombs,” said Rankin.
The business quickly grew and became popular outside of their own region, crossing provincial borders as well.
“The need for our business grew quickly through Alberta and British Columbia which led to our thirst for knowledge about what else we can make from home and how we can make it without using harsh ingredients that are commonly used by large companies,” said Rankin.
The pair began to experiment with replacing other commonly used items in their home with homemade, healthier versions, which also resulted in a more expansive product line.
“Four years later and we have expanded into making many of the household items we use on a daily basis such as Earth Strong Natural Household Cleaner, shampoo bars, eco-friendly candles, smudging tools, pure essential oils and more.”
Rankin and Lesage recently relocated from Vancouver Island to Merritt, settling in on a Nicola Valley farm where they now make all of their products.
“We moved to Merritt, September of 2019 to begin living our homesteading dream and be closer to our family,” explained Rankin.
“We now have nine hens and have been putting in all our spare time into growing our own food forest on the property with dreams to expand our line of locally grown teas to enjoy, and seeds for your garden. All things available from Earth and Soul Collections are hand crafted by us from Tetrahydra Farm in the Lower Nicola Valley of Beautiful British Columbia. We also forage many of the ingredients that are used within our skincare, keeping us one step closer to nature.”
Brooke is also furthering her education in foraging and natural healing by studying to become a herbalist through Wild Rose College of Natural Healing. She is also an artist who has sold her paintings throughout Canada.
“I have a passion for teaching and a hunger for learning from nature,” explained Rankin.
“Scotty is our head Formulation Chemist and Certified Red Seal Chef. Together we follow our dreams of seeking new ways to embrace a simpler and more natural lifestyle.”
Lesage is also a certified yoga instructor, something that closely aligns with Brooke’s own focus on chakra systems and energy healing. Currently, he is also studying Korean Natural Farming, and experimenting with making fertilizers and pesticide treatments which are chemical free.
The pair have been pleasantly surprised with the reception they have received from Merrittonians for both themselves and their products, seeing many people drop by their booth at the Farmers’ Market, where they interact with customers and explain the beneficial properties of their products.
“We have loved connecting with you all through our first season living here in the Nicola Valley,” said Rankin.
When the Farmers’ Market reaches the end of the season, Rankin and Lesage will continue to provide their products via their website, and orders can also be placed by email.
“We hope to provide affordable, nature inspired products that are made locally,” said Rankin.
“Earth and Soul Collections is more than just a business; it is our lifestyle and we feel fortunate to share our Canadian labours of love with you.”
