Hello
I haven't written one of these since my dreaded online dating days. Gah! Thankfully, the tallow business has brought more success. So, who is Tandee? Well most know me as a teacher. Some, a home-body, spending my time in the kitchen or garden. Others, a sporty, nature loving, adventure traveler and sun seeking girl. Or a creative, resourceful crafter. And others, a strong, independent woman determined to "do it herself". So why bison tallow?
Read on to find out.
My Story
I've been a teacher at the same rural school for 15 years. It's my second home. I love the community and can't imagine teaching anywhere else. Lucky me, our community also hosts one of the best outdoor farmers' markets around - the Millarville Farmers Market. It was there that I stumbled upon bison tallow. Well sort of....
Natural remedies and down to Earth solutions have been a part of my daily routines for as long as I can remember - an influence I attribute to my prairie roots and homesteading parents and grandparents. I'm a regular 'Susie Homemaker' - canning, baking, cooking, gardening, and whipping up home remedies. I frequent the market regularly and one day stopped to pick up some bones to make broth and suet to render for cooking tallow. Katie (of Mount Bison & Cattle Company) asked if I had tried tallow lotion. Nope, I hadn't. After extensive research into the benefits, comparing various additional ingredients, and adjusting the ratios and formula I was left with two small tins. One of which was snatched up by a friend, "This stuff is good! How much do you want for it?" I agreed. It was good. Hmmm.... I was on to something.
I'm no stranger to the vendor side of farmers markets. Back in Saskatchewan, from toddler-hood to my teenage era, and then right into adulthood, I tagged alongside my Mom. She taught me how to count and organize money, set up table displays, read the 'market', interact with customers, and the importance of community. Before I knew it, I was attending my first market, with her by my side. Full circle. I love the atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with the makers, bakers, shakers, and growers. Most importantly, I'm proud to be supporting local and promoting something I truly believe in. Skincare that is pure, ancestral, and the way Mother Nature intended.