The Story of Your Only Earth
Your Only Earth was born from both lineage and necessity.
Over two decades ago, I began seeking gentler ways to support and care for my family after my oldest daughter and I experienced health issues. In an effort to detox and keep away from harmful ingredients, especially for my daughter who seemed allergic to everything, I began creating.
In that journey, I returned to a family remedy my great-grandmother once made in her island kitchen — Gramma’s Salve. It was known to all the islanders of Put-in-Bay, Ohio.
When I began making that salve again, first for my family and then for others, Your Only Earth took shape naturally. First named, "OntkOrganix" I began a few making products to replace others with questionable ingredients: something for the dry winter hands, my puffy, tired eyes, and then a lip product for moisture.
In the beginning, I had no intentions of selling these until my students in my elementary classroom convinced me to. What started in 2012 as a personal necessity, became a small-batch business!
First, I sold a few items my tiny little shop on Put-in-Bay, next to my BnB. (Most teachers have a summer gig and I was no different.) I had that amazing business for nearly a decade, and during that time, I had some major life changes.
First, I went off to Maui I went when my youngest left for college. I took a huge leap of faith and left teaching to pursue this life-long dream. I sold my products weekly at the Upcountry Farmer's Market in Kula. It was during that first winter, almost 7 months, where I formulated all my skincare products with the help of Maui people. I'll be forever grateful for the time I spent there - 4 winters - until Covid hit. I always said the time of Covid helped us all get clearer and it sure did this for me!
A second divorce, caring for my elderly father after he lost his wife, and then some happiness with my third marriage to a man I knew as a young boy during summers on Put-in-Bay...As my oldest daughter Anna said, "Third time's a charm, mom!"
Together, Tommy and I moved off the island of Put-in-Bay when I was just shy of my 50th birthday. I have now lived on the mainland for almost 4 years. First, to the East Side of Cleveland, where Tommy grew up, before a course correction to live closer to family and Lake Erie again.
We have settled in a magical property 10211 Harmon Road, in Berlin Heights, Ohio. Oh how I love it here...
My oldest daughter, Anna, once very sick, is living her dream in Colorado and my youngest, Meredith, is on the East Coast and serves in the Navy. Both are thriving and so am I. Life is good and I'm extremely grateful for all that I get to experience. The challenges of my life have become my greatest learning and growth experiences. And, I'll always know, "I am stronger than I think I am."
Love,
Christie