Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Mendez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Theresa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been a creative. It is who I am. As an Occupational Therapist, I utilized creative outlets as a part of treatment modalities. Creating soap and bath products was my way of turning my love of science and research into a way for me to destress and relax.
I wanted to use locally sourced ingredients to be a bigger part of the community. I discovered Homestead Farms in Fort Worth when my granddaughter needed fresh goat milk due to allergies, the next logical step for me was to create a wholesome soap with the milk. It was definitely a learning experience with many errors along the way, but the successes proved to be a step in the right path. Within a couple of years, I was consuming so much of the milk in soap production, the proprietress placed me on rations due to the need of the baby goats on the way.
Using adaptations is my jam, Texas Craft Beer was revving up in the DFW area and it was a viable solution to use in crafting soap. More research and learning transpired and I was soon crafting Texas Beer Soap Co. products. I loved the bold flavors of these non-traditional beers, with the variety of ingredients the BrewMasters were using. It fit, I began creating products for local Breweries and after before long needed production space, my stress-reducing me time was growing to the point I needed production space.
Soon thereafter, I opened Wandering Thistle Studio, a place I could create products, offer classes, Girls’ Night Out, and have a retail area. My desire was to be a part of my community. A place where people would find respite and enjoy visiting and purchasing gifts for family and friends, and a little something for themselves as a special treat.
What I gained from it was more than my heart could have dreamed. I have met so many of my community neighbors and their family members, both near and far. It is a special joy for me when they stop in to share their latest news.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the struggles, as I mentioned earlier was needing to resource new ingredients. Being a sole proprietor can be a lonely and tiresome job. Other bumps in the road were carving out a balance. Much of what I taught during Therapy was finding ways to achieve balance in work, self-care, and leisure. I had to practice what I preached. Being a new business in a retail space is hard work. Long hours, and always being “ON” can wear you out. Taking time for self-care was vital and that meant selecting hours of operation where I could be home on Sundays and Mondays.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Wandering Thistle Studio – what should we know?
People often ask me about the name and why I chose Wandering Thistle. I knew it had to have Thistle in there somewhere. You have more than likely seen these beautiful purple globes atop a spiny prickly plant. Thistles are strong, resilient plants and grow tall among the weeds. They are deeply rooted in their community, nurturing honey bees and butterflies, as well as being a symbol of loyalty.
The “wandering” is my need to be creative and want to help facilitate and initiate a creative vibe in others. Often times I hear many say they want to be creative, but do not know where to begin. So I wanted to have a space to encourage creativity within the Studio with make & take classes. I feel I have been able to establish a bit of this in our community and look forward to meeting more of our community.
We specialize in Goat Milk Soap. It is my first love. I also have luscious Peppermint Body Soufflé that my clients rave about. It is wonderful to use on your feet after a nice soak after being active or standing all day,
Something that sets me apart from most others in this field is my science background, and furthering my education in the Professional Study of Aromatherapy.
What am I most proud of as a company? Knowing we make a difference in the lives of others. Not just with our products, but with our genuine admiration and friendship with our community.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being vested in my community. Truly caring for them, inviting them back even if it is to step in and breathe. Most people walk in, take a deep breath and tell me how wonderful it smells and how happy it makes them feel. I love being able to share this. Everyone deserves to be happy.
Pricing:
- Most of our Girls’ Night Out and creative classes range 25 and up
- Our soaps are 7 or 3/20, with or Spa Salt Bars at 10.00
- Body Souffle begin at 12
Contact Info:
- Address: 643 Harwood Rd.,
Bedford, TX 76021 - Website: https://www.wanderingthistlestudio.com/
- Phone: 817.673.8131
- Email: wanderingthistlestudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandering.thistle.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderingthistlestudio/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wanderingthistl
Image Credit:
Evelyn Adams of espstudio
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