A Natural Fit
“Our little catchphrase is ‘Supporting local, honoring tradition.’ We want to stay a grassroots retail with the focus of being an eco boutique,” says Lydiyah Sea.
For this Friday’s #InstaBoonies, we traveled up King Street just one mile west from the County Courthouse to eco-boutique FolkLore and spoke with the women behind the tradition. These women are Lydiyah Sea, Maggie Billing, and Sariyah Cray (Lydiyah’s daughter).
So what exactly is an eco-boutique? The title gives us a hint: it is a boutique that conducts business and uses certain products to minimize its impact on the natural environment. FolkLore sells local art and goods, organic and natural fiber clothing, fair trade products, gently used consignment, handmade jewelry, apothecary and botanicals, and crystals. And the list goes on!
Even within the name, Folklore focuses on going back to the basics. “We’re trying to work with companies and people who have high standards for environmental impact. We’re creating a wholesome working space,” Lydiyah explained.
Not only do they sell goods and art made my local artists, but they create their own products, too. Both Maggie and Lydiyah have been studying plants for a long time, so they use their expertise in making topical herbal creations such as salves, body butters, sprays, lip balms, and infused oils. They extend their herbal knowledge by hosting workshops throughout the year. “People love going to workshops because you leave feeling so fulfilled and inspired,” Maggie noted.
The ladies at FolkLore perform a balancing act of staying true to their roots and catering to new clients. They find themselves working primarily with women, especially mother and daughter duos. But they’ve recently remodeled their space, and hope to bring in more masculine energy and attract more male clients.
For FolkLore, supporting the local Boone community goes much further than selling local goods. They also host women-centric events almost every month. “We are really about drawing community together,” Maggie smiled. “Ladies’ Nights have been a huge success for us. Women love it. It’s a great time to come together, to connect, to heal. We always offer healthy, gluten free, vegan treats and herbal teas, kombucha, sangrias, wine and infused waters.”