Meet Sonia Folkner | Lifelong Student of Herbalism, Aromatherapy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sonia Folkner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I feel the most important factor behind our brand is that we truly use only planet safe ingredients . Our tag line covers it, It’s Naturally Skin & Fin Friendly. Safe for you and the aquatic environment. There is no artificial or what some companies are calling “natural” fragrance, we only use essential oils from plants. There are no harmful chemicals used that may damage the water supply. We only use vegan or beegan ingredients. We use all the biodegradable packaging that is currently feasible. Our products are effective because of the quality ingredients we use and the dedication to the environment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started out as a crafter. And even though I did the paperwork for my husbands business I was not prepared for a full blown manufacturing business. I went from making soap in my home kitchen to having employees, over 40 suppliers, 150 varieties of products, marketing, running a retail store, and still farming and managing a couple VRBOs. I delegated work to one of my sons. For years he semi managed the retail store, at times employees, and he was my social media guy. The challenge of losing him to his own business has now spring up. Thankfully my other son who did help in the product kitchen fir some time is now taking on more of the retail store.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my town I would suggest we eat first at Red on Main for the evening meal. It’s relatively new, with great pastas, vegan meals, and great drinks. Nice atmosphere and small, it’s right on Main Street. Definitely visit our store, Fountain Alley BodyCare, we’ve become a real staple on one of the countries best Historic Main Streets in America, we can go in and sniff over 50 essential oil soaps and buy all natural products for our bodies! It’s also really a great walk to stroll across the Ohio River on the relatively new bridge. There are trails and plenty of downtown walking with lots of shops! One of the classiest shops is Madpies on Main. The Ohio Theatre is a great historic building with actual stars on the sidewalk with famous people like Dean Martin, Shirley McClain because the movie Some Came Running was filmed here along with the movie Madison. There are also some great Vrbo homes to stay at.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Larry Folkner-husband, teacher, mentor, encourager Henry Masters-deceased grandpa, health nut, read everything about health
Iona Garrett- mother, first one that introduced me to wild edibles…dandelions!
Benjamin Garrett Sr.- deceased father, always content, happy
Clay Folkner – my first student and oldest son, started our store with us and worked there for 13 yrs on various positions
Luke Folkner – 2nd student and son, also has worked at our store making products to counter help for years
Harry and Ellen Graham- first healthfood store owners I met, very deep into healing
Jethro Kloss- Back to Eden author
Jake and Elizabeth Schwartz- our herbalist, mentor, fellow students, and friends

Website: www.fountainalleybc.com

Instagram: Fountainalleybc

Facebook: Fountainalleybc

Image Credits
Celine Girouard