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

Hi Dolores, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After becoming diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, I quickly learned that there weren’t many options when seeking out treatment. The only FDA cleared medication was very expensive , even with Insurance my cost was around $800 a month. I started studying herbs and their benefits and made a few products for myself. When I got the relief I needed from my own concoctions, I shared them in some Facebook groups and quickly started getting messages from others asking if I could make them some of my products. That gave me the drive to help others and “ Green Witch Products” was born.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I make products for vaginal burning and pelvic pain. The human genitalia is such a taboo topic, that often women would rather stay in pain than actually discuss their very private pain with others. I suffer from that pain, so I understand my customers 100%, and they are comfortable talking to me. When I first started selling my products there was a lot of ridiculing from strangers. “ How dare you name your product Happy Vagina!” Or why do you call yourself the “ Firecrotch Fairy”? They wouldn’t even listen to my explanations. But then, they would secretly order my products and then email me telling me how wonderful my “ Coochie Oil ” was, and they can’t believe something naturally made helped them with their pain. I have had Women reach out who were at the end of their rope, about ready to end their lives. I was their last hope, and I didn’t fail them. I use every single product I make, which means I also am the guinea pig for every product I make. I won’t sell anything that hasn’t helped me to relieve pain.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in a very small town near the foothills of the Sequoia National Park. I would take her to see the big beautiful Redwood trees which are famous in this area, then we’d drive up to my favorite place, Shaver Lake. We’d rent a small cabin , light a fire and talk about our vaginas! I know that may sound odd, but everyone with Interstitial Cystitis suffers from extreme genital pain, and yes, we talk about it all day long. How can you not? The genitals are located in the very center of your body. Your Sacral Chakra! All that driving we did , sitting for hours would put us in so much pain that we’d be downing baking soda water like it was wine. Unfortunately, IC sufferers cannot tolerate alcohol or coffee. Water is our savior!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Lisa Benshabat is my guardian Angel. Lisa committed suicide when she could no longer take the pain. I discovered her story online by accident when I was in a very bad place mentally. I have become very close with her Mother Gail, and I believe we were brought together to help spread awareness. I will continue to share Lisa’s story with others in hopes that one day Interstitial Cystitis will be recognized around the world.

Website: http://www.greenwitchca.com/

Instagram: @thefirecrotchfairy

Facebook: The Firecrotch Fairy

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