Apothika Montem Botanica joins Healthy Hippie Trading Co.

There always seems to be something new and exciting going on at Healthy Hippie Trading Co. and this month is no exception.

"I have been blessed with the greatest artisans wanting to sell their products through my store," said owner, Sarah Rose, "but I'm really excited to announce that vendor Luna Hicks of Apothika Montem Botanica will be moving all of her stock to our store, plus she will be here to help customers with things I'm just learning about, such as crystals, teas and sage."

Apothika is a play on the word "apothecary" while Montem means "mountain" in Latin. A Botanica is a small store that sells herbal and other traditional remedies together with charms, incense, candles and other items used for religious and spiritual purposes (Oxford Dictionary.)

"I have been carrying many of Luna's inventory and creations since day one but now customers will have access to her custom herbal tea blends along with her custom topicals," Sarah tells us. "Not only will customers have access to her products but they will have access to Luna herself as she plans to be in the store several days a week."

Luna is self-taught in her craft, starting in 2017. In 2020 she opened her first brick and mortar store.

"I opened my business so that I could educate people on organic alternatives to everyday corporate made products and help facilitate healing of the mind, body and soul," Luna said. "I do this using organic teas and topicals, crystals and other spiritual tools."

Luna has been very active holding events in her current location, including paint night, plant exchanges and other fun/educational events and plans to continue that tradition at the Healthy Hippie something that Sarah fully supports.

"My first and only event here at the store was Luna's idea, " Sarah says. "That event was so popular that we had a waiting list but I just haven't been able to find the time to do another event. I'm looking forward to doing more of those events with Luna in charge of them."

You can follow Healthy Hippie Trading Co. on Facebook and Instagram to be in the know about all the goings on.

Healthy Hippie Trading Co. is located at 20418 Brian Way, across from Kelley's Chuckwagon Café in Old Town Tehachapi. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.