Rituals by Nature

Missy Marlar, creator and co-founder of Rituals by Nature

If you or a loved one has ever suffered from acne, eczema, psoriasis or any irritating skin condition, you understand the amount of time and money it takes to find a remedy.

With hundreds of skincare products to choose from, it’s difficult to find one that keeps symptoms at bay while also being safe for your skin. This was the case for Missy Marlar, creator and co-founder of Rituals by Nature.

Years were spent experimenting with different skincare products and making multiple visits to skincare specialists. After finding no relief for her condition, the inspiration to find a solution was born. Missy, along with her husband Will Marlar, decided to take matters in to their own hands and created a product that would transform the way people treat their skin conditions.

As a child, Missy suffered from severe eczema which only grew worse as she became an adult causing her to suffer from anxiety and autoimmune issues. Prescription products and over-the-counter medication all failed to provide relief. After giving birth to her first child, her condition became extremely painful. Simple tasks such as washing her hands became a problem.

“I was forced to wear surgical gloves on my hands due to getting staph infections from washing my hands,” Missy recalls. Anxious to find a way to avoid getting any more staph infections, Missy began taking steroids shots. There were also plans to explore high-risk treatments, but the idea was short lived. “My doctors told me that there would be a very high risk of skin cancer if I decided to go through with the treatments,” Missy says.

Motivated by her experiences, Missy and her husband Will set out to find a way to alleviate her discomforts. Utilizing her knowledge of different herbs, oils, and extracts Missy began researching alternative remedies. With the support of her husband, a former Army Medic, the duo created their first product and named it “Magick.”

Appropriately named Magick, the non-petroleum beeswax skin balm began working right away after applying it to her eczema. “It’s been three years and I am eczema free, even the triggers are no longer affected,” says Missy. Unable to contain their excitement, Missy and Will decided to share their discovery with family and friends in hopes of helping others find relief as well. As demand began to grow, the couple decided to start their own business and opened Rituals by Nature.

The company obtained its commercial license in Kentucky in 2012 and opened their first storefront in Covington, KY on November 2013. Currently there are 54 formulas that have been developed and 34 products which are sold worldwide through the company website, local farmer’s market, craft shows, and festivals.

The majority of the products are 100% natural and includes ingredients such as cocoa butter, vitamin E and beeswax and honey harvested here in the local community. Another key ingredient is Dragon’s Blood which is pure exuded sap of the tropical Dracena Cinnabari tree and is harvested in the Amazonian area of Peru.

“Dragon’s Blood is used in majority of our products and has potential to affect diseases such as cancer,” says Missy. The products range from body oils, soaps, skin balms, beeswax perfumes, and lip balms. The bestselling products according to Missy are the Magick Skin Balm, Freeze Pain Relief Rub, and Awaken Exfoliating Cubes. But the lip balms are also at the top of the list, “If you love Burt’s Bees lip balm I guarantee you’ll convert over once you try our lip balms.” Prices range from approximately $5 for lip balm up to $30 for a 2 oz. jar.

Missy says their products are targeted to help those who struggle with skin conditions or someone who is simply looking to change their skincare routine. “Rituals by Nature aims to keep the products natural, trustworthy, and with integrity,” she adds.

The hard work is paying off, Missy says, because the positive feedback keeps rushing in. “Our testimonials are what continues to drive us,” she explains. As a result, Rituals by Nature was recently nominated for the Covington Business Excellence Award which acknowledges businesses for their contribution to the economy and their commitment to the community.

The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the products, how they are made, and enjoy some live music and refreshments by joining Missy and Will and the First Annual Summer Solstice Open House. The Open House will be held Saturday, June 21 from 11:00-6:00 at Rituals by Nature.. For more details on the Open House, visit Solstice Open House and for additional information, visit the website www.rbnheals.com. The shop is open Wednesday through Friday by appointment only, Saturday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 212 West Pike Street in Covington.