Valentine’s Week Pop-Up at Kit+Syl Studio featuring: Thankful Sage Farm School

There is a long list of perks that coincide with owning this shop. I am constantly meeting local talent as well as wonderful members of our community, and I am enveloped in sensory bliss the moment I step into “work.” Discovering products that earn my loyalty as a shopper is my favorite sales strategy. Selling a product becomes extremely easy when you can vouch for it heartily and based on personal experience. Thankful Sage Farm School has become one such product line. If you visit my home you will find each soap dish balancing a bar of Thankful Sage soap. When you visit Kit+Syl Studio you will find me enjoying the aroma of one of their beeswax or soy-based candles, and for some odd reason you find yourself at my mom’s house you will see that her cast iron pans are perfectly seasoned with Thankful Sage’s Cast Iron seasoning.

What I love most about proprietress, Nichole Gerding’s products is that they are each a feast for the senses. To be honest, I used to think that a candle or a bar of soap was a thoughtless gift, reserved for those times that you have no idea what else to get the person. After learning this line, I now feel completely differently.

Nicky’s soaps are all unique in scent and style. My favorite bar to give as a gift is “Wildflowers.” Each bar mirrors its floral scent with a generous dressing of dried buds and petals. I feel like I am receiving the most beautiful gift when it’s time to restock, and I unwrap my order. I peel back the paper, and there they are, 10 bars neatly stacked back-to-back, a secret garden. “Wildflowers” mesmerize me with their lacey beauty, but I have to say Nicky’s “Dirt” soap brings me the most joy. It actually smells like fresh soil! Much of our community has a deep understanding of the value of good soil, so this bar fits like a glove.

I invited Thankful Sage Farm School to be a part of this year’s Valentine’s Pop-Up series for a number of reasons. Primarily, because the product line bursts with love. When I look at Nicky’s goods I see her love for her work, her devotion to the traditions her art stems from, and her adoration for details. I remember the joy and surprise I felt when I first opened her clove beeswax candle. There were actual cloves decorating the top of the wax! Thoughtful touches like this make a product truly special and gift-worthy. When I use these products I feel like I am showing adoration to myself by treating my senses to a holistic experience. When I gift these goods I feel confident that they communicate care and thought. Next time you pick up a Thankful Sage bar of soap check out the ingredient list. Beneath a brief scroll of topnotch components, you will see that the final addition is “good intentions.” I promise you will feel the accuracy of this label each time you use a Thankful Sage Farm School product.

Nichole Gerding will be at Kit+Syl Studio on Saturday, 2/13 showcasing her Heritage collection of beeswax candles and handmade soaps. Please see my interview with Nicky below.

Hi Nicky, what does Valentine's Day mean to you?

Valentine’s Day is a really special time- it is a warm spot in one of the coldest months, set aside just to show affection and devotion to loved ones. 

How long have you lived in the area, and what brought you here?

Our family just moved to Willsboro in the late fall from Bucks County, Pa. While last year was very trying, we had the time to really be together as a family and decide to relocate and grow our business and our little family in one of our favorite spots.

Why do you do what you do? This question- so easy and yet so hard. I have a background in living history. I was trained in Historic Foodways and my education included working within season when it came to foods, tasks, and mindset. Once I decided to start a family, I had to find a way to work these domestic skills into my daily life- I loved the ideals of a frugal, intentional home and business with historic underpinnings. I try to use the same standards and heritage methods with a nod to whimsy when I manufacture our soaps and candles in studio.

What are you hoping to share with our community during your pop-up? I hope to be able to introduce myself and my Thankful Sage Farm School products to my new community, while sharing what I love to do and why.

What is another local business you love and why? I moved into this area in the time of Covid, but every single person and business I have come in contact with has been very kind. I am thrilled to be carried by Kit+Syl, as I love their mission, selection, and how important it is for Teddi to work directly with local artisans.

Is there anything else you would like included? We also give heritage skills classes to remind us of what we forgot: early American heritage and lore is the backbone of Thankful Sage Farm School- our classes, products, and mission.

I hope to see you next week for our Valentine’s Week Pop-Ups at Kit+Syl Studio. All pop-ups will run from noon to 3 PM. Social distancing and masks are mandatory for attendance.

Wednesday, 2/10 will feature Angie Cook, LMT. Angie is a personal coach and essential oil educator. She will be offering complimentary 15 minute aromatouch hand massages! Please email hello@kitandsylstudio.com to reserve your time while there are still appointments available.

Saturday, 2/13 I am hosting Nichole Gerding, owner of Thankful Sage Farm School. Nichole is new to the area and will be showcasing her Heritage collection of beeswax candles and handmade soaps. Come meet your new neighbor and learn about her beautiful line of goods, knowledge, and talents.

For Valentine’s Day Sunday, 2/14 Reagan Monarch, founder of True Path Oracle will be in the studio. Reagan will be offering mini-sessions for aura cleansing and card readings for $14 per session. Your session will include a complimentary take-home gift. Book your session today by emailing hello@kitandsylstudio.com. Spots are going quickly!

In addition to these exciting pop-ups, Kit+Syl Studio will be open usual hours Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM-5 PM. The shop will be stocked with fresh, locally grown flowers for purchase by stem, bouquet or arrangement, new work from my handmade jewelry line, truffle boxes made by Essex Eats, and of course gifts by our talented local artisans.