Wilder Friends - Julie Almand founder of The Verdant Maiden is a passionate advocate of clean living , her beautiful store painted in the best shade of green is devoted to reducing our toxic exposure, minimising environmental impact, and nurturing of communities far & wide. Collaborating with small batch, women-owned brands that share her unwavering commitment to organic, wild crafted ingredients. We’re proud to say Julie has been a stockist of Wilder from our very beginnings!
Please share a little about yourself, where you’re from, where you live, and your working journey so far.
I grew up in South Texas, around San Antonio. I’m the eldest of four children. I moved to Nantucket almost 23 years ago. I have one daughter (now 21). My working journey has been all over the map - I’ve sold commercial insurance, been a secretary, a photographer, a floral and event designer, a substitute teacher - it’s been a wild ride.
What inspired you to start Verdant Maiden?
TVM was a little bit of happenstance. I had recently left my position at a floral and event design company and was searching the classifieds looking for a new job. The space at 2 Union Street was listed as available - a quirky little second floor space in a very old building just off Main Street. Short story: I viewed the space twice, once alone and again with my dear friend Stacy, and after that second walkthrough I knew I just had to have it. I paid the deposit and waited for my lease to begin on April 1. I had ZERO idea what I was going to do with it. It was a true leap of faith. And I spent the next four months researching and deciding what I wanted to do, and after much thought — The Verdant Maiden was born.
I love your curation of wellbeing & beauty products, what draws you to a brand or formula?
Truly natural ingredients are at the forefront of every decision I make with a brand’s products. Packaging is a huge factor for me as well. With the lack of synthetic preservatives in the products in the shop, I rely on violet and amber glass bottles and jars.
What advice would you share with someone wanting to start their own business / store?
Nothing is ever perfect and there is likely no “right” time. If it feels good in your gut, align the pieces you can and go for it. Six years later and I’m still learning.
What's your favourite all time way to spend an afternoon away from work?
In the more temperate months, I love walking the conservation trails with friends. Nantucket has dozens of trails and miles and miles of beaches to walk on. The natural beauty here is unprecedented. It’s like living in a dream. Lunch outside, wind in my hair. And in the evening, a walk through town, grabbing an ice cream cone in the summer or a glass of wine at my favorite place.
In a few sentences how do you ideally see the next 5 years?
I hope in the next five years I can learn to be softer, despite the chaos of life, whether that be personal or professional. I would like to see TVM in a new location, growing, and serving my community better and better each year.
Please share your two favourite herbs whether culinary or holistic?
Currently I can't get enough lemon balm to save my life! Have been enjoying lots of lemon balm and nettle infusions lately. As for culinary, cumin is probably my favorite. I contribute this to my upbringing in Texas.
Do you have any daily / weekly rituals that you feel support your overall wellbeing?
In the spring, summer and fall, those are a bit easier for me. This deep winter, not so much. Have been trying to find comfort and solace in the slow. The one constant is coffee or matcha in the morning with a full breakfast: two eggs, turkey sausage, sautéed veg, and two slices of Ezekiel toast with butter. Walks with friends help, too. I try to get out a few times a week, when the weather isn’t so brutal. There is something truly healing about that fresh ocean air.
Please check out Julie's The Verdant Maiden website here: theverdantmaiden.com / @theverdantmaiden