Meet Karin Rutishauser | Herbalist

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

Hi Karin, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of The Herb Crib has been my dedication to the business. You must love what you are doing, believe in your business and never give up. Dedication is the key. The most important factor behind the success of my brand, without a doubt, is quality. You must provide your customers with a quality product that you can stand behind. Many of my products have been carefully researched and produced at the request of my customers to meet a specific need they may have. Always being open to develop a new product and providing excellent, personalized, customer service is also very important.. I feel the need to provide my customers with a top notch herbal experience making them happy, repeat customers. How my customers feel when they leave is also important. For a customer to leave the Herb Crib with a feeling of connection with nature and lightness of spirit is the best compliment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I opened The Herb Crib in 2001, I had a little wooden sign at the entrance of my driveway. The little sign did not bring me many customers. I had to find a way to get the word out without having to spend money on expensive advertising. Local arts & craft shows and farmer’s markets were very helpful to get people familiar with my brand. My biggest challenge was to figure out what products or plants people want. What do they like? It does not matter if it is the plants I sell or the products make. Many times, I got it wrong and new product ideas did not sell at all. That challenge still exists today. My love of The Herb Crib and my customers keeps me working to improve my products and being unique, natural and organic in all aspects of my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are in the North Georgia Mountains. Places I would go would be to see the views at Bell Mountain, Brasstown Bald, Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa, Trackrock Campground and Stables and Helton Creek Falls. Many other waterfalls, lakes, hiking and outdoor recreation is available in our area. Other places would be Crane Creek Vineyards for excellent local wines with a beautiful views and their on-site restaurant, Paris & Co. Local restaurants range from fine dining at The Copper Door to Jim’s Smokin’ Q for the best BBQ around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends and family.

Website: www.herbcrib.com
Facebook: The Herb Crib

Image Credits
Katt Thompson and Chris Beach Beachwood Photography