Meet Chrissy Lee-Manes: Herbalist and DIYer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chrissy Lee-Manes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chrissy, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When most people think of homesteading, they think you have to own a bunch of land. But, that is not necessarily the case these days. Living the homesteading lifestyle can be done anywhere: in an apartment, a suburb house, or some acreage outside of town. Homesteading is more a frame of mind than a process. Those that strive to live naturally, sustainably and by their own craft are homesteaders. We strive to not only supply people with tools for a DIY lifestyle but to educate them too. Education is one of the foundations of our business. We teach many classes and write many blogs so our customers will walk away with more than just their supplies.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My husband and I own a retail store and online store called Homsted. Our store helps cultivate natural lifestyles and also caters to people that love to DIY. Our brick-and-mortar store and online store carries apothecary goods, gardening supplies (indoor and outdoor), fermenting supplies, home goods and delicious pantry foods. We started our entrepreneurial adventure over 7 years ago and have never looked back. Before we began our store, I went back to school and became a certified Herbalist while John took every business class available. Together we tag teamed and learned everything first hand: how to build a website, how to do payroll, how to build furniture, how to do marketing and so much more. As DIYers, naturally we did EVERYTHING ourselves. At times, this is extremely time consuming and difficult, but makes more opportunities for us to grow as a company.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I would suggest they visit the Botanic Gardens where I have spent countless hours. As a Colorado native I would have to send them to the Coors brewery as just about everyone in my family has worked there. I would then suggest they take the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs – my neck of the woods. The train drops you off across the street from my store. So I would have them pop in and bring them to one of my favorite restaurants the Pullman or Colorado Ranch house and take them to relax at Iron Mountain Hot springs. I would then take them for drinks and food at my hometown restaurant Eat in New Castle. Before they left town I would have to take them on a plant walk. Most people loving finding out which plants are native or invasive, what plants you can eat and what are medicinal. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely, our families. Like most ‘Mom and Pop’ businesses, ours is a passion. Both our familes have been an integral part of our business. They have done everything from building the furniture in the store, babysitting the children, helping design new products and much more. It would be an impossible endeavor without their support.

Website: www.homsted.com
Instagram: @homsted_lifestyle
Facebook: @homstedlifestyle

Image Credits
Chrissy Lee-Manes (product) Sydney Zepp (photo of Chrissy and John)