Meet Haley Downing | Owner & Maker of Artisan Bodycare

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

Hi Haley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The ultimate risk for me has always been; believing in myself. It is far too easy to fall into the snares of comparison and self doubt in a loud digital world. That is where I have to continually find my anchor of how my business began, and re-believe in that vision over and over again. Every single moment, decision, or invention as a business owner is a risk. Knowing that none of the testimonies, success, or fulfillment would be there without those risks and believing in what I can do, makes every single one worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Humble Hive Co. came from a well of hope for the world to reconnect to nature and become our wild selves, once again. I began my rewilding journey at age 18 where I learned the significance of what we eat, how we live, what we believe. It changed my health and my life so drastically, I’ve been on a mission to share it ever since. The past 5 years of my life has been about motherhood and nurturing another, and that is when I realized the simplicity in offering the world what I offer my own family. I had been using tallow (rendered suet from a cow) in skincare products for years because of it’s nutrient rich composition and its low oxidation (seed oils tend to oxidize in heat, light and air creating free radical damage). I began to have a lot of fun with the creations and felt a strong desire to offer it to others. A year into this business, I still make every single jar myself, label and pack each order. Handmade, intentionally crafted, with love is a core value that is here to stay.

There has been immense challenges in Humble Hive Co.’s first year, in and outside of the business, as expected. But no matter the day, I choose to show up, take risks and believe in it’s impact, and that’s proven a reliable strategy!

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?
If I was going to show my best friend a good time in Fort Collins, it would center around the natural beauty of this place. We’d spend a beach day at Hoorsetooth Reservoir with the mountains surrounding, hike around the beautiful Lory State Park, and ride horses along the foothills. We’d also get to know the locals downtown and check out all of the whimsical shops, stock up at the Farmer’s Market and grab a drink and some tacos at The Blind Pig.

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?
When I was in middle school I watched my father of 5 leave his safe, comfortable corporate job to start restaurants. He absolutely came to life. It was like he woke up into his calling and although he was busier than ever before, he loved what he did, He took the biggest leap of his life and it was the best business decision he ever made that has allowed him to bless so many people with those resources. My father has always been one of my top supporters and guided me through the storms of life with wisdom and clarity. From a young age he has helped lead me to this path that has helped me come alive, too.

Website: www.humblehivecompany.com

Instagram: @humblehiveco_

Image Credits
Blissful Gypsy Photography
Sunshine Lady Photography