Meet Marissa Searle | Herbalist and Soon to Be” Licensed Holistic Aesthetician”

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

Hi Marissa, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have been an herbalist and skincare product formulator for 7 years and always wanted to find a way to narrow down my niche. My middle daughter, Lili and I were talking one day on the way to school. “Mom, wouldn’t it be cool if I did holistic hair care and you did herbal esthetics?”

I loved the idea and we discussed a future business plan on the drive. When I got home I looked for a more holistic esthetician school and found one in Denver! The School of Botanical and Medical Aesthetics. I enrolled that day! 

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.
Lavender & Thyme: Holistic Skin Therapy + Apothecary is a shop and spa that is dedicated to holistic skin healing, from the inside out. I believe that we can balance the body using herbs, foods, detoxing, and a healthy mindset. That is what my vision is for my brand. It has been a vision for 8 years to have this business in the exact location it is in. A rustic 1950’s cabin located in the heart of Black Forest.

It actually has all evolved organically and it has been “easy”. I didn’t think it should be this easy, but it all fell into place and is quickly evolving into so much more than I ever could have imagined.

Some lessons learned along the way that don’t always come super easy is to trust the process. It was 8 years before it actually happened and when it did, it happened so quickly. Keeping my focus on what I want this to grow into and staying focused is probably my biggest challenge right now. But it is truly a labor of love and I feel incredibly blessed to be right where I am at.

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?
Colorado has hands down, some of the most amazing places to visit. The scenery, the food, wildlife, all of it. I am an outdoorsy gal and love all things in nature. So I would take a trip to one of my favorite hiking spots outside of Woodland Park. Catamount is a great hike and a great place to go fishing.

We would start the day getting breakfast at Mountain View Cafe, which is here in Black Forest. Head to do a hike and maybe some fishing and head back to the Forest. We would of course have to stop by and see my friends over at Cotton Blossom Caramels (in my sister cabin) and get some tea at Honey, Tea, & Me. Finish off the day and get an award winning dinner over at Black Forest Bistro. That is in one day! For a week long visit … some of my other favorite places would be a concert at Boot Barn Hall, visit the Searle Ranch Longhorn’s, and throw in a couple more hikes around the area (Spruce Mountain, Section 16, Mount Herman are some of my other favorites).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I started to learn about the world of Herbalism, I found a documentary based on Juliette de Bairacli Levy. She was a Veterinarian turned gypsy Herbalist. She homesteaded and raised goats like I do and just had an incredible spirit. Unfortunately I never did get to meet her in real life, she passed away in 2009, but her story motivated me along this journey.

As for the aesthetics and what Lavender & Thyme has evolved into today, so many people. We have such an incredible community and everyone has been incredibly supportive. Thank you to my family, friends, & the Tri-Lakes/Black Forest community!

Website: LavenderandThymeAesthetics.com

Instagram: @LavenderandThymeAesthetics

Facebook: Facebook.com/LavenderandThymeAesthetics

Image Credits
All photos have been taken by myself or friends with my phone