Herbalism for all with Clotilde du Balai

Clotilde du Balai , a company specializing in handmade herbal products, has been around since 2017. Behind the company is an energetic and passionate young woman named Alexandra. Why this name, then? It was the name of the main character of one of his favorite childhood tales.

Alexandra grew up growing plants on her parents' land in Montérégie. She now owns land on the waterfront in the Bas-Saint-Laurent in Trois-Pistoles. Something to make us dream. She cultivates and harvests the medicinal plants that are found in her products.

An interest in witchcraft, you say?

During her time at university in art and sociology, Alexandra developed an interest in witchcraft and the history of herbalism. She then decided to undertake studies in herbalism, at the Herbothèque. His love for plants and nature influenced him in his choice of career, but his deep goal is the reappropriation of knowledge and know-how in health with the help of nature. She also likes to share her knowledge during workshops that she gives in collaboration with Les Trappeuses . His workshops focus on the introduction to herbalism and on various more personalized subjects (such as the power of plants for the respiratory system, etc.).

A little more about Clotilde du Balai

Clotilde du Balai's mission is to offer simple, multi-use and safe products. Alexandra wants to make herbalism accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their knowledge. The quality of the raw materials is a priority for the owner. Indeed, she uses plants that she grows herself or that she carefully chooses from small local suppliers. The products are handcrafted by the founder who takes care of everything, from A to Z: from picking up to shipping the products ordered on her online store.

Its product offering is varied, easy to use and safe. Its goal is to introduce herbal products to a varied audience. For example, she would like to be able to "get one of herbal teas to your uncle who thinks kale is too hippie to put in his lunch”.

Among its products, there are several types of ointments, including an all-purpose ointment to treat scrapes, bites, burns and all other skin irritations. It contains plants that have healing, soothing and antiseptic properties. It also makes a natural deodorant made with shea butter and essential oils, an elderberry syrup , a sleep syrup containing calming and sedative plants, and a garlic vinegar containing organic garlic from Quebec. to support the immune system. She also offers many herbal teas made with love from her plants. Moreover, one of his many projects would be to be able to sell plants in bulk to match a zero waste approach.

The challenges behind entrepreneurship

The life of an entrepreneur is not restful. “Several hours are invested in the development of the business, especially in the early years,” says Alexandra. “You also have to think about all the related tasks related to the marketing of products such as advertising and self-promotion on social networks”. For the entrepreneur, this part was a challenge. Indeed, his favorite part is product development. The aspect of the sale was an issue for her. She struggled with marketing at first, but she still managed to pull through.

Advice for future entrepreneurs

When we asked her if she had any advice for people thinking of getting into entrepreneurship, she replied, “I'm going to sound cliché, but go for it. Start small, but try. She also added that “it is important to choose an area that we are passionate about, because at the beginning, we often do not count the hours. On the other hand, it is extremely gratifying. »

New projects for the future

Ideas abound for Alexandra. In the coming months, she would like to be able to develop slightly more seasonal products, such as mosquito repellents, as well as a range of products for mothers and babies. Stay tuned to its online store for new additions.

Where to find the products

You can encourage Alexandra by purchasing products from her online store . For people in the Montreal area, its products are on sale at the Naada yoga yoga studio located in the Mile-End. You may also have the chance to meet her in a market where she can tell you about her products.

For more information on the company, visit its member profile .

Reviewed by Marie-Pascale