HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Julie-Anne Carlisle combined her desire to curate an art gallery with her passion for creating natural products with Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium in downtown Hopkinsville. Inspired by the gas station her grandfather owned when she was growing up that created a place full of chosen family and togetherness, over the past nine years Carlisle has grown a welcoming space that continues to prioritize lifting up the community.
“It’s a little cluster of all the different types of businesses that I’ve ever wanted to represent,” Carlisle told Christian County Now. “Being an artist and being able to give a platform for local and regional artists means a lot to me.”
Carlisle’s calm, nurturing presence completely embodies the energy of her unique space. The calming scents of sage and essential oils fill the room, while the eye wanders to unique crystals, stones, and handmade items. A wall of loose-leaf teas, handmade jewelry, local art, and natural makeup are just part of the selection she carries.
Displayed at the front of the store are jars and jars of her hand made soaps. Her specialty being a bar infused with clove essential oil, oats, red French clay and clove flowers. She has spent the past 15 years perfecting the soap making process and is very intentional about every ingredient that goes into them.
Partnering with the community
This particular weekend, the store partnered with the Pennyroyal Area Museum for a girls mental health workshop. She welcomes in a group of local teenage girls to provide tools and coping skills for dealing with everyday stressors. The group sat in a circle in the community room as Carlisle led them through breathing exercises and introduced them to journaling methods she has learned throughout her life. “I’m going to give you whatever you need to stand back up, dust your britches off and move on,” Carlisle added.
Milkweed has also partnered with Sanctuary Inc. in Hopkinsville for Tea & Talk, where people can gather and explore healing paths after experiencing sexual assault. The store also recently welcomed the Human Rights Commission to host their Women’s History Month Celebration. Scholarships were given to young girls, and they named the woman of the year winner.
“It’s a dream. I never imagined that my life would be what it is right now when I was 12 years old or when I was in my 20’s,” said Carlisle. “It’s nice that I am here and can be an anchor for anyone who is having a bad, glad, or sad day.”
These ties to the community are what continue to inspire Carlisle every day. She aims to create a place that properly reflects her passion for social justice while uplifting those who enter. She admires the diverse growth downtown Hopkinsville has seen since they opened, with several other locally owned businesses lined up with her on East Ninth Street. “Small businesses are the fiber of our community,” Carlisle added.
Find out about upcoming events and products at the Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium website.
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