Personal/Consults
“My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Emily for a summer in the garden [Jewell Gardens]. Having never really spent time working around plants and vegetables, I was astounded by the wealth of knowledge Emily had about a variety of plants, flowers, growing cycles and natural cures found in the earth. We learned about plants that we would normally consider to be a nuisance or a weed but that actually have so many natural uses and health benefits. We really appreciated Emily going into detail about the chemistry of these plants and the different ways to extract the desired benefit from them. We learned how to make a variety of tinctures, teas and salves this summer and will always carry this knowledge with us now.
It's pretty easy to see the passion Emily has for organic farming, natural cures and teaching in general. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the garden with Emily. Her teaching style was informative and caring and there were never too many questions. Thanks for all the knowledge you shared with us this summer! I am forever hooked on fresh chamomile tea!!”
J.C. Alaska
”Emily taught me about different flowers, trees, vegetables and gardening in general. She is very knowledgeable about the health benefits of organic farming and the medicinal uses of different plants and herbs. Her love and passion for gardening really came through in every conversation we had. I really enjoyed her daily lessons on specific plants and their different uses. By the end of the summer, my knowledge and passion for organic gardening had grown exponentially. Working in the garden, digging in the dirt and growing living plants made me feel more connected to nature and also made me realize that no vegetable will ever taste better than the ones you’ve grown with your own hands. I also enjoyed the lessons on how to use plants for different health benefits and nutrition. I really appreciated learning how to make a salve out of plantain leaves to help heal bug bites also!!!”
Thank you Emily! You made me enjoy gardening.”
A.P. Alaska
“I was lucky to get to know and work with Emily. She was my manager and I learned so much from her about plants. Most importantly she helped me to create a bond with nature, and I became aware of the life around me and I feel it changed my perception and my life. She is extremely knowledgeable about plants and willing to share this knowledge with everyone who is interested and willing to learn. She loves plants and they love her back!”
L. Alaska
“Over the past couple of years, I have been trying to get back to the simple things in life, letting go of toxins, embracing nature and exploring healing arts. Meeting Emily has opened up a whole new world to me when it comes to nature, herbs, developing a loving mind towards our environment and to myself. Her musings, philosophy and products demonstrate everything I love about her work. You can feel her love for nature in her words from her descriptions as a nature writer, to leaving thank you stones when harvesting. The love and respect she shares beautifully in this musing is felt in her products as well. The Lip Balm is like a kiss from the flowers and the Cold Care Rub is like a hug from the earth. Both soothe, comfort and fill you with warm fuzzies all over. I learned so much and look forward to the next one! Thank you, Emily!”
B.C. Massachusetts
"Working beside Emily, I quickly felt an openness and kinship about her. She has an ability to empower and inspire others through her passion for plants and gives care and thoughtfulness towards supporting the well-being of others."
L.M. Alaska
“During the summer of 2020 I began volunteering at Jewell Gardens, a show and production garden, where Emily was the garden manager -- It was an experience I will not soon forget. The garden itself was an absolute masterpiece and Emily was the maestro. I came in knowing little to nothing about plants, gardening, harvesting or maintenance, but Emily quickly changed that. She made the garden a sacred learning space where every day I left having a new insight and respect for gardening and growing. Emily is not only incredibly knowledgeable and well researched, she is passionate about what she does and wants to share that with others. I cannot recommend Emily enough. If you are brand new to gardening or highly experienced, I can guarantee you will learn from her and gain an even more positive outlook and respect for your space and our land.”
S. Alaska
“I contacted Emily while seeking information about natural remedies for PCOS. When we met, she was a wealth of knowledge and compassion for my issues. Emily set me up with resources, guidance and a plan to start regulating my hormones through natural medicine. I have been using her Dandelion Root Tincture and Juniper Lavender Body Oil, in addition to drinking herbs she recommended. I have noticed myself being kinder, mindful and intentional with my body. Thanks to Emily for the guidance in herbal medicine!”
N.R. Alaska
“You absolutely blew me away. And I’m not surprised :) you did such a great job, very organized, very easy to understand, very easy to follow and your love and energy that you put into your craft is very notable. You’ve inspired me in a new way, right now I’m excited for the culinary aspect. I will start doing my own research into topical this winter. I have so many wonderful medicinal plants growing at my property that I don’t do anything with. I need to start utilizing more of what I have available to me! I look forward to more of your classes :) I think this is highly needed in this area!”
S. H. Idaho
“I had experienced several traumatic events in a short amount of time and was struggling emotionally to process them, as well as dealing with a hormonal imbalance and was basically in pretty rough shape when I reached out to Emily. I have to admit I was a little nervous before our first meeting as I had no idea what I was in for and I usually have a hard time opening up to people about such personal matters. The second Emily and I started talking it was so completely comfortable and professional, my nerves were gone. Emily was a great listener and genuine and I really felt understood as we talked about what I was dealing with. She drew from a wealth of knowledge as well as intuitiveness as to what the best treatment would be. After our initial meeting I was [suggested] an herbal tincture, a tea made from scratch just for me, a topical oil and some suggestions for actions to take every day. The instructions were clear and the “treatment” felt more like self care than anything else. The custom made tea just smelled amazing and was truly enjoyable to drink everyday. Within three days of starting my plan I had a strong physical and emotional reaction and knew I had gotten on the right path towards healing. After starting with Emily I found the courage to begin traditional talk therapy as well and between the two treatments I feel like a weight has been lifted and just so much better than I was even two months ago. I am so grateful to have someone with such a gift in our community and thankful for her care.”
A.R. Alaska
“I originally went to Emily expecting to get some information about herbs and tinctures for hormonal health. What I found was that and so much more! Emily has an amazingly gentle and encouraging presence about her. I felt immediately comfortable and safe. She has quickly become a guide on my journey to healing and I always look forward to my weekly meetings with her!”
R.I. Alaska
“Emily welcomed my questions and offered fresh perspective regarding my circumstances. Her recommendations were insightful, and an excellent balance of practical herbal remedies together with rejuvenating daily practices. I am already looking forward to talking with Emily again soon, and highly recommend her thoughtful consultations!!!”
E.V. Oregon
“I read your notes with such interest. You are good at pulling me into the plant world more and more. Love both your writings and your photos! Your efforts with plant medicine is so very admirable! Thank you for that, Emily!”
B.M. Alaska
Salves & More…
“Good morning. I wanted to give you a report on your cayenne salve. My husband was in a motorcycle accident many years ago and completely shattered his left knee. He has a steel rod that goes from his knee to his ankle, and he is in constant pain, especially in the winter. He has tried all kinds of remedies through the years, so I think you will love my report.
I gave him your salve to use on his knee last night. He told me this morning that it is the best one he has ever used and gave him incredible relief. So, I think if you need his testimony to recommend your product, he would be glad to do so.
I haven't used it yet because I haven't had any leg or foot cramps lately. But they always show up and I will give you my testimony when they do. Have a lovely, sunny day!!!”
A.K. Idaho
“Hi Emily,
I fell in love with your products back in 2018 when I traveled to AK for the first time (I can't wait for my second trip in August 2023!). I have gifted your Devil's Club Salve and your Bug Bite Salve in Christmas stockings and as I currently am stationed in Curacao for as an officer in the Foreign Service, that bite salve really gets a ton of use!”
K.L. Curacao
“I've purchased Bug Bite Salve from you in the past. It has worked wonders on mosquito bites!”
P.B.
“Hi Emily, I was planning to email you this morning to order some lip balm in response to your offer in your Instagram message the other day when I saw that you had created a pop-up shop for it. Thank you! The online shop was easy to navigate and I ordered enough to last us for a while. Will be looking forward to checking out your full shop this fall when it comes time to order Christmas presents :). Best wishes to you and your family, A.”
A.G. Alaska
“Good morning Emily, I wanted to know if you are going to have any of the larger tins of the Baby Balm anytime soon (I’m down to a little less than half a tin and I use it three to four times a day on my mom to prevent skin breakdown)? Thank you so much. Take care and God Bless.”
S.F. California
“Thank you, Emily, for the wonderful products made from nature's herbs and plants. :) xoxo”
K.P. Wisconsin
“Thank you SOOOO much! You had gotten back to me at one point saying you had moved and were working on new products so, VERY happy they are now available. Been a BAD bug season and I'm out so I'm ordering 3. Best stuff [Bug Bite Salve] I've ever used!”
S.N. Texas
“Ordered more goodies for a pregnant mama friend, but also been meaning to tell you, I have been using the belly balm on my surgery scars from a year and half ago in combo with massage etc & I feel like it has really helped speed up the fading & scar tissue breakup!!! The incision marks are looking so much lighter than a couple months ago. Amazing!”
I love Emily’s offerings! I am on my 2nd tin of belly balm - I have been using it for a few months on some old surgery scars and (in combination with massage) have noticed significant fading/breakup of scar tissue. Also obsessed with the lip balm! I am quite picky about my lip balms and this is now my go-to. I love that Emily creates products without essential oils, as I try to avoid them in my skincare. I have also purchased the belly balm and baby balm for several pregnant mama friends and they all love them! Can’t recommend Archaic Joy offerings enough!”
J.H. Oregon
“What a day! But I felt bullet-proof from stress and distraction. I know keeping up with regular meals of good food is part of setting myself up for success like that. But I think the elixir also helped with a solid night's sleep, and worked like an adaptogen to help me ramp up in the morning, relax when I had no choice but to take a break, then ramp up energy again to make it through the day without feeling anxious even though some things were out of my control. But my execution of my responsibilities was timely, and on-point!!!
So, thank you so much for the thoughtful gift!!!!!”
E.V. Oregon Re: Shatavari Elixir
“Over the past couple of years, I have been trying to get back to the simple things in life, letting go of toxins, embracing nature and exploring healing arts. Meeting Emily has opened up a whole new world to me when it comes to nature, herbs, developing a loving mind towards our environment and to myself. Her blog, philosophy and products demonstrate everything I love about her work. You can feel her love for nature in her words from her descriptions as a nature writer to leaving thank you stones when harvesting. The love and respect she shares beautifully in this blog is felt in her products as well. The Lip Balm is like a kiss from the flowers and the Cold Care Rub is like a hug from the earth. Both soothe, comfort and fill you with warm fuzzies all over. I learned so much from this blog and look forward to the next one! Thank you, Emily!”
B.C. Massachusetts
“Thank you!! We love your products!”
A. S. Texas
“My wife and I love your products.”
D. C., California
“Your products are amazing! Thank you!”
S. K., California
“I so appreciate your super service.”
B. E., Edmonds Washington
“I used [Baby Balm] for my eczema, applied as needed, it worked great! Very pleased.”
M.G. Idaho
“Hi Emily! We used the balm for some skin abrasions, rashes, and dry lips. My baby has a rug burn on one shin (from crawling on one shin and one foot instead of on his knees) that we used the balm on multiple times. It did seem to add some moisture back to his skin and sooth it temporarily. It didn’t necessarily help it heal, but I wouldn’t expect it to since he is still crawling that way. For diaper rash and lips the consistency was great! I really liked that the balm was usable out of the jar, but also not too soft. I hate when I have to physically warm up a balm by rubbing my finger into it in order to get any out. Thanks!”
D.K. Idaho
“I have been loving the Baby Balm. I have mostly used it as a chapstick which works wonders. It makes my lips way soft, and helps heal them when they are sunburned. I have used it on my hands and feet a few times when they are really dry. I usually put it on at night before bed and when I wake up they aren't as dry. A little goes a long way which is awesome.”
B. N. Idaho
“The Baby Balm, my daughter used it on bum rashes, and it was great.”
J.F. Idaho
A woman from the clinic gave me some Baby Balm for my daughter and I must say this stuff is amazing!!! Gracie is now 4.5 months old and if she gets even a little irritated I put this stuff on and it's gone by the next diaper change! Thank you so much!!
K. H. Montana
“I'm a total freak when it comes to what touches my babies perfect little bum. Archaic Joy’s Baby Balm is gentle, all natural with no harsh odors. This balm is very light and does a perfect job of protecting those sensitive areas. My daughter never has diaper rash and I give good credit to the Baby Balm. I've used it with cloth diapers as well with no problems.”
S. R. Alaska
"My son has dermatitis that flares up occasionally. At the first sign I immediately apply Baby Balm. Within 24 hours of use the swelling and redness are dramatically reduced, and within 48 hours there is hardly any sign of irritation. I always have some on hand."
A. D. Washington
“I received the Baby Balm after the birth of my youngest, almost a year ago. I have since used it for various skin ailments that often plague my toddler, infant and myself. We all have sensitive skin and have benefited from the healing and soothing properties of this balm! I would never put harmful synthetic chemicals, on myself or any of my loved ones, and I was glad to see that the ingredient list is pure and organic. I love calendula and was especially impressed to see it listed as the first ingredient! Thanks Archaic Joy!”
T. S. Alaska
“The Baby Balm is the ONLY "diaper cream" I have ever used on my twins' bums. I went through many varieties with my older daughter, so I know all about the goopy white mess that the competition has to offer. The creams I once used were not very effective, and they would ruin my cloth diapers. With the Baby Balm, there is no mess. Baby's skin soaks up most of the balm by the next diaper change, and it washes out of my cotton diapers without any problem. If baby gets some on her hands, it just rubs right in. I even use this for mild dry skin or scratches. It works, flat out. Where it really stands out, is in preventing a bad diaper rash in the first place. If baby's skin is getting a little red, but is not a "problem" yet, don't hesitate to apply a coat of balm. By the next diaper change or two, the redness is gone! I, for one, never did that with those other thick, petro-creams.”
D.B. Alaska
“Hi! My mother-in-law lives in Skagway and bought me some Mountain Momma Belly Balm when I was pregnant and I swear by it! No stretch marks for me!! Thank you!”
J.M. Washington
“The Mountain Momma Belly Balm is true to its claim. I already had quite a few stretch marks from my first, when I found out I was having twins. I bought the large tin of the balm and started using it around 16 weeks. After a few weeks, the purple marks I had before, began to soften and lighten. I won't say I never got another stretch mark, by 39 weeks I was HUGE! But, it helped with the itching and I didn't get as many as with my singleton. I continued to use it after the birth, and had the same results with the diminishing of the stretch marks. I would recommend this to anyone, even if it is not your first. “
D.B. Washington
“Today my doctor asked me if I had been using cocoa butter because I have been blessed with no stretch marks. I was thrilled to respond....actually I use Mountain Momma Belly Balm. Not only do I like its results, but the smell is so soothing. A must when pregnancy makes almost all scents too strong. I now have a go to baby shower gift. LOVE!”
M.L. Alaska
“Thanks for making great products. I love the bug bite salve, especially with a wet year and many mosquito bites on my kids’ body!”
C.K. Canada
“I used your bug bite salve on a 3 week old bite that was still swollen and itched. It took only 3 days for the swelling to go down and eliminated the need for an allergist visit. I was amazed. I'm planning on ordering more, thank you.”
F.T. Illinois
“Hi, I got stung by a honey bee last Saturday on the big toe, it swelled and itched like crazy, so I tried your Bug Bite Salve. It worked, just wanted to let you know first-hand it makes the itching stop for several hours. Thank you for the relief!”
W.A. Idaho
“I love your bug bite salve! I always have some in my bee suit while working my bees! Wish we lived closer, I could provide you wax! Keep up your amazing work!”
S.H. Idaho
“Got bit by a white socks fly and I put Bug Bite sSalve (that I always have in my pack) on right away. Did not get to out of control. All swelling is gone and only minor muscle pain now. Always carry bug salve from Emily Grace Willis!”
T.C. Alaska
“Your bug bite salve is an absolute blessing right now.”
A.F. Alaska
“I love your Lip Balm!”
L.W. Washington
“I start and end my day with Lip Balm! Cliche ad--cause it's true! Keep a tin handy and give my lips a spin every morning and night! It's the best.”
J.F. Alaska
"I have found no lip balm that compares. It is smooth and light on the lips yet moisturizing with a deep sense of healing when lips are extremely dry. I use it whether I just want lip balm or when I really need some relief from dry cracked lips. The greatest thing is there is no petroleum, chemicals, or artificial ANYTHING! I have multiple tubes lying around so I never have to go without."
A.D. Washington
“Hi Emily,
I need some more lip balm in the stick. I love that stuff! Why don't you just give me the price for 12, that way I will be stocked up. I hope all is well with you and the family.”
S.W. Texas
“The Lip Balm is a necessity for the Alaskan winters, and the smell is amazing.”
D.B. Alaska
“I love your Lip Balm (Waaaay better than Burts Bees and maybe better than my trusted and well loved AVEDA) and the Devils Club Salve is incomparable:) I am having a massage therapist use the massage oil in two weeks. Can't wait! Well done Emily.”
B.D. Alaska
“HI there- you don't know me, but my/our friend L.T. brought me some of your yummy products when she came to visit me this summer, in Michigan, and it just occurred to me to let you know how much I love the lip balm and salves -- AND all your gorgeous photos on facebook. Looks like an amazingly beautiful spot you all live in!”
M.F. Michigan
There are sooo many more testimonials, but they are in regards to the Devil’s Club Salve that I crafted under Maiden Alaska Herbals. They are not included since I no longer make this product.