I've been blending herbs and, mixing balms and concoctions since I was a little girl, hanging out with my two Grandmothers, while the other children played. One of them taught me magical things in the kitchen-things strongly influenced by her African heritage. The other called up her ancestors' ancient knowledge when any person was ill. A huge photograph of her Cherokee Indian mother-in-law hung over her bed and boxes of pictures of relatives provided a focus for her practices... an ever-present reminder of their Being in our lives. We were instructed to inhale steam from pots sprinkled with herbs in boiling water. Our chests, backs and foot soles were smeared with often unpleasant smelling mixtures that always helped restore us to health. We rarely saw doctors or used pharmaceutical medications.

No one could have told me that I'd be diagnosed with a third stage cancer in 2002. I'd been misdiagnosed for five years for a seemingly minor complaint and appeared to be very healthy. Six months later, when my treatment was complete and I was cancer-free, I was left physically, emotionally and spiritually depleted. One of my wonderful sons reminded me of the magic I created in my own kitchen, gifted by the Presence of those remarkable Grandmothers.

Rituals is my way of sharing their gift to me, with the rest of the world. It is a work of art that is constantly in progress and is supported by an awesome group of family and friends.

I make an exciting array of vegetable glycerine, cold processed and hand milled soap in over fifty different fragrances. I literally "whip up" a body butter (without fragrance or harmful additives) that soothes and nourishes the belly of a Mother-to-be and then does the same for her baby's bottom.

Nearly all of the products you're about to experience are handmade by Antonana in the Minneapolis.-Saint Paul area. Our soy candles and mudd mask are the creations of members of our extended Rituals team. We have also used a few designer fragrances. We've been told that our Pain Balm is helpful to many people with arthritic conditions, physical injuries and pain related to Fibromyalgia and other painful conditions.

You are invited to experience the beauty and comfort of these and other products, made to enhance your personal rituals. Join us as we continue to create with reverence, respect and love for humanity.