Here at MTN Merch, we are more than just a t-shirt shop. We pride ourselves on finding quality and unique handmade products from makers right here in Western North Carolina. These locally made items make wonderful gifts for out-of-towners, but you’d be surprised at the number of locals who have become repeat customers. The “Local Maker Spotlight” will be a recurring blog where we feature a different local maker/company and their products we sell in the shop.
For our first “Local Maker Spotlight” we want to introduce you to…
Duana Foster of Duana Naturals
Duana has been living in WNC for about 9 years with her family. The move to the area came about when her husband, who works in the hospitality industry, received a job opportunity in Asheville. They looked at other areas to move, but she and her family fell in love with the Western North Carolina area.
Why start a skin care business in the Asheville Area?
Duana’s company, Duana Naturals, (also known as The Fancy Farmhouse) was started after she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Her creative and resourceful abilities led her on an exploration to find natural alternatives for skin care. Even before having skin cancer, Duana consistenly suffered from dry and sensitive skin, where perfumes and additives only escalated her skin issues. After much research, Duana began making her own all natural and organic products. After using her products and noting the improvement to her own skin, she decided to share with friends and family. Due to the entrepreneurial spirit of WNC and its lean toward organic, small batch, handmade products, Duana felt that this area could support her products as a business and she was right!
Fun fact about Duana Naturals:
Duana does each production step herself (unless her very talented, chemist daughter is around to help out). She selects her ingredients, combines, pours, and packages everything on her own to insure the pureness and pride she has for her products. This ultimate attention to detail shows customers Duana’s passion for her products and for improving the health of your skin.
What do you enjoy most about this area?
When Duana is not mixing up a new batch of body butters or lip balms, you can find her in the woods somewhere on a hike or a run, taking in the beauty of her surroundings. She also loves to take advantage of the local food and brewery scene. This area has yet to bore her and what continues to motivate her and move her business forward.
Stop into the shop to see all of our Duana Natural’s offerings. You can even try them out before purchasing!