ELISE HANKS
How would you describe your style? I pull a lot of my personal style from the colors of the natural world. The color of dirt, grass, and flowers make up the majority of my wardrobe. This translates into the muted, but powerful colors in my Terra Luna labels and packaging design choices.
Do you remember the first thing you made? I used to create entire worlds for my dolls and barbies, toiling for hours on their homes designs and their wardrobes (and forgetting to even "play" with the dolls).
Before I started making I… Dreamt about making! While my making revolves around my work as an herbalist and gardener now, I dreamt for years about becoming a fashion designer. I even went to college for it! I made the decision to pursue a different life path upon graduation, but the textile fantasies still fly around my brain regularly.
If I weren’t a maker I’d be... A homesteader! Making in another form.
Favorite quote or words to live by: Give yourself the room to make mistakes. They are the best teachers.
If I could run away I’d go… To a piece of land all my own.
If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? The herbalists at the Commonwealth School for Holistic Herbalism are my heroes. They are so knowledgeable and I'd love to create an herbal medicine garden with them.
What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? I listen to a lot of educational podcasts (in between the many music playlists.) I find the knowledge offered by other herbalists and makers to be incredibly inspiring and motivating.
If you could learn a new skill what would it be? Carpentry
What’s your favorite movie? Sense + Sensibility
Last book you read? Braiding Sweetgrass
What would your last meal be? A salad straight from the garden. Sounds boring I know, but there's nothing better or more delicious than foods you've grown yourself.
Favorite scent? Pine/Evergreen
If money was not a factor how would you live your life? I would run a small herb farm and apothecary shop on a few acres of land. I would build my own home and create a beautiful sustainable community.
Where did you grow up? Colorado Springs, CO
Favorite time of day? Early morning. Even if I haven't pulled myself out of bed yet, this is the time I feel most serene, the most inspired. I'm also usually the first one awake, so there's some alone time to get things accomplished before the hectic day begins.
Most interesting thing in your liquor cabinet? Shrubs! I make vinegar/fruit-based Shrub syrups that make incredible herbal cocktails (or mocktails!)
Favorite thing to cook? I make a mean Hot Toddy...does that count ;-)
What are you currently watching? The Great British Baking Show. I have ZERO baking talent. Those bakers kick ass.
What are you most thankful for? The ability to create green space/gardens in an urban environment like Philadelphia, PA.
To see more from Terra Luna visit, www.terralunaherbals.com or Instagram @terralunaherbals.
