From the Shores and Meadows of Block Island

As a person with long-time allergies and lots of medications, Johanna Ross sought knowledge from an herbalist in New York, where she taught kindergarten for many years. Remembering summer visits throughout her childhood, she moved permanently to Block Island in 1996 and started making Island Mist bath and beauty products 15 years ago. Gathering seaweeds (bladderwrack, dulse, Irish moss and kelp), rosehips, wildflowers (yarrow, dandelion, cleavers, chickweed, St. John’s wort, mullein) and cultivating herbs such as comfrey, lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile and mints, she has created six “themes” for her soothing and healing skin care products: lavender, ocean, rosehip, green, healing and citrus & mint. Each product line pinpoints different needs for different skin types, from detoxifying to anti-aging, from cleansing to moisturizing, from toning to rejuvenating. Ross has expanded her own herb garden, doubled the products she creates and really enjoys interacting with her Block Island neighbors at the local farmers market. “In the summer,” she says, “the bug spray and powders, plus creams, serums and lotions are big sellers.” Customers have been especially drawn to her “super-lotions,” in either lavender-lemon or peppermint-orange.

Available at stores on Block Island; at Belmont Market, Wakefield; or online at IslandMist.com. You may also phone 401.864.5563 or email islandmistblockisland@gmail.com for a consultation.