Why Animal Fats?
Tallow (rendered fat from a ruminant animal, typically cattle or sheep) and lard (rendered fat from pigs) both have a robust history of use in society in culinary, cosmetic, and utilitarian ways. Tallow and Lard were both well-known for use in soap and candle-making. Lard’s creaminess competes with butter in the kitchen and burns slowly with a neutral, warming scent as an oil. And Tallow’s effectiveness as a moisturizer, especially in frigid and/or dry climates, is indisputable - it mimics the oils in our skin for easy absorption and topical nutrition.

While the last century has led to many debates around the “health” qualities of both, we find it impossible to look beyond the long history of both. Operating from the belief that, if our society is going to consume animal proteins, the entire animal ought to be used and honored - I began exploring the other uses of these rich, golden fats. Living in the Sonoran Desert requires access to frequent and reliable moisturization in every season. Working as a butcher and ranch-hand meant frequent hand-washing and exposure to the elements, which only dried my skin out faster. And my regular access to high-quality animal products from the ranch I was working on opened my mind further to exploring other avenues of non-toxic product creation.

I deeply believe in the healing power that comes from connection to animals in every stage of their existence. The Tallow Balms and Lard Candles I have created are entirely non-toxic, rendered by me, infused by me with 100% plant ingredients and no essential oils, with often less than five total ingredients. I continually work to source all ingredients from local farmers, and we are well on our way to being able to produce 100% Arizona-based products.

I deeply believe in living off this, the literal fat of the land, and am available to answer any questions about these philosophies any time by e-mail.