Jennifer Alexander Ruple
A two-week trip to Haiti in 2006 provided fascination and inspiration for Michaela Holdridge to create Anthro Apothecary, a business featuring natural products for health and home including herbal tea blends, spice blends, and bath and beauty products.
“My mother, a physician’s assistant, was practicing medicine in Haiti, and I decided to go with her,” said Holdridge. “From the moment we landed, it was a complete eye opener for me. We were in the middle of the jungle, and I was seeing how other cultures were using medicine in different ways. They were treating their ailments and injuries with what they had available to them, using plants and herbs that we do not,” she added.
After graduating with a master’s degree in cultural anthropology from Colorado State University, Holdridge worked as an executive director of a non-for-profit organization that works with the Somalian culture in Colorado. “One day I was served Somalian tea. I then learned about the health benefits of it and how to make it. That started me on this path,” she said.
Holdridge began blending her own teas and taking classes to learn about herbs. She invested in a small online apothecary which led to opening a storefront in April of 2021 at 128 E. Chicago Blvd. in Tecumseh, Mich. where she, her husband and two children have lived for the past five years. Locally, Anthro products can be found at the Sylvania Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 pm in the parking lot across from St. Joseph’s Church.
At the Anthro Apothecary booth, market shoppers will find products for wellness, kitchen, bath and gifts. “Everything is plant- based,” said Holdridge. There are spice blends for making salad dressings and marinades. “I do a lot of salt-free spice blends for those who have restrictions. I also have salts of the world.”
An assortment of herbal teas can help provide relief from stress and anxiety, soothe a sore throat, and support the immune system. For those who don’t drink tea, Holdridge creates Herbal Hint Flavor Shakers which are an all-natural blend of herbs that can be added to foods and drinks, while still providing the benefits of herbal tea.
Holdridge offers an array of bath and body products including lotion, makeup remover and moisturizer. “I infuse the oils with the herbs first and use them to make my bath and body products. You’re not just getting a face wash, but an herbal face scrub that can help with conditions such as acne and eczema,” she explained.
In addition, Holdridge offers a line of non-toxic cleaning supplies, eco-friendly brushes, and a men’s line of products. “I want to offer a complete interactive experience for customers where they can smell the spices and learn about what makes our products unique and special. I’m trying to bring an appreciation for culture into our products and our store.”
Anthro Apothecary Herb Blend Salad Dressings
This summer, skip the bottled salad dressings and whisk up a few versions on your own. Each of the following recipes use Holdridge’s special Salad Dressing Herb Blend which can be purchased at the Sylvania Farmers Market, at her store, or online.
Vinaigrette
1/4 cup vinegar (red or white wine preferred)
3/4 cup olive oil (salad quality)
2 tablespoons Salad Dressing Herb Blend
Combine all ingredients. Whisk and let sit for 20 minutes. Whisk again before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Creamy Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with a squirt of lemon)
2 tablespoons Salad Dressing Herb Blend
Combine all ingredients. Whisk and let sit for 20 minutes. Whisk again before serving. Keep refrigerated.
Chip and Veggie Dip
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons Salad Dressing Herb Blend
Combine all ingredients. Stir and let sit for 20 minutes. Stir again before serving. Keep refrigerated.