Maker Spotlight

We love this part of the job, because we get to shine the spotlight on people who make good products and add more good to the world. Even though we ask each of our makers the same 6 questions, we learn something new — every time. You might too.

This month we’re featuring Honeoye Remedies, makers of what some of our customers refer to as the “magic skin salve” plus lip balm and body soaps – all made from the highest possible grade of Manuka honey.  

Honeoye Remedies was co-founded by owners Paul M. Dunman, PhD and Rachel Wozniak, MD, PhD — who better than two doctors in the field of pharmaceuticals and therapeutics to invent natural skin care products? Dr. Dunman has over 20 years of experience and expertise in pharmaceutical drug development.  With over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, numerous awards and international recognition, he currently runs a successful NIH-funded laboratory. Dr. Wozniak is a board-certified physician in ophthalmology who provides complex medical and surgical care.  In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Wozniak also runs an NIH-funded laboratory which focuses on the development of clinical therapeutics.

Lisa Dornan is the President of Honeoye Remedies, and as such manages all aspects of this budding business and is responsible for its accelerated growth over the past two years. Before she joined the team as President, Lisa was an avid user of Honeoye Remedies products. Becoming an ambassador for the brand was second nature for her, because she believes in their products so much. Seeing the way their Skin Balm (specifically) quite literally changes people’s lives is what inspires her to continue bringing Honeoye Remedies products to anyone needing relief from various skin problems and irritants. We were able to spend some time with her to glean some of her and the company’s thoughts about the climate crisis, and living an eco-friendly life. 

So, without further ado, here's our Q & A with Honeoye Remedies:

What's Good: What does being eco-friendly mean to you?
Honeoye Remedies: Being eco-friendly is about living in a way that is not only considerate of our immediate environment, but is also mindful of the global ecosystem. It is being thoughtful about long-term sustainability.

What's Good: What's your biggest climate change fear/concern?
Honeoye Remedies: The decline of bee populations worldwide. Beyond our healing Manuka Honey bee-produced products, bees play an essential role in our ecosystems through the pollination process, which is vital for crops that feed the world.  The Food and Drug Administration attributes pollination to over 250,000 flowering plant species! Yet with climate change, bees are facing unprecedented challenges, which not only threaten their survival and direct production of honey, bee's wax, etc., but also put at risk the global food supply and the natural ecosystems that depend on their pollination.

What's Good: If our readers could only do one green thing, what would it be and why?
Honeoye Remedies: Add pollinator friendly plants around your home! But, perhaps more importantly, reduce the use of plastic bags… this is something that should receive constant attention as it certainly negatively affects the world we live in, in terms of pollution and use of natural resources. According to the Center for Biological Diversity: the world uses 5 TRILLION plastic bags a year, accounts for ~8% of oil resources, and those bags take 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill.

What's Good: What is your favorite aspect of the eco products you make or one in particular?
Honeoye Remedies: One of the most rewarding aspects of the eco-friendly products we create is our commitment to using only pure natural ingredients. This dedication to sustainability and health is exemplified in our choice to use Manuka honey, specifically sourced from Bees & Trees located in the hillside of Taranaki, New Zealand whose mission is rooted in sustainability, community and quality. Manuka honey, known for its exceptional antibacterial properties and rich nutritional profile, is a testament to our brand's commitment to superior products harnessing the power of nature backed by science. As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, we have recently launched a partnership with Common Ground Earth, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting eco-efficient lifestyles and alternative, eco-friendly, products.

Thanks so much,  Honeoye Remedies,  for your dedication to developing 100% all natural skin care products, using only the highest quality ingredients, to provide people with safe, gentle, and effective alternatives to traditional health and skincare products. You are What's Good.