Revisiting My Aromatherapy Journey
Science, Scent, and Skepticism
Aromatherapy has been a part of my life for years, not just as a casual interest but as a formal area of study. I earned my certification through the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy under the guidance of Beverly Hawkins, who has since moved on to other adventures. At one point, I was on the verge of completing my clinical aromatherapy certification, but life had other plans. My health took a turn, and I had to step away before crossing that finish line. While I never officially completed the clinical program, my education and experience have given me a deep appreciation for essential oils—their potential, their limitations, and the importance of using them safely.
The Benefits of Essential Oils
There’s no denying that scent has a profound impact on our mood and well-being. Essential oils, when used correctly, can support relaxation, mental clarity, and even minor physical discomforts. Lavender for calming, peppermint for an energy boost, eucalyptus for a breath of fresh air—these are just a few of the many ways essential oils can offer real, tangible benefits.
Aromatherapy works through our olfactory system, directly connecting scent to emotions and memories. This is why certain smells can instantly transport us back in time or shift our mood. Additionally, some oils contain compounds with mild antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in skincare or home remedies—when applied safely.
The Fine Line Between Science and Woo
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the aromatherapy world is overflowing with misinformation. From claims that essential oils can cure diseases to dangerous advice about ingesting oils without proper guidance, there’s a lot of noise (and sometimes outright harm) wrapped up in the industry.
I’ve always approached aromatherapy with a blend of curiosity and caution. I respect the science behind it while steering clear of exaggerated claims. Essential oils are powerful, but they are not magic. They are not a replacement for medical treatment, nor should they be used carelessly. Skin irritation, phototoxic reactions, and even toxicity from improper use are very real concerns. My training emphasized safety, dilution guidelines, and responsible usage—things that are often missing from mainstream discussions about essential oils.
Dabbling Again—with a Purpose
After stepping away from aromatherapy for a while, I’ve found myself drawn back to it—not as a business venture, but as a way to reconnect with something I love. I’m exploring scent blending again, focusing on creating gentle, supportive aromas for relaxation, focus, and personal enjoyment. This time, my approach is even more grounded in reality: I know what essential oils can do, and I know what they can’t.
I want to bring a practical, informed perspective to aromatherapy—celebrating its benefits while acknowledging its limitations. If I share any oil blends or recommendations, you can trust that they’re backed by knowledge, not marketing hype. No cure-all claims, no dangerous DIYs—just an appreciation for the power of scent and the small ways it can enhance daily life.
So, here I am, revisiting an old passion with fresh eyes. Aromatherapy remains a fascinating and valuable tool, and I’m excited to share bits of that journey with you—minus the nonsense, plus a little bit of science and a whole lot of appreciation for the beauty of scent.
Find Aromatherapy blends and accessories in the “Gifts” section of the shop!
That’s not handmade!!
Curated Resale Items: Keeping the Dream Alive
Hey there, fellow makers and misfits,
I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—this site was born out of a love for handmade goods and a burning passion for crafting unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. But here’s the real talk: I’m one person, and sometimes it feels like trying to juggle a bazillion ideas while keeping the lights on. The harsh truth is, building a robust handmade inventory takes time, sweat, and a bit of magic that can’t always be conjured overnight.
So, while I’m working behind the scenes on expanding our handmade lineup, I’m bringing you a handpicked selection of curated resale items. These aren’t just any products; they’re thoughtfully chosen adjacents that complement our aesthetic and add real value to the page. Think of them as the perfect bridge between where we are now and where we’re headed—a temporary, yet genuine, extension of our creative family.
Why Resale?
I get it—when you come here, you expect the raw, authentic vibe of handmade creations. And trust me, every fiber of my being is dedicated to that craft. But the reality of running a small business means making some tough calls. Every sale helps me keep the dream alive, fuels future projects, and lets me continue doing what I love. By offering these curated items, I’m not compromising on quality or style; I’m simply supplementing my current inventory with products that share my commitment to excellence and unique design.
Every item in this resale collection has been carefully vetted. I wouldn’t sell anything that doesn’t resonate with the 42Doors ethos—products that are not only functional but also spark a little joy and inspiration. From design-forward home accents to accessories that elevate your everyday, these pieces are here to enhance your space and support a small business owner’s journey.
Transparency Is Key
I believe in keeping it real. If you choose to support the curated resale collection, know that every purchase directly supports my mission to grow and evolve this site. I promise to be completely transparent about where these items come from and why they made the cut. I respect your decision—whether you decide to buy exclusively handmade goods or mix in a few of these curated gems. Your support means the world, and every dollar goes toward a future filled with even more handmade goodness. Remember that even the handmade items come from supplies that are created elsewhere, though!
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. I’m committed to sourcing locally where possible and creating art that speaks to the spirit of our community. But while some items might be sourced elsewhere, they’re chosen with the same discerning eye and passion for quality that I bring to every handmade piece. It’s a temporary detour on the journey, one that maximizes impact without sacrificing the values I hold dear.
Thank you for riding with me on this adventure. Your support—be it through a purchase, a share, or simply stopping by—makes all the difference. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, supporting small business, and celebrating creativity in every form.
Stay creative, stay bold, and as always—keep it spicy.
Cheers,
Krys
Founder, 42Doors
Spider Mites
Tiny Terrors for Houseplants and Gardens
Spider mites are a common pest for both houseplants and garden plants, thriving in warm, dry conditions. These tiny arachnids feed on plant sap, causing yellowing, stippling, and eventually leaf drop if left unchecked. Their rapid reproduction rate makes them a formidable foe, but understanding prevention and control methods can help keep them in check.
How to Identify Spider Mites
- Tiny, barely visible pests (often reddish or pale in color).
- Fine webbing on leaves and stems, especially in severe infestations.
- Yellowing, speckled, or curling leaves.
- Increased damage in hot, dry environments.
Prevention: Your First Line of Defense
Pests are inevitable, but proactive care can prevent major infestations. Here are key steps to keep spider mites at bay:
- Increase Humidity: Mites prefer dry conditions, so misting your plants or using a humidifier can make your space less hospitable.
- Regularly Inspect Plants: Check the undersides of leaves and new growth, especially during warm seasons.
- Quarantine New Plants: Always isolate new additions to your plant collection for at least two weeks to prevent hidden mites from spreading.
- Keep Plants Healthy: Stressed plants attract pests. Ensure proper watering, lighting, and nutrition.
Treatment: How to Get Rid of Spider Mites
If you notice an infestation, act quickly to minimize damage:
- Rinse and Isolate – Spray the plant with water to dislodge mites, and separate it from other plants.
- Apply Beneficial Predators – Predatory mites like Anystis baccarum (Crazee Mites) are a natural control method, feeding on spider mites and other pests
- Use Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil – Apply these treatments every few days, ensuring thorough leaf coverage.
- Prune Severely Infested Areas – If mites have heavily damaged certain leaves, remove them to reduce their numbers.
- Monitor and Reapply – Even after treatment, continue checking plants regularly to prevent reinfestation.
The Role of Beneficial Insects
Introducing predatory mites like Anystis baccarum can be an effective long-term solution. These mites consume spider mites at all life stages, helping to keep populations under control
By staying vigilant and using a mix of preventative and active treatments, you can manage spider mites without resorting to harsh chemicals. Consistent plant care and early intervention will keep your indoor jungle thriving!
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are a common nuisance in horticulture and indoor gardening, often thriving in moist soil and organic matter. Although they pose minimal direct threat to healthy plants, their larvae can damage roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced plant vigor. Fortunately, biological control using natural predators such as Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) and Atheta coriaria (formerly Dalotia coriaria) offers an effective, eco-friendly solution.
Understanding Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats belong to the Sciaridae family and are small, mosquito-like insects. Adult fungus gnats are usually 2-4 mm long, with long legs, delicate wings, and a preference for damp environments. While the adults are mostly a cosmetic issue, their larvae feed on decaying organic matter and fine roots. High infestations can cause root damage, yellowing leaves, and even plant death.
Biological Control with Stratiolaelaps (Hypoaspis)
Stratiolaelaps scimitus is a soil-dwelling predatory mite that naturally preys on fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae, and other soil-dwelling pests. These mites are tiny, tan-colored, and highly mobile, actively seeking out and consuming pest larvae in the upper soil layers.
Key Benefits:
- Effective Larval Control: Stratiolaelaps mites target fungus gnat larvae before they mature into adults, breaking the life cycle.
- Broad-Spectrum Action: They also feed on other soil-dwelling pests, offering multi-pest control.
- Self-Sustaining Populations: Once established, these mites can reproduce in the soil, providing long-term pest management.
Application Tips:
- Timing: Introduce Stratiolaelaps early, ideally at the first sign of fungus gnat activity.
- Conditions: They thrive in moist soil but require good drainage. Avoid overwatering, as waterlogged conditions can harm them.
- Rates: Distribute 10-25 mites per square foot, ensuring even coverage across the growing area.
Biological Control with Atheta (Dalotia)
Atheta coriaria is a robust, soil-dwelling rove beetle that preys on fungus gnat larvae, shore flies, and other soil pests. These beetles are larger than Stratiolaelaps mites, dark brown in color, and extremely active, capable of covering large areas in search of prey.
Key Benefits:
- Versatile Predator: In addition to fungus gnats, Atheta beetles prey on various soil pests, enhancing their utility in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
- Adaptability: They tolerate a wider range of conditions compared to Stratiolaelaps, including slightly drier soil.
- Mobility: Their ability to cover extensive ground makes them effective in large growing areas.
Application Tips:
- Release Timing: Deploy Atheta beetles at the first sign of fungus gnats or as a preventive measure.
- Habitat: Provide a layer of organic mulch or compost to create an optimal habitat for their activity.
- Rates: Introduce 5-10 beetles per square foot for effective control.
Integrated Use of Stratiolaelaps and Atheta
For comprehensive control, combining Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Atheta coriaria is highly effective. While Stratiolaelaps focuses on the upper soil layers, Atheta can penetrate deeper and move across larger areas. Together, they provide multi-layered protection against fungus gnats and other soil pests.
Implementation Strategy:
- Preventive Deployment: Introduce both predators early in the growing cycle to prevent infestations.
- Cultural Practices: Maintain proper irrigation, avoid overwatering, and use well-draining soil to reduce gnat breeding sites.
- Monitoring: Use sticky traps to monitor adult gnat populations and assess the effectiveness of biological controls.
Why Choose Biological Control?
Using Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Atheta coriaria aligns with sustainable gardening practices by minimizing the need for chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial organisms and the environment. Biological controls are safe for humans, pets, and plants, making them ideal for both commercial growers and home gardeners.
By incorporating these natural predators into your pest management strategy, you can effectively manage fungus gnats while promoting a healthier, more resilient growing environment.
Meta: Control fungus gnats naturally with Stratiolaelaps mites & Atheta beetles. Eco-friendly pest solutions for healthy, thriving plants!
Exploitation of people with disabilities
When I first started talking about my idea behind 42Doors, I had a couple of comments of concern that people might think I’m exploiting people with disabilities. Oh boy, let’s unpack this.
First things first: I, the person behind 42Doors, live with multiple disabilities. They’re recognized by both physicians and government bodies, but honestly? I don’t owe anyone a detailed breakdown of my medical history. That’s between me, my doctors, and the government offices that occasionally remind me that paperwork is its own special form of suffering.
But here’s what I will tell you: 42Doors was born out of frustration and hope—frustration with the lack of functional, comfortable, and stylish products that actually work for people like me, and hope that I could create something better. This business isn’t about exploitation; it’s about crafting solutions, fostering community, and maybe—just maybe—making life a little easier for folks who don’t fit into the cookie-cutter mold of mainstream products.
I’m also allowed to exist. I’m allowed to make an income, to make a statement, and to earn my own living—despite the barriers that prevent me from not only working a “normal” day job, but from actually getting that job to begin with. Being disabled does not inherently mean that my quality of life has to be shitty, and I refuse to accept that as my fate.
Remember Who the Enemy Is
To borrow a line from Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games: “Remember who the enemy is.”
It’s easy to point fingers at small businesses trying to do something different. It’s tempting to channel our (very valid!) frustration with systemic injustice into policing individuals rather than challenging the structures that keep us struggling in the first place. But your neighbor, your friend, your fellow disabled entrepreneur? They aren’t the ones holding the keys to accessibility, financial security, or societal equity.
So before you fire off that scorching take, ask yourself: Is this actually helping, or am I just setting fire to someone else’s hard work because the real fight feels too overwhelming?
Building, Not Breaking
I get it. We’ve all seen people slap the word “inclusive” onto a product to cash in on a community they don’t belong to or understand. But that’s not what 42Doors is about. This isn’t some big corporation with a carefully curated ‘relatable’ brand voice. It’s literally just me, an exhausted disabled artist, doing my best to create things that make life better for people who need them—including myself.
If you have questions, let’s talk. If you have concerns, I’m open to hearing them. But if your instinct is to tear down rather than build up? Well… slow down there, keyboard warrior. There’s enough injustice in the world already—no need to manufacture more.
At the end of the day, 42Doors exists because people like us deserve comfort, function, and a little bit of fun in our lives. And I’m here to keep making that happen, one weird and wonderful product at a time.