INTRODUCING

Introducing Q&A WITH LOCAL COMPANIES

PHOTOS BY DANTE FONTANA

Janis Watson

Terra Cottage

426 VERNON STREET, ROSEVILLE, 916-8996721; 722 SUTTER STREET, FOLSOM, 916-294-7923, TERRACOTTAGESHOP.COM,

@TERRA_COTTAGE  @TERRACOTTAGESHOP

SERVICES OR PRODUCTS

YOU OFFER: We're a lifestyle boutique with clothes that fit just right, home accents to make your house feel like a home, gifts that are perfect for every season of life, and artisanal foods and self-care items that make staying home feel like a treat.

WHAT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION:

Serving and connecting with our community.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR

COMPANY: It was formed on a whim in about three months with no formal training and is now a thriving business that employs my fiancé and me, as well as an amazing team. FIRST JOB: Retail! FAVORITE FOOD: All things local.

LAST BIG PURCHASE:

Products for the holiday season.

WHEN NOT WORKING, YOU

CAN BE FOUND: Snuggling my new nephew, working on my home, or going on family walks with my two rescue dogs.

YOU LOVE LIVING HERE,

BECAUSE: Northern California has the cutest downtown communities with the most amazing people who make a point to shop small and invest in their neighbor's businesses. The community feels so family-friendly, and I'm so grateful to escape the harsh winters I grew up with!

Blackmore Plumbing

FAIR OAKS, 916-586-5336, BLACKMOREPLUMBING.COM,

  @BLACKMOREPLUMBING

SERVICES OR PRODUCTS YOU OFFER: Residential and commercial plumbing service. WHAT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION: It’s fun! I enjoy the challenge of diagnosing and fixing plumbing problems; it's like a puzzle for me. Every day is different, which keeps things fresh and exciting. It’s rewarding to be able to help people on a daily basis. FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY: I was newly married and had recently moved to the area when I answered an ad for a plumbing position. Little did I know it would become my passion and lead to my career. I gained my experience working for some of the region’s biggest companies, but my goal had always been to start my own company. As our family grew, we knew it was time to take the leap and start Blackmore Plumbing. It’s a crazy time to be starting a business, but thankfully, plumbing is essential! FIRST JOB: Filing papers at State Farm when I was in high school. FAVORITE FOOD: Buffalo wings with a local brew. LAST BIG PURCHASE: Our first home! WHEN NOT WORKING, YOU CAN BE FOUND: Mountain biking at Folsom Lake, working in the garden, or playing with my three kids. YOU LOVE LIVING HERE, BECAUSE: Outdoor recreation is abundant, the people are friendly, and there are tons of events for young families.

Amy McCulloch Bee Better Apothecary and Soap Shop

CAMINO, 209-484-1285, BEEBETTERAPOTHECARY.COM,

@BEEBETTERAPOTHECARY SERVICES OR PRODUCTS YOU OFFER: Soaps, lotions, and skin care made from plant medicines and botanical-infused oils. WHAT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION: I love that there are endless possibilities and learning opportunities when making soap and the people it’s brought into my life. It allows me a creative outlet, which I didn’t realize I needed, and is nice to provide customers with a handmade gift of true intention. FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR COMPANY: The purple and gold in my logo represents the suffrage movement to remind me of those who sacrificed for my voice as a woman. Also, I’m only half-joking when I say I started this business to retire my husband from the fire service. FIRST JOB: Fast food. FAVORITE FOOD: I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like—I blame my Irish roots. LAST BIG PURCHASE: Relocating and purchasing our home in Camino three years ago was an investment in a life we felt was more suited to our family. WHEN NOT WORKING, YOU CAN BE FOUND: Cooking with my husband or napping. Naps are life’s necessity. YOU LOVE LIVING HERE, BECAUSE: I love California and cherish my Central Valley roots, but the Sierras have stolen my heart and soul. Every year a new plant medicine pops up for me to discover.