Meet the artisan & founder
Hi I’m Emily French
Founder | Wellness & Healthy Living | Handcrafted Tallow Skincare Artisan
“I find peace and comfort in knowing I provide true, honest value for those around me—scientifically and intentionally—through everyday sustainable practices.”
Mountain River Roots grew from a hands-on, land-connected way of life built on hard work, seasonal living, and traditional skills. It is rooted in the belief that true health, beauty, and confidence come from nourishing the body, respecting nature, and staying connected to where things come from.
I began making tallow skincare because I wanted something truly supportive for the skin—simple, effective, and aligned with how our bodies are designed. Tallow is naturally rich in skin-identical nutrients that deeply nourish, protect, and gently care for all skin types. Every balm is handcrafted in small batches using carefully sourced ingredients, because quality, cleanliness, and intention matter far more to me than mass production or a corporate approach.
With over seven years of experience in cosmetology and clinical-grade skincare, along with a background developing, owning and operating a wellness spa, salon, and café, I bring together science, holistic care, and community in everything I create. Mountain River Roots is a reflection of the life I live and love—sustainable, honest, and hands-on. Gardening, canning, and baking sourdough aren’t hobbies here; they are part of a mindful way of living where caring for the land and caring for the body go hand in hand.
our story
Rooted in hard work, seasonal living, and respect for the land, Mountain River Roots reflects a belief that health, beauty, and confidence are built through participation. Gardening, hunting, fishing, baking sourdough from a living starter, and crafting skincare by hand are not hobbies here—they are daily practices that nourish the body and preserve essential skills.
At the heart of Mountain River Roots is a simple philosophy:
When we care for the land and our bodies with intention, our skin reflects it.
Our handcrafted whipped tallow skin balm is made slowly, in small batches, using traditional methods and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Tallow’s fatty acid profile closely mirrors our own skin, allowing it to deeply nourish and support the skin barrier rather than mask imbalance. This makes it especially well suited for skin exposed to wind, sun, cold, hard work, and everyday life.
Mountain River Roots was born from a way of life—not a trend.
With a background in cosmetology and a deep respect for nutrition and whole-body wellness, Mountain River Roots bridges the gap between looking good and truly being well. Beauty is not separated from nourishment here—it is a natural outcome of it.
Sustainability is not just a word we use; it is a responsibility we live by. From supporting local gardeners, harvesters, and artisans to honoring the whole animal and minimizing waste, this work is rooted in stewardship. It is a lifestyle that values skill, patience, and community—because none of this exists in isolation.
Mountain River Roots is for those who believe wellness is earned, shared, and teachable.
For those drawn to simplicity that works.
For those who value knowing where things come from.
This is skincare as a byproduct of a life lived close to the earth.