Meet the artisan & founder
Hi I’m Emily Colebank
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 is the reflection of a life built on faith, simplicity, and staying close to the work of your own hands. I’ve always believed there’s something grounding about living seasonally, working hard, and learning the traditional skills that keep us connected to where things come from.
I began making tallow skincare out of a personal need for something truly simple and supportive—something my skin could recognize and respond to. What started as curiosity quickly became a practice of care and intention, trusting God to guide the process as I learned, refined, and grew. Tallow felt like a return to something honest: deeply nourishing, uncomplicated, and naturally aligned with the way our bodies are designed.
Each balm is still made in small batches with carefully chosen ingredients, because I believe what we put on our skin should be as thoughtful as what we put in our bodies. This work is slow, intentional, and rooted in quality over quantity.
My background in science, cosmetology and wellness has shaped how I approach skincare—blending practical knowledge with a holistic understanding of the body and its needs. Alongside years of experience building and operating a wellness spa, salon, and café, I’ve learned that true care is never just surface-level. It’s personal, connected, and built on consistency.
At the center of it all is a simple commitment: to create something honest, useful, and made with care—trusting God in the process and letting each step be led with intention.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
our story
Rooted in hard work, seasonal living, and respect for the land, it reflects a belief that health, beauty, and confidence are built through participation. Gardening, hunting, fishing, canning, baking sourdough, and crafting skincare by hand are not hobbies here—they are daily practices that nourish the body and preserve essential skills.
The name Mountain River Roots came from the peace found when in the mountains or near the river—a sense of stillness, clarity, and grounding that has always felt like it’s in our roots. It is also deeply shaped by faith and a belief that God is present in creation and in the way we are called to live.
Mountain reminds us to trust God to move mountains in our lives. As Matthew 17:20 says, even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. It is a reminder that what feels immovable is never beyond God’s power, and He strengthens us to face and overcome every challenge.
River reflects the peace and restoration found in Him. As Psalm 23:2–3 reminds us, “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” It is a picture of quiet renewal—where God brings rest to the weary, calms what feels overwhelmed, and gently restores what has been worn down.
Roots represent being firmly grounded in Christ, our true foundation. As Colossians 2:6–7 says, “Be rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” In Him, we are steady, rooted, and unshaken through every season of life.
At the heart of Mountain River Roots is a simple philosophy:
When we care for the land and our bodies with love for God and His creation, it shows. What we tend with our hands reflects our hearts—in our health, our peace, and our skin. And when we share it, it brings us together in connection and care.
Mountain River Roots was born from a way of life—not a trend.
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.
With a background in science, 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; it is a responsibility. 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—and grounded in something greater.
