The three businesses are independently owned but Ruby Rose owner Eileen Decorah stated "it’s a team effort" as she and her sister, massage therapist,

Colleen Fanning and Eileen Decorah

Eileen, who during the week works as a Clinic Administrator for the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Health Care Center in Black River Falls, is by trade a physician’s assistant with over twenty year’s experience in the medical field. She stated her interest in herbs started "three or four years ago" when she and Colleen attended "A Women’s Night Out" in Jackson County that focused on the use and selection of herbs. The two women later took classes at Western Wisconsin Technical College and later traveled to Eau Claire, WI every Tuesday night for one year learning the proper way to mix herbs and gaining further knowledge of the subject. Stating that "the interest just grew" both are pursuing Masters Degrees in Herbalism, requiring two years of independent study.

Eileen stated that not everyone wants standard medicine to feel better and that herbal remedies can be an effective, less costly alternative. With the assistance of a small business loan secured through the Nation’s Planning Department, Eileen opened Ruby Rose on February 1, 2001. She added the Department provided the knowledge needed to start a small business and the loan was used to purchase inventory and equipment. While some of the products come pre-packaged, Ruby Rose also has bulk containers which allow the customer to blend and create their own products. Eileen stressed that although she cannot diagnose an ailment, the store has reference books on hand to serve as a guideline to herbal care. She explained that "most customers come into the store knowing what they want" and that every product sold has ingredients that are available in nature. She noted that the store periodically offers classes on herbal medicines explaining the benefits and uses of the many herbs available. While some people take herbal remedies to relieve a specific ailment, others take herbs just to feel better or incorporate the herbs into the recipes of their favorite foods. In addition to herbal remedies, Ruby Rose also carries tapes of soft music, books and aromatic candles designed to help a person relax in their own environment, hopefully soothing the stress of everyday life.

Eileen stated that for some ailments, herbal remedies are beginning to be accepted by the medical community and that the herbs together with other products carried in the store are creating a non-traditional "Wellness Center" for the Tomah community. Ruby Rose also carries a limited supply of Native made crafts, baskets and jewelry.

Colleen, who has been in business for about five years, offers massage therapy in her Healing Touch Exercise Pantry. Seeing customers by appointment only, she offers a relaxing 15-90 minute treatment that offers some people treatment in a specific area and offers other the opportunity just to "pamper themselves" and relax.

The women agree that the feedback from the customers has been good, many have stated that "a store like this" was needed in the area. Eileen stated that while the businesses currently rely on walk-in trade, small orders can be shipped to those people not living in the area.

The businesses are located in downtown Tomah at 1022 Superior Avenue and are open 10-4:30 Monday-Friday and Saturdays from 10-3:00. All three can be reached at 608-372-0763 or by e-mail at www.herballadies@tomah.com.