Inspired by Greek Mythology Annie Leitzinger Sells Apothecary of Clever Cosmetics
The shop owner of Arachnes Demise draws inspiration for her passion for embroidery from the story of Athena and Arachne.
According to Greek mythology, a mortal named Arachne was taught the skill of weaving by the goddess Athena. As her talent was nurtured, Arachne became prideful and deliberately forgot that Athena herself had taught Arachne and after finding out of Arachne’s boasting, Athena challenged her former pupil to a ‘weave-off,’ the winner would be crowned the best weaver in all of Greece. According to conflicting stories, Athena won and in humiliation, Arachne killed herself rather than live with the shame of losing. In another story, Arachne won and in a jealous rage, Athena killed Arachne. Irrespective of how it ended, Athena then took the body of Arachne and resurrected her as a spider, to live as an immortal weaver for all eternity.
The elegant and intricate designs of a spider web inspired Anne Leitzinger to create her own one woman owned and operated online fashion shop on Etsy, where she first showcased her hand embroidered items and now her range of items she has for sale has expanded to cosmetics and various other soaps and lotions.
The business operates out of a small studio in Erie, Pennsylvania where her home is also located. The business was created two years ago in 2013 and was initially just to showcase her work. Soon the shop began to contain small samples of French milled soaps, lotions, small soaps that can be used on pets, and additionally, glossy cosmetics. “It’s very important to me that I create and offer a unique, high quality product to my customers”, says Annie.
Like a lot of pet lovers, Annie came up with her own line of cosmetics that can be used on pets. Determined to make sure the product is safe for pets, Annie determinedly uses the product on herself first; “I would never put something on my dog that my Vet disapproved of, or that I wouldn’t also use on myself! Everything is tested on me first,” and she works with a local veterinarian. She was inspired to create a line of animal treatments due to the constant allergy and skin problems that her beloved American Bulldog faces regularly. Due to her work with the veterinarian and her willingness to test her products on herself as well, each recipe has been proven to be safe for pets, gentle for the sensitive nature of pets, and effective.
Over the past two years business has continued to thrive, since the beginning the product has expanded the range of items available and instead of embroidery, the store has become an online apothecary of various soaps, cold process olive oil soap, and a vast range of mineral cosmetics. Her most popular product are oils for grooming men’s beards.
Using the scientific approach, a method of trial and error, the recipes sold at Arachne’s Demise are entirely original. A “base” chemical or mixture is never used and there is always something in these combinations that will not be found anywhere else. Her bestselling creation EPIC Beard is created from five hand blended scents in the moustache pomade, the beard oil, and shampoo/soap bard. In soap oils, face masks, and balms there are three Signature Essential Oil Blends that has a specifically tailored and enticing unique aroma.
It was after a short stint as a traveling artist for a department store cosmetics brand that Annie decided to come up with her own distinct colors. While avoiding the excess chemicals found in department store cosmetics and then deciding to work on keeping prices below the usual expensive price tag, Annie embarked on a mission to redesign her recipe for lipstick and hopes to launch a new mascara line.
Enthralled at her inspirations and new creations, Annie enthusiastically explains “The past two years watching Arachne’s Demise turn from a hobby into a legitimate business has been an amazing journey. I started this as a way to express myself and keep myself busy, and seeing the orders roll in and gaining a loyal following has been a true blessing. I never expected that and I cannot wait to see what 2015 brings for Arachne’s Demise.”.
Go to Annie’s shop, Arachne’s Demise here https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArachnesDemise?ref=shop_sugg and acquire the unique and wonderful creations all for yourself!
