A transforming business

Shepherd's Choice was born out of owner Kathy Pususta's need for soothing skin products.

Twenty years ago, Kathy Pususta suffered from dry, chapped hands. After making a batch of soap to give away as gifts, she discovered it had transformed her skin.
"I stopped scratching all the time," Pususta recalled.
Intrigued, she continued experimenting with various recipes, branching out from soap to include lip balm, lotions and bath oil. Her core standard was that the item not dry out skin. Towards that end, she insists on using only natural ingredients and essential oils.
"Synthetic fragrances, colors and preservatives have no place in Shepherd's Choice products," said Pususta.
Sixteen years ago, she opened Shepherd's Choice, devoting one room in her home to a shop. Today she has expanded out to the barn on her East Bethel property that she renovated.
Assisting Pususta is her daughter, Nancy Holt of Pine City, whom Pususta had given up for adoption as an infant when she was 17. When Holt came looking for her biological mother five years ago, Pususta was delighted. She's amazed at how much they have in common. Holt shares her love of natural items, and began fashioning Shepherd's Choice products earlier this year.
Holt's son Miles is asthmatic, and his attacks are triggered by many of the preservatives found in soaps and other products. "So I got into natural soaps," Holt explained.
As an added perk, "I've noticed that I haven't had to use moisturizer in about a year."
Making small batches of soaps and lotions is a lot like making a cake, according to Holt. She begins by melting shea butter, beeswax, lanolin and other various oils. The mixture goes into a Kitchen Aid bowl, where it mixes for about one-half hour. During that time, Holt "babysits it", using a spatula to clean the sides as needed. During the last five minutes she adds the essential oils, turning Pususta's laundry room/work room into a spa. While the moisturizer mixture is still warm, Holt pours it into a plastic bag and cuts off one corner. She squeezes it into jars as one would do frosting, giving it the distinctive curves on top Shepherd's Choice customers expect.
When asked about popular products, Pususta mentions that her lanolin-rich moisturizer sells well in the winter. The bath salts penetrate sore muscles, and she uses it to ward off any cold she feels coming on.
The cinnamon soap is great for gardeners as it includes a pumice to help remove dirt. The body dressing doesn't leave an oily residue. The ear oil keeps ears from drying out after candling. And the laundry spot bar removes most stains, Pususta noted.
KNITTING CLASSES
In addition to selling the skin care products and soaps she is known for, Pususta's shop also includes rows of colorful yarn arranged around a large table. Every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. is open knit night at Shepherd's Choice. Classes ranging from beginner to advanced are offered at other times. Pususta adds them as requested by customers. This fall, folks have learned to knit various sweaters and shawls. For one class, participants had the option of starting from the very beginning and dying their own yarn in Pususta's dye shop.
"The last 10 years have been very good for the knitting industry," noted Pususta.
She credits the rebirth to a change in attitude that occurred after Sept. 11, 2001. "People have started picking up more comforting things to do. They stay at home more."
To avoid competing with larger stores, Pususta has established a niche for herself by offering natural fibers, rather than synthetic yarns. Sheep on her farm are sheared each May during a festival open to the public. Alpaca yarn travels a short distance from Blue Sky Alpaca Farm in East Bethel. Materials from five larger commercial yarn companies fill the rest of her shelves.
This business is one that fits well with her values. "My childhood on a Mennonite farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for the environment, and pure, honest and wholesome living," observed Pususta.
Shepherd's Choice is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 763-434-7453 or browse shepherdschoice.com.


VISIT SHEPHERD'S CHOICE
• Annual open house: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local crafters will be on hand with luxurious hand-made gifts (Hillside Honey, Baskets on 137th, Elizabeth's Handspun, beeswax candles, pottery and more). Bring a dish and a bottle of wine to share at 6 p.m.

• Annual Sheep Shearing Festival: Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CONTACT
Call: 763-434-7453
Email: pususta@cpineternet.com
Browse: www.shepherdschoice.com
Go: Two and one-half miles east of Highway 65 on Viking Boulevard. 3356 Viking Boulevard, East Bethel.