There is a common misconception that natural means simple—or worse, that it means "untested."
In my work as a Certified Clinical Herbalist and the founder of Up the Hill Inc., I spend my days proving that the opposite is true. True botanical wellness is not just about gathering ingredients; it is about understanding their chemical constituents, their shelf-life stability, and their therapeutic bioavailability.
My mission has always been to build a bridge between two worlds: the ancestral indigenous Secwépemc plant wisdom passed down through generations, and the rigorous, evidence-based standards of clinical science.
Right now, Up the Hill Inc. is in a major growth phase. We are currently navigating the process of securing NPNs (Natural Product Numbers) forsome of our botanical lines.
I’ve been asked more than once: Why put yourselves through that level of regulatory work?
The answer is simple: Integrity.
Securing an NPN isn't just about meeting Health Canada standards. It is about building a bridge of trust between the lab here in BC and the consumer standing in a national retail aisle. It is my way of saying to the world: “You don’t have to choose between a ritual-based, culturally-rooted product and one that is clinically tested for safety and efficacy.”
I’ve spent the last few months deeply immersed his building phase. It isn't always glamorous. It involves thousands of pages of documentation, long hours iworking with the lab, and a commitment to clinical precision that requires absolute focus.
But when I look at our new formulations or our upcoming shelf-stable ritual mists, I know the work is worth it. We are officially moving from the "hand-crafted hobby" phase to a scalable, clinical-grade wellness brand.
I have spent a long time staying behind the scenes—preferring to let the work speak for itself rather than putting myself in the spotlight. But I’ve realized that the story of this work is just as important as the product itself. The journey of an Indigenous female-owned company navigating the national wellness market is a story that deserves to be told.
So, I’m pulling back the curtain. You’ll be seeing more of me, more of the laboratory process, and more of the genuine effort that goes into scaling a wellness company with a soul.
If you are interested in the intersection of clinical science and ancestral tradition, I invite you to follow along. We are taking our seat at the table in the national wellness market, and I am proud to bring you with me.