Calendula, Chamois Cream, and Cancer Candor from Susan Shashok, Caroline's Dream Handcrafted Skincare

Today’s guest, Susan Shashok of Caroline’s Dream Handcrafted Skincare, based in Middlebury Vermont, has three big goals for 2023 - and she is already well on her way to nailing them all.

Never mind that she spent the last few months of 2022, as she puts it, in "a game show where the prizes behind doors 1, 2, and 3 all suck."

Trigger warning for this one - our conversation starts out all rainbows and flowers (or should I say herbs), talking about Susan’s fabulous natural skincare company, Caroline’s Dream. But we do take a sharp turn into some serious talk about what it’s like to be diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

I hope you, personally, have not had to navigate this yourself or with a loved one. But if you have, I know you will relate. And if you haven’t, yet (because, let's be honest, this disease is likely to touch all of us, in some way, at some point in our lives), this is required listening.

You probably know a handful of people who should hear this conversation, so I hope you’ll share it with them. Susan and I talk about this in our conversation - the power of shared stories can not be overstated. It’s so valuable to be able to identify with others who are living the struggles that you are getting lost in. Any sliver of shared experience brings people together, and fast-tracks the ability of a community of support to coalesce around you. Sharing is caring, people!

But first things first - head over to CarolinesDream.com to load up on all the lotions and salves and creams and good vibes you need to chase winter’s dry darkness away... and if you want in on next fall’s ginkgo gambling, make sure to follow @carolinesdreamvt. (And don't forget Skijor Skowhegan - this weekend!)

A few more things to share:

Check out Susan’s sweet ride (her delivery ebike!) and more on her YouTube channel! Chamois Cream (for all the chafe!)Calendula CreamRasputitsa (Burke, VT) - coming right up on April 29th!Rebecca Sperry (aka Socked In Hikes) on Guides Gone Wild

More Vertical ladies bringing the inspiration!:

Embrace the Suck and Make Some Magic Happen with Heidi MyersLive a ‘No Drop’ Life with Cail CasserlyDon’t Worry About the Game Plan with Sabra DavisonLean Into Your Life (AND the Downhill) with Christsonthy DrellosStart Your Life Again with Cori BragoBiking Through Loss and Building a Legacy with Sandy NobleBe Your Own Advocate (and Someone Else’s Too) with Jenn Minery