Rachel Pyne, owner of Raising Pynes, is a homesteading mom of three, surrounding herself with chickens and garden beds.
Opening her store more than two years ago June 4, 2024, she is intent on bringing her knowledge to the Shawano area.
“I want to help others to grow confident and more self-reliant on our life’s journey,” Pyne said. “And it’s not a one-size-fits-all.”
Offered at the store are refillery items as well as homestead wares.
Refillery products are mineral- and plant-based, such as liquid and block dish soaps, liquid and powdered laundry detergents, laundry detergent sheets, compostable and natural dryer sheets, wool-dryer balls, laundry scent boosters, cleaner, all-purpose sprays and many more, all which are septic-safe, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, cleaner products.
Sold by weight, customers are encouraged to bring in clean, empty containers that are weighed before filling. They can take as little or as much refillery product as needed. The container’s weight is then subtracted at the checkout. The customer pays only for the product.
If the customer does not have a container, there is no need to purchase one. A community shelf convenience is provided that offers free containers to take as needed. A variety of new containers are available for purchase. Raising Pynes welcomes donations of clean, odor-free jars that are suitable for reuse.
“My homestead wares are those things that make you feel sustainable in your own home,” said Pyne. “Most of us have items in our homes that have multiple purposes that we are not even aware of that would give us cleaner and more affordable options. We’re in the era of convenience.”
Products that are brought into the store have to go through the “Rachel Test,” Pyne said. It should align with the values behind Raising Pynes — helping people build self-reliance, make more sustainable choices and create a healthier, more intentional home.
Pyne prioritizes small businesses, Wisconsin-made products, responsible business practices and items designed to last. Body care and cleaning products are carefully selected for their straightforward ingredients and their impact on people, animals and the environment.
“I started by bringing in a little bit of everything that represents what I envision Raising Pynes becoming,” said Pyne. “Eventually, I would like the store to offer products covering many parts of a self-reliant lifestyle, from natural home, health and body products, to gardening and animal husbandry supplies.”
Pyne plans to offer classes and demonstrations led by local crafters and creators.
“I want to provide people in the community with a place to teach and showcase their skill while helping others understand how those skills can be used in their own home or homesteads,” said Pyne. “Learning practical and traditional skills builds confidence, helping people realize they are capable of doing and making things themselves. They do not always have to rely on purchasing a ready-made product. That knowledge creates a greater sense of self-reliance and self-sustainability.”
Raising Pynes is built around three brand pillars — inspire, learn and thrive.
Loving what she does, Pyne said, “I want this to be a judgement-free space. There are no silly questions. If I know the answer, I’ll share it. If I don’t, I’ll do my best to help find it. We can all learn from one another.”
Raising Pynes welcomes community members interested in teaching, demonstrating a skill or hosting a class at the store.
To find various upcoming events, for questions on products, or to inquire about sharing your skill, like Raising Pynes LLC on Facebook. Connect by emailing raisingpynes@gmail.com or calling 715-852-7963. The store is located at 816 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.
Natural body care salves such as lotions, balms and womb oils are offered for sale, to aid hormone balances. The balms are made onsite by owner Rachel Pyne. (Kay Reminger)
