
In 2000, Bethany Hilsgen founded Purple Prairie Botanicals,
a Minnesota-based company specializing in 100% natural, handmade skincare products. Beginning her journey in her backyard shop, she has passionately shared her expertise in essential oils and natural skincare with both local and online customers. The Clearwater-based shop has become a staple in the community, offering various products, including her best selling Cedarwood and Tea Tree three-in-one soap and shampoo and her current personal favorite, Sage and Clay—known for its exfoliating properties due to the white clay.
Despite starting with just a couple of employees, Bethany has scaled her team to include as many as eight individuals but currently has two employees. Her journey began when she purchased her first essential oil—Patchouli—at a local food co-op at seven years old. Years later, after struggling with sensitive skin, she found inspiration in an organic gardening magazine. After a visit to the Clearwater Library for soap-making books, the library connected her with a few resources that sparked her passion, leading her to create her first batch of soap.

Bethany's deep-rooted connection to Clearwater is evident in her business. The town has been a significant part of her life, with her children attending Clearview Elementary when they were younger and working at the store throughout their teenage years before heading to college. Her daughter even helped design the well-known packaging. With her and her children creating many connections throughout the years, Bethany cherishes her strong relationships with her customers and the Clearwater community. She says, "These customers truly care about my well-being and helped me through some tough times, and that's pretty cool to see." Purple Prairie is committed to sustainability and offers bulk sizes for customers to refill, promoting good health and environmentally friendly options.
Bethany has many plans in-store for Purple Prairie, including soap-making classes to encourage others to embrace the joys of creating healthy, natural products. Her philosophy and advice to new business owners is to stay authentic and adaptable. "Stay true to your calling yet still be willing to evolve to the ever-changing world. Never stop learning."
Bethany loves using unique tools to create beautiful colors in her marbled soaps and crafts unique scents that resonate with her customers. Purple Prairie also features a variety of aromatherapeutic essential oils, sprays, lotions, face masks, crystals, and plants, all crafted with healthy, clean ingredients and expertise.
Bethany invites you to come into the shop to discover the best products for you or shop online at PurplePrairie.com to start your journey to a clean and healthier lifestyle.
Purple Prairie Botanicals
800 Nelson Dr #102, Clearwater, MN 55320
Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm
Saturday 10am – 2pm
Sunday – Monday Closed