Ep. 59 with Alyssa Johantgen | Founder and Owner, Milk & Honey Tallow Co

The Chemistry of Motherhood & Entrepreneurship

What happens when a scientist discovers ancient wisdom might outperform modern skincare technology? Alyssa's journey from Estée Lauder formulation chemist to tallow-based skincare entrepreneur reveals the powerful intersection of science, motherhood, and faith-driven entrepreneurship.

After 14 years formulating products for one of the world's leading beauty corporations, Alyssa found herself questioning everything when the pandemic shifted her perspective on work, family, and health. Pregnant with her third child and facing a challenging workplace vaccine mandate, a rainbow literally appeared in her backyard, providing the divine confirmation she needed to leave her career behind.

The transition wasn't easy. Alyssa candidly shares her identity crisis as she suddenly lost her professional community, moved to a new neighborhood during COVID restrictions, and adjusted to full-time motherhood. "I don't think I came into myself as a stay-at-home mom fully... it was honestly like in hindsight, I can see how I was in the darkness of the valley and how I was being led out into the light."

What emerged from this challenging period was Milk and Honey Tallow Company, a business born from Alyssa's scientific understanding of skincare chemistry and her personal experience with tallow's effectiveness. She breaks down why most skincare products—even "natural" ones—contain problematic ingredients like preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and oxidized seed oils, while explaining how tallow's fatty acid profile mimics human skin's natural sebum.

Beyond skincare wisdom, this conversation offers powerful insights into balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, setting intentional boundaries, and finding purpose through life's unexpected transitions. Whether you're questioning conventional beauty wisdom, contemplating a career pivot, or simply seeking inspiration from another mother's journey, Alyssa's story reminds us that sometimes our most fulfilling paths begin with a leap of faith.

Connect with Alyssa:

• Website: Milk & Honey Tallow Co.
• IG: @milkandhoneytallowco
• Facebook: Milk & Honey Tallow Co.

Contact the Host, Kelly Kirk:

• Email: [email protected]

Get Connected/Follow:

• IG: @ryh_pod & @thekelly.tanke.kirk
• Facebook: Reclaiming Your Hue Facebook Page
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@RYHReclaimingYourHue

Credits:

• Editor: Joseph Kirk
• Music: Kristofer Tanke

Thanks for listening & cheers to Reclaiming Your Hue!