Meet your Maker

Hello, My name is Crystal. I'm the owner and creator here at Mule Hell Trading Co. I started making soap over 30 years ago, at home in my kitchen. I've been blessed to have been able to turn my passion into something much bigger than I could have imagined. I took my love for creating natural products and started doing farmers markets and shows in 2011, and opened my store front in 2013. We are a small handcrafted business thriving in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

In my spare time I love taking my creative side and pouring it into my art, like watercolors. I've learned to grow and forage most of my own food, and was taught from a young age how preserve it through canning as well. My favorite thing to do is go and wander the woods, hunting for different mushrooms with my little 4 legged sidekick Pepper.

Thank you for joining me, and I hope you love our handcrafted products.

My name is Bailey, I am the Store Manager here at Mule Hell Trading! I met Crystal when she opened the Galax storefront in 2018. I started off as a customer in search for something to help some of my skin problems that seemed to flair up with everything I used. I fell in love with Crystals products immediately and started to only use them, I still do!

I graduated from Lees-McRae College in 2025, while on breaks and some weekends, I would come back home to assist Crystal. I have been blessed to work with crystal for the past 5 years and hope to be able to work with her for many more.

In my free time I love to crochet and hang out with my cat (Bean), family, and Boyfriend. I enjoy learning anything and everything I can with as many naps thrown in. You can usually find me renovating my house, hanging out with my cat, Ricki, Crystal, or my family! I am excited to be part of your story of healthy skin!

Hey guys! My name is Raquel, but most people know me as Ricki! I’ve been a Mule Hell customer for at least three years. I discovered the shop while walking around downtown and the amazing smell drew me right in! I have super sensitive skin, so finding something that actually worked for me felt like a miracle.

I’ve always been fascinated by handmade goods and crafts. While homemade products have been a longtime interest of mine, I never knew where to start. I was working across the street while finishing my psychology degree when I stumbled upon a job opening here and it felt meant to be!

Aside from channeling my crafty side, I love cats, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with my church family. I used to love the idea of living in the city and making it on my own, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that community is what I truly thrive in. Being part of a small local business allows me to build meaningful connections within my community; something I hope everyone comes to value as much as I do. :)

Hi! My name is Pepper! I love to take naps and inspect everyone who comes into the store. I have to make sure my mom knows if anyone comes in, if she's not here, I have to make sure the other humans know. I am the official snoozing guard dog and take my job very seriously.