The practice of alchemy, by its prime definition, is the attempt to transmute base metal into more precious forms, making lead into gold, etc. In the more contemporary application, alchemy has come to describe just about any chemistry of the Middle Ages.



In some reference books, the second half of the word; chemy, is defined as from Greek for pouring, infusing, as in studying the juices of plants. Kym Groves of Taylors Falls hasn’t yet found a way to make gold from plain metals-- but through perfecting her skills at alchemy she has learned how to turn plant juices into a paycheck.

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Since beginning her home-based parfumerie, The Alchemist in 1977, Groves has developed an extensive product list that now includes lotions, balms and salts for various ailments, exfoliating scrubs, mineral based cosmetics and diffusers for non-chemical home fragrance delivery. Competing in a “Health & Beauty” market that offers consumers a range of choices from utter junk to the exotic and ultra-expensive; Groves has found a niche; much the way craft beer makers are holding their own up against the mass-produced brews.