Portland restaurateur develops natural skin care products
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Ryan Roadhouse, the executive chef at Nodoguru, was just named a James Beard semifinalist in January. But this story is more about his wife — and restaurant co-owner — Elena Roadhouse, who has a line of natural home and body care products.
Elena said the two different businesses are quite similar in many ways.
At Nodoguru, they strive to give people a sensory experience through their tasting menu. That holistic approach is what Elena Roadhouse aims to give her natural home and skin care products, called Eleusis.
“The ethos is very simple: No artificial color, no artificial flavor, very much natural holistic lifestyle overall. So what we do in the kitchen extends into our life,” she said. “Eleusis is a place in ancient Greece where Ellucian mysteries occurred and basically it’s also elements meets Genesis. So new beginnings.”
She began creating these products when her now-teenage son was an infant and diagnosed with epidermal dysplasia.
“People with epidermal dysplasia cannot develop sweat glands and all of the epidermal functions are affected,” she said. “So eczema, allergies, difficulties, crying, even, you know, nasal passages.”
She had trouble finding natural products for her son. So she left her law practice and put her researching skills to good use to create products good enough for her son to use.
“No harsh chemicals, no pesticides, all natural. And then that led to me study aromatherapy and aroma psychology,” Elena said. “Now I’m a doctorate student at Pacifica studying depth psychology.”
Her passions stem from a curiosity to help others and solve problems.
“We really love focusing on a community because it’s basically just like the Japanese ethos. You only strive and you live long time. If you have that community that you can rely on that together.”
The Eleusis products are featured in the restrooms at Nodoguru.
Workshops and appointments are available on the Eleusis website. Customers can also stop by the shop on Sundays and Mondays right outside Nodoguru, 623 NE 23rd Avenue. Private consultations and workshops are available.
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