The Story of ubh - You Be Healthy
SAG HARBOR, NEW YORK

In summer of 1993 my girlfriend Sarah and I took a course in herbology. We learned some of the medicinal and therapeutic uses of various herbs, plants and weeds, and Sarah was inspired to make gifts of balms and ointments for friends. This hobby turned into a little business as local stores began to carry her products. She called her company Sarah’s Salves. That fall she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Throughout the next three years Sarah found great joy in working with calendula flowers, lavender, clary sage and all the other great ingredients she was learning about. When she died on Dec 29 1996 it was the darkest day of my life.

That winter was dark, as well. But during it, the owner of a local spa asked me if I could continue supplying some of the items Sarah had made for her. I said yes. Following in Sarah’s footsteps and keeping her creations alive helped me stay afloat. Making her products was therapy.

Over time I began to enjoy the work in its own right. And with the help of friends, I slowly began to make changes and develop ideas of my own. The result was the ubh—You Be Healthy—line of bath and beauty products. The most popular is Renewing After Sun, which stands alone in its field.

I make everything myself here in Sag Harbor and will continue to do so, because I love the smell and feel of the raw ingredients. There is nothing like stirring a cauldron of the Grapefruit Moisturizing Body Oil early in the day! I am committed to making the best and healthiest products possible, completely organic and totally free from chemicals. And I’m happy to say, that, unlike much of the competition, my products are made in America and are just as good as any of the imports—in fact better.

The press releases about ubh up to now haven’t told this personal story. I wasn’t ready to talk about such stuff. Now, I think I am. Thank you for reading!


Michael Blake