Meet Kasia Rothe of Willow Spring

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasia Rothe.

Hi Kasia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started over a decade ago when I couldn’t find a natural deodorant that worked for me. I began formulating my own and, after sharing it with friends and family, the demand grew—leading to the creation of Rustic MAKA in Michigan, where I lived until five years ago.

I actually grew up in Poland, which shaped a lot of my appreciation for simple, effective, and natural solutions. That mindset carried over when I moved to the U.S. and eventually launched the business. While I didn’t come from a traditional business or cosmetic chemistry background, I’ve spent years immersed in ingredient research, product formulation, and building a brand rooted in transparency and performance. Through hands-on experience, I’ve become an expert in underarm care, skin sensitivity, and the body’s detox process.

Over the years, I’ve worn every hat in the business: product formulator, production manager, bookkeeper, social media lead, and wholesale coordinator. We’ve grown from small local markets to being carried in 250+ stores across the U.S., including Whole Foods. That growth has not only allowed me to refine our product line, but it’s also made me a go-to resource for understanding the unique needs of natural underarm care. It’s been a wild, fulfilling ride—and it’s still going strong.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest struggles early on was doing everything myself while learning on the fly. As a business owner, you’re not just focused on creating a great product—you’re also the marketing team, the production crew, the customer service rep, the bookkeeper, and the shipper. It was overwhelming at times, especially without formal training in some of those areas. But I had to become resourceful and willing to get uncomfortable to grow.

Another challenge was breaking through the skepticism around natural deodorant. Educating customers about underarm care, how the detox process works, and why certain ingredients matter required patience and consistency. I had to become not just a business owner, but an advocate and expert in my category.

There were also moments of burnout—when passion and purpose were there, but the energy wasn’t. Balancing the creative side of the business with the day-to-day grind wasn’t easy. But every struggle pushed me to become more intentional with my time and more confident in my voice as a professional and a leader.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What really makes me proud is my hands-on approach and willingness to learn through experience. I’ve always believed that building a brand is about more than just selling something; it’s about creating something that people can trust and feel good about using.

I didn’t come from a background in business or cosmetics, so I had to figure it all out as I went. But that’s the beauty of entrepreneurship—it forces you to grow in ways you never imagined. I think my journey also shows how important it is to be adaptable and resilient. There will always be setbacks, but each challenge is an opportunity to refine your approach and get better.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the creative, artistic type. I loved to draw and express myself through art—it was my way of seeing and interpreting the world around me. I spent a lot of time in nature, especially at our family summer house in the country, where I would explore, get lost in the beauty of the surroundings, and find inspiration in the simple things. That connection to nature and creativity has always stayed with me, and I think it’s part of what shaped my approach to life and business—finding beauty in the details, staying curious, and appreciating what’s natural.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rusticmaka.com/