India, circa 1935
Helen D'Cunha (Kamath)
Born in the early 20th century, Helen D'Cunha & Hildegard Thun represent a generation of wise women who were the heartbeat of the community, understanding inherently how to use healing plants for the health of themselves & their family.
Germany, circa 1937
Hildegard Thun
What's in a name?
For us, it's the legacy of two highly spirited & deeply loving women from two very different corners of the globe.
In naming the shop Helen + Hildegard, Sonya honours her two amazing grandmothers & the millions of women around the world who have been knowledge keepers of the arts & sciences of global plant medicine.
Sonya, age Eleven, with her Grandma Helen & Omi Hildegard
Toronto, 1983
Generations Together
Sonya Dispensing Custom Teas at H+H
Toronto, 2015
Moving forward through time, after working for over twenty years in the fields of Natural Product Development & Sustainability, their granddaughter, traditional herbalist Sonya D'Cunha, founded the Toronto-based Herbal Apothecary & Artisanal Beauty Boutique in 2015 to provide an inclusive & rich space offering beautiful & ethical products inspired by the world of applied botanicals.
Sonya and her daughter, Tessa, at our soft launch night in the Junction
Toronto, 2015
After 8 years, we are shifting once more! But, not to worry. Our online store will continue to be up & running until we find our new space & concept. We can't wait to see you this month & can't wait to share what's next!
-Sonya & Tessa
