Eileen Harcourt
Located in the village of Sharon Springs, Eileen Harcourt's shop, Rural Provisions is more than just a destination—it's an experience. A haven for handcrafted beauty, her boutique is filled with candles, fragrances, and skincare products she creates herself, each made with the care and precision that reflect her deep knowledge of ingredients and skin biology. Eileen is not only a master of her craft but a champion of the local arts scene, curating a stunning collection of items made by local artisans. When she's not in Manhattan working her magic on the skin of her high-end clientele, she’s in the shop, offering personalized skincare advice to anyone who walks through her doors. Her loyal customers, many of whom discover her during visits to Sharon Springs, know that a facial with Eileen is a transformative experience—and they keep coming back for more.
What really matters to you?
TOO MUCH! CARE OF NATURE is probably top of the list, with what is my legacy- my ETHOS I’ve started...neck to neck, what contribution does my time on earth make? I have never been a fan of taking up space. I believe we are born with gifts and born with purpose, and delivering on this is paramount to me.
What brings you happiness?
Nature, beauty, time with those I love ..and I think perhaps sharing all of these things.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?
Doubt, not trusting in the right places, not enough energy or skill to accomplish.
Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. — Coco Chanel
What would you change if you could?
Treatment of all animals. I have the deepest heartbreak with how we treat what my brother calls” the outdoor pets”. The lack of acknowledgement of the contributions and lessons these wonderful beings make is just heartbreaking.
What single word do you identify with?
Usually I might say Magic, or Play, or “YES!” …but I think when you Embrace … you take in the importance of the moment, the wonderment that play, creating, loving, goats, the walk in the Forest…morning coffee, the smell of my roses, my friends.
EMBRACE
“Whether you’re conjuring up a memory or creating a new one, fragrance is the vehicle to take you there. Fragrance can and should be enjoyed alone as well as a shared experience. The fragrance I choose that day for that moment can instantly transport me to wherever it is I would like to be. Fragrance has no boundaries.”
Thank you Eileen!
About Eileen:
I have always created products selfishly for me, my friends and my clients. Obsessed with skin care, home, fashion and design, I believed I could see how a product could be better, based on my own needs, and that of my clients. Having the direct contact all of these years has kept the products new, and effective. I found it difficult to understand, how someone could create products without having the “hands on” experience. I got to experience first hand, if a product is effective in the salon use, or doctor’s office; is it a product the customer will use on their own, with directed frequency?
Skin care products should be first and foremost effective, but also age appropriate. When I started to create a skin care line, I was in my twenties and having had suffered from acne, I did not want to load my skin up with heavy waxes and crèmes, but knew I had to address anti-aging. The less a client frowns, the less you have to spend time in a facial removing the frown lines. I wanted to create an experience for the customer through bath, body and home products using fragrance and texture to create that experience. I knew the benefits of working with essential oils, and knew if you add these even subliminally into the products the client will feel better.