Inspiring Connection to Nature
Using nature as a springboard for adventure and introspection, Rooted Rose Recreation & Wellness assists individuals and organizations to calibrate their values and meaning in an evolving–and sometimes chaotic–world.
“We like to think that it can be helpful to embrace the Earth as a therapeutic guide,” says Erika Halaby who, with her fiance Domenic LaRosa, founded Rooted Rose in 2021. “Inspiring a connection to nature is our goal as a company, through primitive skills, social and emotional learning, and community building.”
The company offers a range of activities, from guided hikes and expeditions, to backcountry skills and yoga retreats. It also provides venues for bachelor/ette parties, office outings, birthday celebrations, and grief counseling.
This last offering might seem a bit of an aberration from what many may consider a reason to hire a guide. However, Erika notes that her personal experiences with loss were significantly improved by immersing and reflecting in the natural world.
When asked how sustainability comports with Rooted Rose’s mission, Erika says that helping people “find their nature” can lead them to a more peaceful and meaningful life. This, she contends, can result in better personal, professional, and community outcomes in the larger world.
“For me, the name Rooted Rose translates to grounded, loving, and healing. We hope people can feel present, connected, and inspired,” she says.
As a relatively new business, Erika says collaboration and relationship building are essential to creating a sustainable enterprise.
GO: Sustainable Tip of the Month
As the Trump Administration continues to significantly roll back the funding, permitting, and development of renewable energy projects, it is perhaps more important than ever to back this burgeoning industry. While the public health, economic, environmental, and national security benefits associated with clean energy are vast, homeowners and businesses might consider deploying these systems for a simpler and less altruistic reason: it is cost effective. For example, over the past decade solar costs have dropped by 90 percent and wind has seen a 50 percent reduction.
Supporting local companies and organizations like ReVision Energy, Clean Energy NH and the League of Conservation Voters can further solidify renewable energy as mainstream. It’s also important to reach out to elected officials on the local and state level to stress the priority you place on advancing the use of cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.
Erika and Domenic’s background includes positions as guides for the Appalachian Mountain Club and True North Wilderness. They’ve also spent considerable time teaching and practicing yoga at studios across New England. Erika credits these experiences, coupled with her degrees in adventure education and clinical mental health and organizational leadership, with her ability to connect clients to their desired goals. Similarly, Domenic’s engineering and construction management roles–and ownership of LaRosa Woodworks–provide him with the foundation to teach essential outdoor crafts and leadership development.
Both Erika and Domenic have numerous certifications, ranging from wilderness first aid and CPR, to stand up paddle board yoga instruction and Thai massage.
The company is based out of Atkinson, NH, but conducts most of its operations across New Hampshire, with occasional international trips. In 2023, Rooted Rose led a successful excursion of 11 participants to Italy. Erika says Rooted Rose is establishing partnerships with sustainable guiding services in Alaska, Patagonia, and Spain for future trips, likely starting in 2027. However, with their wedding to plan and various other commitments, the couple’s short-term business focus is on more regional experiences.
Finding balance for their own needs, as well as their clients, seems to be the rule for Erika and Domenic. Indeed, they celebrate the intersection of passion and practicality, and hope to share that with their customers.
“I think (clients) are trying to grab an opportunity to slow down, educate themselves, and truly be nourished,” Erika says.
About the Author
Andrew Schuyler splits his time between Conway, NH and Melrose, MA. He serves on the Board of the White Mountains Interpretive Association and has a background in journalism, clean tech, government affairs, and parenting. He enjoys swimming and reading at Davis Park in Conway, where he occasionally provides unsolicited advice to visitors who are behaving, ahem, poorly. Reach him at andrewschuyler@hotmail.com.
