We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alisha Wendell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Nearly 15 years ago I was struggling with my health, infertility being the heavy hitter that pulled on my heartstrings. I remember that feeling every single month when I would realize I was in fact, not pregnant- something so many women experience. It was then I began my journey in toxin free living. In an attempt to have some control over my daily exposure to toxins, I started a business called Avapure to provide products free of hormone disruptors, carcinogens, allergens and other unsafe ingredients commonly found in daily use products. I discovered several things, most products on the market are unsafe, greenwashing is a real thing, and navigating those two areas can be incredibly daunting.

In an attempt to make it easier for others wanting to live a healthier life, I started educating on these topics to help other women navigating a toxin free lifestyle have some support! Reading labels is overwhelming! I now use a Facebook community called Green Beauty and Beyond to house what I have learned, ingredient information, free resources for safe swaps and trainings for those that want to dive deeper into these topics. We also share recipes, mindset and other fun tidbits that busy women can relate to.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As mentioned, I wanted to have products I felt comfortable using at my fingertips. I started with a basic body lotion and sugar scrub. Over the past 15 years I have created a full product line. Everything from skincare to body care to herbal salves and aromatherapy. I have taken formulating courses, aromatherapy certification courses and continue learning new things each year. Navigating toxin free personal care products can be expensive and also overwhelming. Women often spend money on products they think are safe, only to find out later they were greenwashed. This is why I dedicate time to education. I want women to learn how to spot concerning ingredients, read labels with ease, and understand common greenwashing terms marketed to consumers. I have a free safe swap guide that is a great starting place for the busy women just needing some go to options. I also strive to provide affordable products to my customers.

My Educational Facebook Community is what I am most proud of. Engaging in that space is educational and motivating. We have women from all over doing what they can to live their best life. Everything is in bite sized informational pieces so it doesn’t become overwhelming. I try to personally connect with each member to learn more about their needs. It is definitely more than a shopping experience- and that is what set my business and community apart from so many others.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I work hard to get to know my customers on a personal level, many who have become great friends over the years. I follow up with customers after orders, I make sure they are using their product correctly and loving the results. If they are not already in my Facebook community, I encourage them to join the space so they can continue to learn tips and tricks. This help me connect with them more consistently also.

I work solely off word of mouth. I do not advertise or have much SEO marketing through my website. I trust that treating my customers well, working with them from a place of service versus sales and providing value and education will be all I need to steadily grow the business.

I am proud of the shift I have made the past several years. Connecting with my customers on a personal level is rewarding for me too!

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I currently just sale through my E-commerce website and then offer special buys and sales in my private community. This is the easiest way for me to track and fill orders since I am a one man shop.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.avapurebb.com
• Instagram: greenbeautyandbeyond
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/greenbeautyandbeyond

Image Credits
Images Becca Spaight Rockys.photography Alisha Wendell