
In Flair’s tradition of “sniffing” out great new products for our readers, we’d like to introduce Misty Nichols, owner and creator of Branch and Blossom, a 100% natural line of scented candles and lotions based in Nashville, TN.
As a massage therapist, it was important for Nichols to use all natural products in her own business. However, she was finding it especially challenging to find candles. “As I became more conscious of using and purchasing natural products, I learned that it is more difficult than I thought to find really all natural products,” said Nichols in a chat with Flair.
Because there are no strict federal regulations dictating labeling natural or “clean burning” candles, Nichols discovered that companies could label a candle, for example, as a soy wax candle even if it was 50% soy and 50% paraffin, a toxic petroleum by-product; and wicks in many candles even contain lead. “When people buy a candle, it can say all natural but it is really not. If it is a colored wax, that dye is synthetic and scents like pumpkin spice are not found in nature, “she said.
Nichols’ frustrations compelled her to begin experimenting with making her own candles. “It took two years to perfect my candle! I thought it would be a lot easier than it was,” she mused. Her hard work and dedication to the all natural paid off when she was able to perfect her recipe for a candle made of 100% pesticide free soy wax with no synthetic colorings and a lead free cotton wick. All natural essential oils of grapefruit and peppermint give it an inviting clean scent.
Soon to follow were relaxing scented lotions. “I wanted to provide a line of products that are not only considered safe but healthy for our skin. My lotions have only organic preservatives and contain only that which is actually good for your skin,” she said.
In October of 2008, Nichols was ready to take a leap of faith with husband Blake and launched Branch and Blossom with the mission to develop the most pure, clean products possible while making environmentally conscious choices. Just a few months later, Branch and Blossom products have been accepted for sale in Whole Foods Markets and Nichols is currently hard at work to expand the line.
Misty Nichols is a great example of taking a passion and turning it into a business that is good for her and good for us!
Flair recommends a visit to www.branchandblossom.net to learn more about Misty Nichols and Branch and Blossom products.