By Camden Cook
It’s Saturday morning, and shoppers are eagerly flocking to the Downtown Phoenix Open Air Market, which offers a plethora of fresh produce and natural beauty products. A weekly occurrence, the market serves not only as a shopping platform but also as a means of connecting with other like-minded individuals. Here you will encounter a diverse array of people united by a common interest in quality products.
I proudly identify myself as one of these customers! As someone who values organic produce and wholesome ingredients, I naturally love open air markets. My mother emphasized the benefits of relying on natural products while I was growing up. Understandably, we tried to avoid anything with ingredients beyond the scope of pronunciation.
In a society drowning in chemicals, this can prove to be a challenge. To help you rise above the sea of synthetics, here are a few references to local companies that pride themselves on being 100% natural.
Ahimsa Essentials
Ahimsa Essentials is an organic beauty brand based right here in the Valley. Its name was derived from the Sanskrit word “ahimsa,” which means “to cause no injury and do no harm.” The title is fitting, as all their products are vegan and certified cruelty-free.
I spoke with Lori Segura, one of the vendors, who introduced me to a dazzling collection of their essential oils, scrubs and moisturizers. She pointed out Zen Body Butter, a customer favorite which accordingly “sells like candy.” Lori related that the blissful best-seller is only made up of two ingredients, one of which is organic Shea butter.
If you’re interested in learning more about what Ahimsa Essentials offers, feel free to visit their website at ahimsaessentials.com. As a customer, you will be contributing to worthy causes, as a large percentage of their profits are donated directly to animal shelters and local charities.
Meet Ashley
Meet Ashley, a young entrepreneur associated with the Community Exchange. As of now, she has not developed a company, but that doesn’t stop her from marketing quality products! Ashley explained that she was inspired after conducting online research on natural beauty essentials. Like Ahimsa, she hopes to increase the popularity of organic merchandise by furthering its circulation.
Ashley’s best-selling products are her lotion bars, which act as a moisturizing agent against the desert heat. In addition to being a crowd pleaser, the lotion bars are her personal favorite. She described them as “an all in one.” Feel free to stop by and meet Ashley for yourself on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
The Peppermint Jim Press
The Downtown Phoenix Open Air Market also features the Peppermint Jim Press, which is the oldest independent mint farm in the United States. All their products are derived from spearmint and peppermint. Depicted above are gift-wrapped essential oils. Among their other products are misters, lip balms and candles.
The company vendor greeted me as I approached her booth and eagerly answered my inquiries. She thoroughly explained the differences between peppermint and spearmint, disclosing that the former acts as a stimulant while the latter induces relaxation. She also informed me that both are effective anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory solutions.
These are just a few of the wonderful vendors I encountered during my Saturday morning stroll. I highly encourage you to visit the market in your free time. Grab a freshly made smoothie and browse the booths for some additions to your stock of beauty supplies. Join in on the scores of people that are making the switch to more natural products.
I hope to see you Saturday!
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