I’m all about trying to stay clean and healthy, particularly at home where I have the final edit. You would be shocked if you knew all of the toxins and chemicals that exist in products advertising just the opposite. Whether it be makeup, housecleaning liquids, shower products, pantry items and sunscreens, we need to conscious of what we are exposing ourselves to, and more importantly exposing our children to! I met with specialist, Ashley Perkins, founder of Natur, to discuss these secret toxic ingredients, and eliminate them from my daily use. Ashley has a wonderful service where she goes through your home, reading every label, and identifies the problem products, and then finds you better solutions to replace them with. She is efficient, and knows so many clean, natural products to choose from, and send links for each one, making the entire cleansing process a breeze! Here’s to new beginnings!
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Less than a year.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
When I became pregnant with my oldest daughter, I began to research the cleanest alternatives to the conventional products I was using. I was shocked at how unregulated the industry was and all the potential health effects of overloading your body with external chemicals. I was able to switch out all of my personal care products and went as far as making my own home cleaners and I have never looked back. I recently received my Holistic Heath Coaching Certification on gut health and strengthening the microbiome, which has been proven to strengthen immunity, decrease inflammation and effect overall health and wellness.
I am always growing and learning, trying to live a more holistic and natural life. One of the reasons why I am passionate about this is to leave a better future for our children and hopefully impact change. I am also extremely passionate about the environment. When you use cleaner products with less plastic it is better for families, the planet and sets a good example for others who are looking to do the same.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
I am all about sharing my knowledge and helping to educate those who are interested. I want clean beauty, non-toxic personal care and home cleaning to be accessible for all.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Coming home after a busy day to my husband and our two daughters gives me a sense of calm, a chance to slow down and remember what's important.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
Cleaning out their homes knowing that I am giving them a new start and healthier way of living thats better for themselves, their family and the planet.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing joy in my clients faces after a clean out of their home. A huge part of what I do is helping clients to realize that it's important to be content with what they have and realize that if you purchase quality you don't need quantity. Part of my consultation process is actually seeing what you have and I love leaving a space super organized!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Anywhere in this magical city, sitting next to my husband with a glass of white burgundy.
How do you benefit mamas?
I always want to empower other mothers! I am super passionate about children and making sure their products are clean and non toxic, because their bodies are developing so rapidly. I want mothers to know that it's never too late to make the switch to cleaner alternatives and it shouldn't be overwhelming. I am here for support!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
I had a client who was experiencing skin irritations and eczema. She was using so many products which all contained synthetic fragrances and other chemicals. We got rid of a bunch of products and switched out the ones she was using everyday to cleaner alternates. Within a few weeks her skin had completely cleared! It was incredible and she was so appreciative. She was a complete inspiration!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
Onda Beauty: They have a beautiful sanctuary-like store in Tribeca and Sag Harbor where people can experience clean beauty.
Tata Harper: I love her products so much. They are clean, smell of gorgeous hand picked botanicals and are packaged in glass.
Package Free Shop Brooklyn: This store is amazing! We all should be passionate about saving our planet from plastics and they do it so well! I wish there was one in downtown Manhattan
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
My mantra: Family first, never feel bad about saying no, and be grateful always for what you have.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I am all about healthy eating, especially when it comes to my kids. On Saturdays I head to the farmers market in Tribeca and come home to wash and prep all my veggies for the week. This allows me to have everything prepped for dinners and grab and go after school snacks! My girls love to help and the vegetables are so fresh they last all week!