(Long Island, N.Y.) Keeping up my series of momtrepreneurs, I’m shining the light on moms who make things happen.
“Help thy neighbor”. Sure, we’ve all heard it before, but never has it been more important to support local Long Island businesses. In order for them to thrive in such a chilly economic climate, we’ve got to band together. I recently discovered a great home-grown business right here on Long Island: Good Earth Beauty.
Karen Ostrach, founder of Good Earth Beauty says she wanted to create a site that people could shop with a clear conscience. All of the products the company carries are natural and/or organic, and all products are not tested on animals
What part of Long Island are you from?
I actually grew up in Brooklyn, NY but I have been living in Jericho for almost 15 years.
When did you launch your site?
The site has been a work in progress for about 6 months, and was officially launched July 1 of this year!
What type of work experience do you have?
I have a Business/Marketing Degree from Adelphi. I went into commercial banking after college, but switched to creating home based businesses once my son was born. I have run a vintage toy website for over 5 years, and my desire to start Good Earth came from my overall interest in health, nutrition and animal rights.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Ever since my son was born (in 1996) I have worked from home in some capacity. It is very important to me to be home with my family, and working for myself has always allowed me to balance my work and family life. I started a vintage toy website (www.karenstoys.com) about 5 years ago, and decided this year to expand into another web based business!
What’s the hardest part about getting it off the ground?
The hardest part is spreading the word! I think the concept of the site is very timely as so many people are concerned with the chemicals we are putting into our bodies and the possible effects on our health.
And more and more people have realized that animal testing in this market is completely unnecessary and want to support the companies that don’t participate in this practice. But now I have to try to introduce people to Good Earth Beauty, and inspire them to take a look at the site!
What made you decide to focus on products that don’t test on animals?
I won’t go into details, but the tests that are being done on animals relating to beauty products were cruel, barbaric and ironically, completely unnecessary. I am a huge animal lover, and this website gives me a chance to support companies that respect animal rights.
Many lines I offer carry PETA and other organization’s cruelty free certifications. With our support, animal testing in this industry can be rendered obsolete.
What distinguishes your website from other beauty sites?
What makes my site unique is that all products are natural and organic, and no products are tested on animals. But I have taken it a step further by analyzing ingredients in the product lines I carry. I offer mineral make up with no nanoparticles, which many lines contain. I have a large vegan shop.
I look for as many paraben and SLS free lines as possible. And I personally test as many products as I possibly can! (that’s the fun part). I also offer top notch personal service, a liberal return policy, and low postage!
What are some of the more interesting products or product lines that you carry?
Scrubz natural sugar body scrub with essential oils– one of my favorites – I carry 2 custom scents that Scrubz made just for my company – they are featured on the home page of the site. Also, I currently have 2 kinds of natural nail polishes – Priti and Honeybee Gardens – both lines are wonderful.
And just to mention 3 other very unique brands – Makeup Junky mineral makeup, Color Aromas aromatherapy and Medicine Flower’s essential oils and Sacred Sage line!
Does the company support any charitable causes?
Yes, I am presently a corporate sponsor of Farm Sanctuary, a wonderful organization that rehabilitates abused and neglected farm animals whose original fate was generally to be slaughtered for food. I am also looking into many other organizations at this time.
Can I find you on any social networking sites?
Good Earth is on Twitter. I try to provide some good health or beauty tips on most days, or just share links to or quotes from interesting articles that pertain to beauty, health or nutrition. http://twitter.com/Goodearthbeauty
Do you carry natural products for pets and children?
I do – I want to provide natural products for the whole family. If you shop by product type on the website you can see each one has it’s own category! There are many lines of natural and organic bath and body products for children and babies.
I also have many doggie soaps and shampoos and some calming essential oils for pets. I am looking to expand and carry organic cat products in the near future!
