By Lucille Chi •
October 9, 2008

For over a decade Shea Terra Organics has been developing high quality healing products from indigenous African ingredients. “Our most important goal from the start has always been to support Africa through self-empowerment and environmental programs, and bring awareness about the continent’s diversity and beauty.” ~Shea Terra Organics’ founder, Tammie Umbel
Shea Terra has culminated a formula for sustainability and fair trade by recognizing the value of uncontaminated raw materials. This helps it make a difference in alleviating the increasing threats to Africa’s native inhabitants and indigenous wildlife.
By Courtney Carlisle •
September 1, 2008
Using energizing elements from orange peel, soothing lavender and nourishing oats and honey, Aida Thibiant’s new line of skin care products is certified-organic, paraben-free and absolutely delicious for your skin.
All of the products in the line, which includes everything from face wash to moisturizers and miracel serums, are made about thirty miles outside of the Beverly Hills based shop which cuts down on transportation to Thibiant’s tranquil Beverly Hills-based spa that bears her name.
By Courtney Carlisle •
August 25, 2008
Because “You Only Live Once,” which is the motto that YOLO founders, Jeff Archer and Tom Losee live by, get out and play on one of their paddle boards before summer is over. Paddle boards are re-emerging as one of the hottest sports and past times from Florida (where the duo is based) to the shores of California and beyond to Hawaii.
This stylish way to stay fit and explore your [...]
By Lucille Chi •
May 21, 2008

Arcona is a genius natural skin healing line created by a chemist and pioneer in holistic skin care “long before it became trendy, she developed skin care products and treatments that would provide Hollywood celebrities—and women and men everywhere—with an alternative to cosmetic surgery and other harsh treatments to forestall the effects of aging.”
Their products may be found online and at select spas offering facials. None contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any caustic, toxic ingredients.All Arcona ingredients are enzymatic-based which means they include high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Think of live food for your skin in a sense. Since everything we put on our skin is absorbed by our bodies, the richer the nutrients the healthier our skin becomes.
ARCONA has a philosophy of beauty springing from within and truly believe everyone’s skin can and should look beautiful at any age whatever their history.
By Lucille Chi •
May 2, 2008

Red Flower is an inspirational natural beauty care company that believes the tradition of bathing is deeply connected to nature. I’ve become quite intrigued with their blend selections and cleansing rituals. In a recent interview I asked:
1. What does the word “sustainability” mean to red flower? We all have different definitions, and honor and appreciate those organizations such as yours that are moving into a holistic healing approach to working and living. To Red Flower “Sustainability” means:
- sustainable sourcing locally.
- working with the lumber industry to use otherwise wasted material.
- producing at 100 percent wind powered plant.
- to use soy based inks, to use recycled and recyclable packages.
- to conserve water and energy.
- to meet the criteria of bio dynamic, bio compatible and bio degradable.
- to create petrochemical free, dye sulfate and paraben free products.
- to use whole essential oils and natural certified organic ingredients.
- to educate and learn.
- to stay on an ever evolving path.
- to consider the lifecycle of every product.