With a degree in business, Jaye Coward was on her way to a high-powered career in the big city.
But after a few years of living and working in Vancouver, she realized she missed her hometown and was looking for a different way of life.
“I had a house, a new car, a great job but it was all soul-sucking, rather than soul-filling, so one day I decided I’d had enough so I quit my job and followed my passion,” said Coward, now back home in Lumby, where the newlywed lives with her husband.
That passion led to the creation two years ago of Bare Nature Products, a line of beauty and health products made with organic ingredients that are free of harmful chemicals, preservatives, petroleum-based additives and perfumes.
“I wanted to take what I know about plants and incorporate it into my products,” said Coward, who is certified as an herbalist through Dominion Herbalist College. “I’ve always had a personal interest in herbs and an interest in natural health and I wanted to get back to my roots.
“It didn’t all happen at once, I took the time to develop and expand my line. And I could not have done this without the support of my family.”
Bare Nature Products is a full range of skin care made with certified organic ingredients such as fermented radish root, yarrow and comfrey. Products include day and night creams, cleansers, and deodorants that are free of parabens and aluminum.
Coward has come up with specialty products such as the Organic Psoriasis Eczema Bar that treats psoriasis and eczema and comes in a handy stick that glides on like deodorant.
“My mind is always buzzing with new ideas.”
Her Organic Magic Oil is also great for psoriasis, she said, and Mommy’s Magic Organic Butter is a multi-use product for moms to use during and after pregnancy
“It’s the only product you need in your diaper bag — we use it on rashes, bug bites, bee stings, everything.”
While Coward’s products are natural and good-for-you, her elegant packaging would fit in at any high-end department store, without the high price tag.
“I want it to be natural, but I want it to look nice on the counter as well.”
In addition to her creams, Anti-Aging Serums, lotions and soaps, Coward has a line of herbal teas that are all caffeine-free, including one that is recommended to help with sleep and others that are great for women’s hormones, and all with wonderfully creative names such as Wicked Witch of the West, and Chillax and Nap.
“My real passion is in the medicinal side of things. My teas are really popular and they are definitely the bulk of my sales — and they are only $6 a bag, so they’re affordable, too.”
In the summer, Coward offers a line of all-natural bug sprays and sunscreens. At the IPE, no stranger to wasps, Coward sold $1,000 worth of wasp repellent.
All of Coward’s products are created and crafted in small batches at her home.
“Everything is made with certified organic ingredients, so that is my niche.”
Next up for Coward is the creation of what she calls a 100-mile sustainable laundry soap, made with tallow.
“It’s about understanding the customer base, and everyone’s line in the sand for what is natural is different.”
Bare Nature Products are sold at the Vernon Farmers’ Market the Kelowna Farmers’ Market and online through the company’s Web site.
Coward will be one of the many vendors at the annual Shoparama Spring Market April 5 and 6 at the Vernon Rec. Centre auditorium and gymnasium, 3310-37th Ave.
The event takes place April 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and features artisans, entrepreneurs, home-based businesses and more. As always, expect plenty of entertainment, door prizes and a concession. Admission is free, but a non-perishable item for the Salvation Army Food Bank would be most welcome.
