You may be stressed now that class is in session, but if you take a walk in downtown Edinboro, you might sense something different hanging about in the air.
Perhaps it would be the scent of patchouli or lavender coming from the corner of Short and Erie Streets, where Wild Earth Naturals is located.
Cassandra DeJoy's store is a one-stop shop for everything natural. The store specializes in handmade products such as soaps, bath bombs, pure sugar scrubs, creams, lip balms, "Deet free" bug repellent and even, yes, dog shampoo.
"I realized I could use the earth's gifts to create a product to share," DeJoy said. "I chose to make soap, which eventually led to all the other bath essentials we now offer."
DeJoy was ready to change her lifestyle, along with those of others.
"I was sick of all the recalls on everything, from toys to food," she remembered.
She wanted to promote something that could be used without caution, so she began making her own natural products.
"I experimented with oils, herbs, fruit extracts, butters, and other natural additives until I had mixed and created the perfect blend," said DeJoy.
Both the fact that DeJoy's fiancé is in remission from non-Hodgkins lymphoma and that she recently gave birth to her daughter, is what kick-started her new "eco-conscious" business.
"It gave me an awareness of taking better care of my body and I was more cautious of what my family and I use on a daily basis," she said.
The business initially started four years ago for personal and family use, but DeJoy passionately wanted to spread awareness of going "green" and natural. She started selling her products at flea markets in Erie, which eventually led to travels nationwide from New York to Florida.
Her products sold from high-end craft shows to county carnivals. "We tried to reach every person," said DeJoy. "And along the way we even developed wholesale accounts at various co-ops along the east coast."
DeJoy, a native of Edinboro, decided to set up shop in downtown, where she can offer something unique yet eco-friendly to an array of customers, from college students to retirees.
"The community has been very supportive, [especially] Lisa Brink and Lori Fairfield," said DeJoy. "We are surprised sometimes at how soap makes everyone smile."
After years of research, DeJoy can promise her customers that her products do not need to carry a warning label.
Why? According to DeJoy, because they are made with real ingredients for real people.
"However you decide to wash this year, make sure you go wild at Wild Earth Naturals," DeJoy added.
Students will get 10 percent off their entire purchase with valid identification. And as part of Wild Earth Naturals' promise to go green, students can get an additional 5 percent off for each soap box you leave.
"It's our way of saying thanks for choosing to go green and reuse," said DeJoy.
In addition to the products mentioned, Wild Earth Naturals will soon carry liquid lotions, soy candles and a beer soap that may make a fall appearance.
Wild Earth Naturals is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also check out www.wildearthnaturals.com.
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