Julie Keegan, creator of Marigold and Clover, came up with the idea of creating a business based upon her personal desire to introduce more people to the value of having clean, organic, plant-based bath and body products. She comments: "There is so much plastic, unrecyclable material and chemicals in the majority of products, and being an herbalist, I see where I can help people access products that work and are truly non-toxic, nourishing for their bodies and environmentally and animal-friendly."
Julie has been an herbalist for 36 years. She recently retired as an Eastern Medicine Practitioner, after 40 years in a business where she started as an apprentice. Julie had her first business in La Jolla, California, where she emphasized nutrition. She made the decision to move to Whidbey Island in 1992. She says, “I was looking for a beautiful, safe place to raise my kids that had a Waldorf school, and I came across on the ferry to Whidbey and fell in love with the island.
Julie has two adult children: Evan is a chef who owns a farm-to-table restaurant in Seattle. Daughter Aubrie has joined her mother as a business partner. Aubrie handles social media and customer service. Aubrie notes: "I have a keen awareness of environmental and social issues that guide us in making moral and ethical choices.”
Mother and daughter follow business practices that they say are “keeping and reaching for new heights regarding what it means to be a truly ethical, environmentally-friendly, vegan business."
Julie says, “As a healthcare practitioner I’m aware of a need for people to relax—take time off when we become (or preferably before we become) tired. We want to nourish four of the five senses with our products and help people connect with themselves in a world where we tune-out our own needs and voice.” She notes, “In Eastern Medicine we see the skin as the outward manifestation of several organ systems, and it's important that the skin be well nourished." She adds, "Just as you wouldn't put chemicals and harmful substances in your body, I recommend not putting them on your skin."
Aubrie has a background working with animals and being an activist for social justice issues. Aubrie has a history of animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abused and neglected animals. Outside of Marigold and Clover Aubrie is an entrepreneur helping other people care for their animals. She has a passion for helping animals and encouraging others to make ethical decisions regarding the care of animals. She adds, “It's important for me to make kind decisions whenever possible which I think makes me a perfect person to partner with my mom. I'm willing to hold myself accountable and I want to push others to do the same in their business and personal lives."
Aubrie adds, “All of our packaging is compostable right down to the glue and ink, and we ethically and locally source ingredients wherever possible while still paying a living wage to anyone we hire.”
Marigold and Clover offers a range of soaks, skincare products, and bath accessories. Their products contain common herbs and spices such as mustard, pumpkin and mugwort. None of their products are tested on animals. The blog on their website (www.marigoldandclover.com) provides more product information, as well as what is required for proper skincare.
