What moment made you take a closer look at the everyday products your daughters were using?
It actually started with a jar of pickles. I was in my kitchen making my own pickles, and I decided to look at the store-bought jar in my refrigerator. That’s when I noticed, after all these years, that those pickles were packed with synthetic dyes and preservatives. It made no sense to me; the pickling process itself is a natural preservative, so why were these additives there?
That single label sent me on a rampage, turning over items I had trusted for years: food labels, body wash, lotion, makeup, sunscreen and everything else we own. As I Googled ingredient after ingredient, I found link after link to health risks and toxicity. I was shocked. Realizing that up to 60% of what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our bodies was the exact moment I knew things had to change. I wasn't going to put toxic chemicals on my kids and they weren't going to blindly trust products.
When you realized many products contained chemicals, parabens, and synthetics, how did that discovery impact your approach to skincare?
It completely flipped my perspective from relying on store-bought convenience to taking absolute control over what touches our skin. I realized it was a simple choice: I could keep spending my hard-earned money on toxic products that could eventually make us sick, or I could start swapping them out to lower our exposure.
It wasn't easy at first because I didn't even know what to look for. But once you educate yourself, you can't unsee it. Now, I can scan a label and know within seconds whether an item is safe for my family.
How did raising your children under the Florida sun shape your desire for cleaner, safer products?
Living in Florida means outdoor life is constant. We are in the heat, sun, and humidity year-round, which means applying sunscreen, lip balms, and skin care is a daily occurrence rather than an occasional event.
People always throw around the phrase "everything in moderation," but true moderation is almost impossible when synthetic chemicals are hidden everywhere. Is moderation once a day? Once a week? When these additives lurk in body wash, toothpaste, lotion, and food, you're being exposed every few minutes. When exposure is constant, purity isn't optional, it’s essential.
Can you describe the moment Clean & Bare Co. was born and what pushed you to create your own products?
It wasn't easy at first because I didn't even know what to look for. But once you educate yourself, you can't unsee it. Now, I can scan a label and know within seconds whether an item is safe for my family.
How did raising your children under the Florida sun shape your desire for cleaner, safer products?
Living in Florida means outdoor life is constant. We are in the heat, sun, and humidity year-round, which means applying sunscreen, lip balms, and skin care is a daily occurrence rather than an occasional event.
People always throw around the phrase "everything in moderation," but true moderation is almost impossible when synthetic chemicals are hidden everywhere. Is moderation once a day? Once a week? When these additives lurk in body wash, toothpaste, lotion, and food, you're being exposed every few minutes. When exposure is constant, purity isn't optional, it’s essential.
Can you describe the moment Clean & Bare Co. was born and what pushed you to create your own products?
Clean & Bare Co. grew organically after I ditched synthetic store items. I started handcrafting household staples, like fire cider and simple kitchen preparations, before moving into personal care, beginning with soaps and an all-natural deodorant.
When friends and family tried them and kept coming back asking for refills, I realized this was bigger than a personal kitchen project. Seeing how many people were searching for safe, effective, and honest options pushed me to turn my passion into a business.
You mentioned having a supportive community. How did their guidance influence your journey?
The local community has meant everything to us. Starting out at local Florida markets, partnering with neighboring small businesses, and talking directly with customers gave me the confidence and feedback I needed to refine my formulations. Hearing someone say that a simple balm solved a skin issue they had struggled with for years showed me there is a genuine need for non-toxic, holistic products.
What message do you hope your daughters take away from watching you build Clean & Bare Co.?
I want them to learn two big lessons: first, to always question what goes into and onto their bodies, and second, that if something you need doesn't exist to your standards, you have the power to build it yourself. Watching me formulate, package, and build a brand from the ground up teaches them self-reliance, hard work, and the value of never compromising on integrity.
Why is small‑batch production important to you, and how does it impact the quality of your products?
Small-batch crafting ensures freshness, quality control, and attention to detail that mass production simply can't replicate. Industrial production requires heavy synthetic preservatives and stabilizers so products can sit in distribution warehouses for months. By keeping our batches small, every single jar, balm, and soap bar is handcrafted fresh, potent, and made with purpose.
What standards or values guide your ingredient selection to ensure trust and transparency?
My rule is simple: if an ingredient isn't necessary, pure, and responsibly sourced, it doesn't go in. I prioritize high-grade, American-sourced raw ingredients, like grass-fed tallow, local Florida beeswax and royal jelly, organic American-manufactured essential oils, and non-nano American-mined minerals. Customers deserve total transparency: no hidden fragrance blends, no greenwashing, and clear label descriptions so you always know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
What do you want customers to feel or understand when they use Clean & Bare Co. products?
I want our customers to feel complete peace of mind. Skincare shouldn't be complicated or full of hidden risks. When someone opens a Clean & Bare Co. product, I want them to feel confident knowing they are using clean, non-toxic yet effective products that are truly safe for their entire family. A product with clean scents and bare ingredients.
When friends and family tried them and kept coming back asking for refills, I realized this was bigger than a personal kitchen project. Seeing how many people were searching for safe, effective, and honest options pushed me to turn my passion into a business.
You mentioned having a supportive community. How did their guidance influence your journey?
The local community has meant everything to us. Starting out at local Florida markets, partnering with neighboring small businesses, and talking directly with customers gave me the confidence and feedback I needed to refine my formulations. Hearing someone say that a simple balm solved a skin issue they had struggled with for years showed me there is a genuine need for non-toxic, holistic products.
What message do you hope your daughters take away from watching you build Clean & Bare Co.?
I want them to learn two big lessons: first, to always question what goes into and onto their bodies, and second, that if something you need doesn't exist to your standards, you have the power to build it yourself. Watching me formulate, package, and build a brand from the ground up teaches them self-reliance, hard work, and the value of never compromising on integrity.
Why is small‑batch production important to you, and how does it impact the quality of your products?
Small-batch crafting ensures freshness, quality control, and attention to detail that mass production simply can't replicate. Industrial production requires heavy synthetic preservatives and stabilizers so products can sit in distribution warehouses for months. By keeping our batches small, every single jar, balm, and soap bar is handcrafted fresh, potent, and made with purpose.
What standards or values guide your ingredient selection to ensure trust and transparency?
My rule is simple: if an ingredient isn't necessary, pure, and responsibly sourced, it doesn't go in. I prioritize high-grade, American-sourced raw ingredients, like grass-fed tallow, local Florida beeswax and royal jelly, organic American-manufactured essential oils, and non-nano American-mined minerals. Customers deserve total transparency: no hidden fragrance blends, no greenwashing, and clear label descriptions so you always know exactly what you’re putting on your skin.
What do you want customers to feel or understand when they use Clean & Bare Co. products?
I want our customers to feel complete peace of mind. Skincare shouldn't be complicated or full of hidden risks. When someone opens a Clean & Bare Co. product, I want them to feel confident knowing they are using clean, non-toxic yet effective products that are truly safe for their entire family. A product with clean scents and bare ingredients.
MY REVIEW:
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I’ve always used antiperspirant deodorants because I’m a heavy sweater, so I was nervous about trying something new, especially in this Alabama heat that has been a straight-up punching bag this summer. But Clean & Bare Co. completely surprised me. Even after sweating in my garden, I could still smell that soft vanilla aroma under my arms. It wasn’t harsh, didn’t irritate my skin, and held up beautifully.
I’ve also been using the Magnesium Balm on my feet and elbows for a few days, and my skin feels noticeably more nourished and hydrated. Knowing there are no harsh chemicals going on my body is a double win. It’s expertly crafted to help you unwind and truly feels like self-care.
The Hibiscus Lip Gloss has a gorgeous shine, my daughter already asked to add it to her collection. The Exfoliating Organic Lavender & Coconut Oil Soap (in the cutest flower shape) leaves my skin soft and smooth. And the Cinnamon Lip Tin is a tiny, adorable hydrator that’s perfect for on-the-go moisture.
With Christmas right around the corner, these make amazing stocking stuffers or thoughtful additions to gift bags and baskets for friends and loved ones who take pride in their skin and appreciate natural products. Clean & Bare Co. delivers quality, purity, and results, and I’m officially a fan.