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Minnehaha Falls

A Pretty Natural Beauty Industry

Shopping Innovative Business Green Family

It’s no wonder Cooking Light named Minneapolis the 4th-best city for eating smart, being fit and living well in 2007. The creative, intelligent residents care for their bodies and the environment holistically. This attention to wellness allows progressive beauty and natural products companies to thrive locally and achieve national success.

Naturally Beautiful
The "by women, for women" philosophy at the Thymes company assures customers that productions specialists know exactly what they like. Whether it’s bath salts, candles or all-purpose cleaners – anything a hardworking woman needs – the Thymes makes it with naturally-derived products. Operating in Minneapolis for over two and a half decades, the company creates products that are gentle on skin, safe for the environment and stylish in the home.

At the Aveda Institute, students learn "the art and science of pure flower and plant essences." A Minnesota-based company founded by Horst Rechelbacher, Aveda Corporation has been an industry leader in environmental consciousness since 1978. Offering beauty products for men and women, Aveda encourages customers and fellow companies to appreciate nature and accept eco-responsibility. Now owned by Estee Lauder, the company still produces its best seller, Shampure Shampoo.

Aveda founder Rechelbacher now focuses his eco-friendly attitude on the health and beauty industry through his new company, Intelligent Nutrients. Using all food-based and organic materials, Intelligent Nutrients products include health foods, supplements, hair care products and fragrances.

Clean Green
Monica Nassif founded a duo of Minneapolis companies that specialize in healthy, eco-friendly cleaning products. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, named after Nassif’s mother, and her other company Caldrea offer stylish products and environmentally-concerned cleaners.

Animal & Kid Friendly
It’s comforting to know that none of these firms test their products on animals. Some are even involved in lobbying for the elimination of animal testing. With such caring philosophies, no wonder these companies offer baby-friendly products as well.

Thymes products are gentle enough for babies’ skin and noses. Intelligent Nutrients offers a combination maternity and baby line. Caldrea and Mrs. Meyers created cleaning products especially for keeping babies’ rooms neat and tidy. The products ditch harsh chemicals, substituting subtle scents like "sweet pea" and "baby blossom."