Essentially Natural was founded in 2014 by cousins Jan and Vicki, with the aim of putting themselves back in charge of what they were putting into and onto their bodies, and into the environment.
We strove to provide a platform for all the wonderful natural products we discovered, in the hopes that others would be inspired to also live more natural and sustainable lifestyles.
Now, 7 years later, the Essentially Natural family has - happily - swelled substantially. Our initial goal remains the same and we're still striving to do simply that: to offer you the best in natural, raw ingredients, materials, equipment, eco-friendly packaging and more.
But we've also learnt a lot along the way and so we have shifted our goal posts forwards. Our very strict ingredients policy guides us, and you, in terms of the types of ingredients we believe in and sell. You can read our Ingredients Policy here. Natural and non-toxic shouldn't be an alternative, it should be the norm, and we're doing our best to make it so.
One of our pillars is ingredient transparency and honesty, so we will always declare everything on the label.
We have significantly expanded our environmentally friendly packaging options, because the outside is as important as the inside when it comes to sustainability.
We are making huge efforts to support more causes we believe in, both social and environmental; we've been given great opportunities and it's simply our duty to pay it back and pay it forward.
We've also researched, experimented and tested out hundreds of recipes using all our natural ingredients, to make everyday products that are good for you and good for the environment. We've made all this information and all our recipes freely available to you here in our Resource Centre.
We:
Support local community initiatives and ethical, fair trade practices.
Source all our products in South Africa - to us, being proudly South African means supporting local industry.
Believe in sharing information and constantly learning.
Believe in honesty and transparency in our relationships with our customers.
We only sell products we use and believe in ourselves.
Passionate natural-life–wannabe.
"1 November 2012, my husband and best friend, Steph and Brad’s Dad, died of stomach cancer. His diagnosis six months prior catapulted me onto a journey of trying to help him and to protect my family from this dreadful disease.
The only thing I know for sure, years later, is that cancer is UNnatural. I firmly believe that the toxic brew of chemicals we put in our food, on our bodies and in our homes, has become a friend to illness. I am officially un-friending!
I do promise to share everything I learn on my journey – I hope you’ll join me."
Passionate about the incredibly beautiful Pale Blue Dot that we get to call home, and contributing positively to its well-being.
Fueled by the company of dogs, books, friends, family, and wine.
"I'm so proud of Essentially Natural and the team and ethos behind it. And since you're here, I hope that you'll find something that reflects a shared value, passion or interest. I hope that here you'll find the inspiration to live in truth and kindness, to yourself and our planet."
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vicki@essentiallynatural.co.za
Vicki’s little sis, lifelong learner, enthusiastic DIY-er, conscious content creator, blogger and product specialist.
Fascinated by the chemistry behind everything, sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives and Planet Earth.
"I enjoy creating, love nature, animals and all things sustainable, harmless, chemical-free and non-polluting.
Qualifications: BSc geology & geography, PGCE and BSc Honours in energy studies."
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Gets very dramatic when hungry.
juliette@essentiallynatural.co.za
Our talented and highly capable General Manager, Wayne, is an innovator who has heaps of specialist skills and abilities as well as extensive experience in general retail, including stock purchasing and merchandising, inventory management systems, network systems and IT.
With his many years of practical, hands-on experience at management level and his unique knowledge and skill set, he’s responsible for keeping the wheels turning smoothly at Essentially Natural.
We call him Mr Fix-It :)
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wayne@essentiallynatural.co.za
Paper shredding, recycling, french kisses, 24/7 support. It's a dog's life.
