LEXINGTON PARK, MD — Just because it is natural doesn’t mean it should be dull.
Bath bombs. Bubble bars. Bath Dough? All of this sounds like Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, which are known for their very fragrant and overpriced bath products.
But it’s all available, locally produced, and reasonably priced by Jessica Wilson, owner and operator of Natural Bath Boutique.
“Everyone that is in this business has their own style and way of doing it. I love bright colors. I feel just because it is natural doesn’t mean it should be dull. I noticed it when you see Ark with organic products in the store or online. They’re all really beige and tan. That’s not for me. Why can’t we have [color] still with our products?” asked Wilson.
She started making body scrubs as gifts for friends and family five years ago.
“My son had issues with eczema soon after he was born. So I started doing research how I can help lock in the moisture on his skin. That’s when I saw the Shealoe Butter trick,” said Wilson.
Shealoe is a combination of shea butter and aloe vera. She added her own oil into the mix and came up with the ‘body frosting,’ said Wilson.
“It has helped with his skin a great deal. As much as I want to make this a full time job, my family comes first,” said Wilson.
The Natural Body Boutique offers a variety of handmade bath products at various locations in Southern Maryland, Wilson said. “I offer products like bath bombs, bubble bars, bath dough, soap, body spray, shaving cream, Body frosting, lotion, whipped and emulsified types of body polish, facial scrubs, facial soaps, hand sanitizer, massage oils, and shaving butter. Just to name a few.”
Her most popular items for sale include her bath bombs, bath dough and lotion.
“I love my body polish. It leaves my skin so soft without feeling oily,” said Wilson.
Although Lush is a successful brand that has captured the hearts and wallets of many who enjoy a relaxing bath time, Wilson thinks they are an inspiring company and hopes to emulate their success. She did have something to say about the customers.
“They have this misunderstanding about what goes into the products, how Lush is supposedly 100 percent organic or natural. You can tell by reading their ingredients list that it isn’t,” Wilson said.
While Wilson admits her products are not 100 percent organic, she does her best to select quality components to create the perfect bath experience.
“We use USDA grade Organic oils and unrefined butters in our products. Our fragrance oils are paraben-free and we are cruelty free,” said Wilson.
Wilson got her start selling her products at the Home Grown Farmers Market and is available three weekends a month to provide products to the community at fair prices.
“The farmers are so nice and answer all my questions. They have really made me feel welcomed,” said Wilson. “I also do vendor events as well. I also have products available at High Tides, like my Pokémon and Emoji-inspired bath bombs there. But the owner, Rebecca, has been sweet enough to invite me to gaming conventions to set up shop.”
Supporting small businesses brings the community out of people, said Wilson. “I have met so many different small business owners and I love it! It’s heartwarming to see all of the creativity someone invests in what they sell. I think if people would shop more at small business, it would help the economy.”
For more information, check out the Natural Bath Boutique Facebook page.
Natural Bath Boutique products are available at Home Grown Farmers Market at 21078 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park. And High Tide Games in the San Souci Plaza at 22599 MacArthur Blvd, California.
Contact Jacqui Atkielski at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com.
