local: nature IN beauty

Nature IN Beauty
348 Park Avenue North, #6
Winter Park, FL  32789
407.274.2217
10:30AM-5:00PM Monday-Saturday (or pop over to Marvaldi Salon for assistance)

Just prior to moving I stumbled upon this new shop as I was taking photos for the Park Avenue post (coming soon). In fact, they weren't actually open yet, but I peeked in the window and had an instant jolt of excitement when I noticed it was a shop selling Intelligent Nutrients products. I have mentioned this line of hair and beauty products, and it's founder, Horst Rechelbacher, in previous posts, here and here. I began to walk away (excited that something good was making its way to Winter Park - even though I was about to move) when I met Judith. Judith's brother, Douglas Marvaldi, has the hair and makeup salon, Marvaldi,  just steps away in the Hidden Gardens section of Park Avenue. They use and sell some of the Intelligent Nutrients products in the salon, but wanted to be able to sell the entire line. Luckily, this tiny jewel box space became available, and Nature IN Beauty was born. Judith was so kind and allowed me to come in and take pictures - we had a wonderful chat. I told her I would bring Bob by the next week before we moved - and I did. Before our condo was loaded up, we stopped in to see Judith and met her brother, Douglas. We also wanted to support a local business selling high quality, ethical products. I am such a fan of Horst's philosophy that we should consider what we put on our bodies, as well as what we put in them. We left with some Harmonic Shampoo, Bug Repellent Perfume Serum (because I'm always getting bitten!), and Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss in Cranberry Glow. All products are either USDA-certified organic or Harmonic, which means the growing conditions and safety of the ingredients has been verified in a fair trade environment...and they all smell wonderful.

(Above images via Intelligent Nutrients)

And here is their fantastic shop! I love how they designed it - from the lighting and paint color...to those ikat curtains (see sources below). Oh, and the paintings on the wall were done by Douglas!

I caught up with Judith this week to ask her how things are going with the new business, and for her to share a bit more information for you readers:

TLOB: Hi Judith! It's great to connect with you again. How have the first few weeks of business been for Nature in Beauty?

JM:They have been very exciting! We are pleasantly surprised at the interest in our organic products.  The bug spray has been a huge hit, especially with the recent coverage on West Nile virus!

TLOB:Can you tell us why the Intelligent Nutrients line is so special to you and your brother, Douglas, and how that prompted both of you to bring the line to the community of Winter Park?

JM:For myself, I believe totally in the concept of organic, healthy ingredients for the body.  When I was introduced to this line I was overjoyed that finally someone with such a background and knowledge base as Horst is bringing this concept to the public.  I am also a supporter of the Ayurvedic principles, so the healing powers of aromatherapy in the products are also a great benefit. Douglas, who is also a supporter of organic beauty products, is a friend of Horst Rechelbacher and has been for many years.  So, he knows the quality put into the products and the commitment to the cause as well as bringing an awareness that health and beauty can go hand in hand.  Douglas currently uses the hair care and skin care products in his salon.

TLOB:Do you currently carry the entire line of Intelligent Nutrients products, or will there be more exciting additions coming soon?

JM:There will be many more exciting additions to the product line.  In fact, there will be a launch in January, that you’ll have to wait and see!!!  We will also carry unique flavors of organic chocolates made in the USA.  Plus we have a few other ideas up our sleeve.

TLOB: Sadly, the majority of people still are not concerned with what they put on or in their bodies; what do you see as your greatest challenge in educating people to why this line is so special and important?

JM: Resistance to change and the idea of bringing an awareness that there is a proven truth behind the product.  The cosmetic industry has been able to keep the “bad stuff” under wraps for so long, and people are not even aware of the harmful ingredients that they use on their body every day.  Take lipstick for example.  Are people really aware that LEAD and GLUTEN are common ingredients in lipstick? At least our products, which are actually called “Lip Nutrition" are beneficial as well as enhancing.  And for those who are sensitive, such as with celiac disease, they need to be aware of what they are using. So, all we can say to our prospective customers is stay aware and informed, and know that we are here to help you beautify your body, mind and environment.

Thank you, Judith. I'm sending big hugs from Saint Louis!

I always ask now about paint colors, fabrics, decor, etc. because seeing what others are doing and using is inspiring. Here's what Judith shared with me:

All paint colors by Valspar at Lowe's (l to r): Brown Derby Hat (used on ceiling), Denver Spring (used on wall), and Night Scape (used on exterior door and trim)

The beautiful ikat fabric for the drapes is from Calico Corners, the punched metal pendant lamps are from World Market, and the shelving and baskets are from IKEA. Other decor accessories from Homegoods and Marshalls.