YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
After a cancer diagnosis in 2010, Shelly Davis of Fair Play started examining product labels and was astonished at how many included carcinogenic chemicals. She began purchasing all-natural, organic items for her family but found the products expensive. She started experimenting with recipes and in 2013 began selling four variations of bar soap. Today, through Tunetti Natural, she offers 63 products, including natural deodorant, body wash and personal care products.
SBJ: Tell me about Jewelweed Bar Soap.
Shelly Davis: This specific soap was requested by a local goat farmer who was unknowingly being exposed to poison ivy by working with the goats. It’s a must-have for people who like to be outside. The jewelweed is harvested locally and is often found growing near poison ivy and oak. The plant blossoms and leaves are crushed and diffused in water for several days. The infused water is then used to make the soap. Jewelweed has been used for centuries to relieve and prevent the effects of poison ivy and poison oak. Washing with jewelweed soap soon after being exposed to the plants will wash away the urushiol, the invisible oil on the plants that causes the rash and itch. The added patchouli and lavender essential oils help soothe and calm the affected areas.
SBJ: How do you source the jewelweed?
Davis: I harvest it locally – I just make sure I don’t get in poison ivy. Jewelweed grows in pretty big bushes. It only blooms in June, with orange blossoms that look like trumpets, and that’s when I harvest it, so I know I’m getting the right plant. I collect blooms, leaves and small stems and bring them back and diffuse them into water. Then I freeze it in jugs so I can make it all year round.
SBJ: Was starting your business part of your cancer healing journey?
Davis: I didn’t realize it at the time, but it did turn into a healing process for me. I felt like I needed to give back in some way. My emotions were still too raw to be a mentor at the cancer center. I did donate my wig and prosthetics and crocheted some chemo caps, but I wasn’t ready to experience it again with anyone. This is a way for me to give back – to provide a natural product for families to use that does not include carcinogens and to do it at a good price point where everyone can afford it.
SBJ: Affordability sounds like a key principle for your products – right up there with the organic qualities.
Davis: A lot of times natural products are more expensive. My tagline is, “Making natural affordable.” As long as I have an increase in sales over the previous year, that to me shows progress financially.
SBJ: What are your plans for Tunetti Natural?
Davis: I’m hoping to open up some type of storefront in Springfield within the next year. I definitely want to get into the Springfield market more. I do so well at Cider Days and at the Pickwick Street Fair – I almost sell out every time, so I know that’s my target market. While I do want to expand, I don’t want to get into a situation where I have to increase my prices, so a home-based business might be the ideal solution; I can live there and have my shop there. Whichever way I go, it’ll work out. I’m looking at summer.
