When a string of Tre’ Jackson-Navarrette’s family members were diagnosed with a number of different illnesses, she became inspired to make natural skincare products.
“Having personally struggled with and witnessing loved ones struggling with health issues, I really became adamant about finding safe, effective every-day essentials that are actually beneficial to our health,†Jackson-Navarrette, owner of locally-based Truelli Nature, said on her shop’s website.
Jackson-Navarrette started making products at home about six years ago and started selling them about a year and a half ago.
“Science was always my favorite growing up,†Jackson-Navarrette says. “I was always doing experiments and making stuff. And the skincare aspect — I was always a collector. My grandma would always tell me, ‘You need to care of your skin’ and I didn’t realize it back then.â€
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But when Jackson-Navarrette started reading labels on products sitting on store shelves — listing off several unpronounceable ingredients — she decided it was important that Truelli Nature’s products be plant-based, eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
“This is my hobby that kind of grew and expanded,†she said.
Because of her busy schedule, she’s mostly self-taught — reading, researching and experimenting. There’s some trial and error involved, but Jackson-Navarrette says she tries to create a variety of products for people.
“I like to perfect things a little, but then I also try to understand that just because I like it doesn’t mean someone else is going to like it.â€
Most of Truelli Nature is just her, though her niece and sister-in-law also help sometimes.
Currently, Truelli Nature sells products ranging from shampoo bars and lip balms to soaps and clay masks. Jackson-Navarrette says the products are all natural, made from ingredients such as organic olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter. Even the packaging is eco-friendly, with labels made of recycled paper and containers that can be reused.
As for the name Truelli Nature, it’s the combination of a few different things.
“It kind of fell together for me because I wanted a name that said that something was honest and true and from plants and from nature,†Jackson-Navarrette says, adding that part of the name is a play on words and includes her and her three children’s initials.
And the “elli†represents elephants because proceeds from some of Truelli Nature’s products are donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network.