The moment that would eventually lead me to creating this site occurred several years ago. I was told I had a health condition, stemming from an imbalance, that would prevent me from having children naturally. I had a choice to make, either try the fertility treatments my doctor suggested or try a more holistic approach. I choose the latter. For me this meant not only starting alternative medicine, but changing my lifestyle.
A big part of that process was taking a closer look at the toxins that were getting introduced to my body on a regular basis. A main culprit being bath, body and beauty products. I had grown accustom to not really paying much attention to their ingredients and was pretty surprised at just how bad some of them were. Endocrine disruptors were a repeat offender. I felt that finding more natural products was an integral part of restoring my balance and my health.
The healing process was slow, clearing out toxins and balancing my body took time. But after two and a half years I was able to conceive naturally, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Having my daughter made me look at the way we live our lives even more. As a parent you want your children to grow up in the best world possible. Creating a shopping directory might seem like an interesting attempt at any sort of change for the better, but ultimately it's about accountability. Trying to live in a more responsible manner and realizing that the seemingly small decisions we make everyday matter on a larger scale. We tend to get disconnected from nature, each other and even ourselves. We are often so distanced from the foods we eat, clothes we wear and products we use. I like the idea of focusing more on where goods come from, and on what goes into making them. We choose where our dollar goes, essentially this means we have the power to decide which kinds of businesses thrive and which are unsuccessful. We can choose to support local companies, strengthening our economy and our communities. Production has a major impact on our planet, and we have the ability to help limit the toll it takes by purchasing from companies who use sustainable practices. We can encourage the ethical treatment of workers by refusing to buy from businesses who mistreat their employees. This might sound idealist but we have the power to make changes as long as we have the desire.
Thirteen years of my life were spent in different aspects of the fashion industry. From studying fashion design, to an internship, modeling and then jewelry design. Good craftsmanship, attention to detail, quality materials and well thought out design get my heart racing. I love finding beautiful treasures, rather vintage or new, furniture, clothing, or what have you. Part of the beauty in a product is in the story behind it. I want to bring these stories to you through These Native Goods. I hope to help introduce ( or re-introduce) you to companies that are more deserving of your business. In my own life I have felt there was a void for a site like These Native Goods. Both when looking for natural bath and body care, and when trying to find more conscientious shops to support. I hope I have done the idea justice. So without further ado, welcome to www.thesenativegoods.com happy treasure hunting!!
- Chandra Fox
Creator of These Native Goods