Careers in Focus
Angela J. Buckley: Suds, the simple way
By Abigail Hartung |
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Columbus, meet Project Mayhem. Well, minus the blowing-up-buildings part. Local entrepreneur Angela J. Buckley is carving her own path in the natural products market, sudsing-up the status-quo of soap making.
Angela J. Buckley, founder of Celtic Naturals
Photo: Chris Casella
Buckley, 36, founded Celtic Naturals in April 2009. The Dublin-based company offers an array of soaps crafted from all natural ingredients, along with other accessories and gear. For Buckley, when the label says 'natural,' it means just that: she defines the term as "not processed, or minimally processed."
"I'm using essential oils - the process of extracting the oil from the plant maintains its natural state without changing the original characteristics of the oils," she said. Her philosophy is encapsulated in the Celtic Naturals business slogan, "Helping the environment one shower at a time."
As a tri-athlete and avid cyclist herself, Buckley designed the Celtic Naturals Sports Line with the specific needs of athletes in mind, from scrubbing off bicycle grease to soothing the skin after a long day in the sun.
The Aviary Line also features a unique set of soaps with a purpose, such as the Brewer's Blackbird soap, made with coffee.
"Coffee works as an exfoliant and a deodorizer," explained Buckley. "I brew coffee and chill it and use that instead of water when making the soap, and add in fresh grounds for an exfoliant. Surprisingly, it's actually a really pretty bar of soap. It really doesn't have an odor - it's a soap that hunters report is good for deodorizing. We use it as a kitchen soap for removing strong odors such as garlic or onion."
Another product showcasing the benefits of coffee is the caffeinated lip balm. Does it do the trick?
"It's not the buzz of three espressos, but it definitely gives you a lift," confirmed Buckley.
Her family aided in the start-up process for Celtic Naturals. Her brother, a master carpenter, has created pine cartons, displays, and tray molds for the soaps. Her sister donated design talents in developing the company website and packaging.
In marketing Celtic Naturals, Buckley has approached local retailers and currently has products available at the Market at Serendip (36 N Liberty St., Powell) and Tri-Tech Multisport (6155 Huntley Rd.), as well as directly through the Celtic Naturals website. Word-of-mouth recommendations have been helpful, too.
"People that have skin sensitivities are responding, along with seniors and those with dry skin," she said. "Especially with the change of the season - when the wind started blowing, my phone started ringing. I didn't expect that."
Buckley has also been able to give back to her community through Celtic Naturals. Before Christmas, Celtic Naturals donated 26 pounds of wrapped soaps to a men's shelter through the Nugget O' Hope Soap Program with Lutheran Social Services. The company is currently preparing donations to be sent to earthquake victims in Haiti.
While looking at new products to offer, Buckley strives to balance the demands of consumer expectations for personal care products while keeping her products naturally based and eco-friendly. Reviewing the selection of scents offered, one may notice that a popular fragrance is absent: vanilla. After discovering that practices for farming and harvesting vanilla are often environmentally unsustainable and create social and political strife, Buckley has decided she will not support the vanilla industry.
"I try to avoid adding to the unrest," she said, "and that's one that I can avoid."
In today's vast consumer marketplace, it is refreshing to find products made with care and the best interest of the purchaser and the environment in mind - and, with Celtic Naturals, made right up the street.
For skin care tips and great Valentine's Day gifts, or to schedule an Organic Facials Party with Angela, visit www.celtic-naturals.com.
Originally Published: February 1, 2010
