www.expowest.com
Just imagine over 3k exhibitors in one convention center the size of more than a couple of football fields. I was just one of over 43k attendees. I took my husband with me this time and talk about senses being overwhelmed. It was like the Vegas of all things healthy. He thoroughly enjoyed it and drank one too many energy drinks and green tea. I guess it only helped for the drive back home. These expos zap energy.
One interesting booth we visited was disguised as an ergonomic pillow manufacturer. Hmmm, could possibly sell this on my store. Continued listening and tantra seemed to be the key words here. Then the natural, organic lotion that also acts as a gentle lubricant. So the light bulb goes on and translation... ergo sex shop! Pillows are designed for kama sutra positions and handy lotions to go with it. Very practical, but I think I'll pass for my de-stress store. Moving on....
Bummer for me was not getting the cool green FREE Naked bags most eveyone who arrived early sported. They ran out day one. However success in all other areas.
My mission: to head to the personal care exhibits and find more great stuff for my online store. The bonus: organic food tasting and healthy treats for our dog, Sabrina. Walking past the suppply expo area seemed lifeless. Step into the ethnic food market and you're in another world! Party central. Success. Mission accomplished. Found 2 great items I'll be featuring on my store.
1) Nature's weave, bags, gift bags, boxes, baskets and more. Great for packaging my bath and body lines. Here's what I love about it. The principal source of their items are made from the "abaca" plant found in the Philippines. Just imagine a banana-like plant. It is harvested for its leaf sheath fibers to make rope, clothing and paper-based materials. This company utilizes all parts and laters of the leaf sheath to create unique HANDMADE collections of earth friendly gift bags and boxes. You've probably seen their bags and pouches in Whole Foods stores and Burt's Bees packaging.
Importantly, Nature's Weave is a member of the FTF, the Fair Trade Federation, an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide.
FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world.
Bottom line: those in small villages in the Philippines have jobs in safe conditions that support a living wage and also empowers them while making a useful product sold and used around the world.
2) ALAFFIA sustainable skin care offering fairly traded shea butter and soap. They are also members of the FTF producing all of their products under fair trade and organic guidelines.
What is shea butter? Shea butter is the oil from the seeds of the wild shea tress found throughout the West African savanna. Shea butter has been used for centureies in Africa as a decongestant, an anti-inflammatory for sprains and arthritis, lotion for hair and skin care, and cooking oil. We know shea butter's value most for skin care. It's known to prevent wrinkles from forming, protecting skin from harmful UV, soothe irritate and chapped skin. It also helps prevent and minimize stretch marks, inflammations, and scarring.
Be well.
Maria C.
www.destressessentials.com
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