They have different backgrounds and different strengths, but Tracy Holder and Kandace Stamer Bernal now have a united passion as co-owners of Ulew Natural Products. Holder has a Masters degree in business management and has spent years in the not-for-profit sector; Stamer Bernal’s background includes a biology degree, Peace Corps experience, and social services work. The two met while working at an agency that provided support to individuals with developmental disabilities. “We had very different but complementary skills. It was a good match. We had talked about starting a business together, but nothing sparked our interest until Ulew came along,” Stamer Bernal said.
Holder said lightening struck one day when Stamer Bernal was expressing her frustration at not being able to find cosmetics without synthetic chemicals. “She showed me a brochure for an organic skin and cosmetic line called Miessence. I looked at her and said, ‘This is it.’ So we became a distributor for Miessence organic body, hair, and skin products and have added a water-based nail color line, shea butter lotions, herbal soaps, balms, and oils. People are surprised to see products such as toothpaste, deodorant, and a probiotic in addition to the cosmetics and lotions they’d expect. And we’re adding products all the time.”
The name Ulew (pronounced oo-loo) came from Stamer Bernal’s Peace Corps experience. “I was involved with an agriforestry project in the western highlands of Guatemala, where I worked with people of Mayan descent who spoke a language called Quiche’. Tracy had suggested having a company name that incorporated the word ‘earth’ and I remembered the Quiche’ word for ‘earth’ was ‘ulew.’ We both liked it, and Ulew Natural Products, LLC was born,” she said.
Stamer Bernal said Ulew, which was started in May 2005, fits perfectly with her personal beliefs. “I’ve always felt a connection with the earth and have been concerned about polluting it. When I realized I needed to be using safer cosmetics, I thought I’d just go to the web and buy some. But it took forever to find anything without concerning ingredients. It was very frustrating because so many companies misrepresent their products, calling them ‘natural’ when they aren’t. I remember thinking it would be so great to be able to find a web site where I knew everything was okay and not have to spend hours researching each product. When we decided on this business, that was my requirement—that everything we carried would be truly safe and natural, so people could have peace of mind when using our product line.”
She said people assume that if a cosmetic product is on the shelf, it must be safe. “This just isn’t true. Cosmetics aren’t taken internally, so they receive only minimal regulation by the FDA. When you think about it, it doesn’t make sense that applying all of these chemicals is good for our health. Many cosmetics contain ingredients formulated to increase penetration of the product into the skin. In addition, more concerning chemicals can be created when various product ingredients react with one another. Products may have some preliminary testing for skin sensitivities or allergic reactions, but the long-term effects of many ingredients are largely unknown. We can’t assume because something doesn’t hurt us today, that it’s safe to use on a continuing basis.”
Stamer Bernal said she’s had many conversations with cosmetics companies. “I’ve spoken particularly with ones that are pseudo-natural—putting beneficial, natural ingredients into an otherwise toxic base. They’re very savvy. They know if they package and promote a product in a certain way, the consumer will assume it’s natural, safer, and better. They count on this. What the consumer is getting is a more expensive product with some beneficial ingredients right alongside the concerning ones. When backed into a corner, these companies will admit they’ve never claimed to be ‘all-natural,’ but that’s exactly what they’re banking on the consumer to think.”
Holder, who is also executive director at the Cancer Center for Healthy Living, admitted her interest initially was the business aspect. “I’ve always known I wanted to start my own business, but throughout this process, I’ve learned so much—mostly that I have a choice, and I’d much rather choose healthy products than products I’m unsure about. At first, I felt unconcerned about product ingredients because people are living longer, and we have more products than ever before. A year later, I’m convinced we’re not living healthier; we’re living longer with cancer and other disease, and we’re not sure what’s causing all of it. The business interest I first had is secondary now to my interest in our products and mission.”
She said the extensive research she and Stamer Bernal conduct eventually may lead to new product offerings. “We research all the time to find additional personal and home care products to help reduce the chemicals and toxins in peoples’ lives. As our company grows, we’ll introduce new lines. We’re gaining interest in home and cleaning products, baby products, and pet products.”
“Our current goal is to get the word out,” Stamer Bernal said. “Our message is one of awareness and education. If you become aware of what you’re putting on and into your body and into your living environment, you naturally begin to make healthier choices. We can’t assume we’re being watched over; we really need to look into product ingredients. For example, in 2004, Europe banned many of the concerning cosmetics ingredients still in use in the United States today. People need to have this information, so they can be healthy.”
Stamer Bernal and Holder encouraged women to check the ingredient labels of their current cosmetics to see if they’re free of the following potentially dangerous chemicals: fragrance, phthalates, parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, ethyl), polyethylene glycol (PEG), propylene or butylene glycol, mineral oil, petrolatum, triethanolamine (TEA), synthetic colors (FD&C or D&C colors), stearalkonium chloride, sodium lauryl sulfate, PVP/VA copolymer, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, isopropyl alcohol (SD40), and coal tar.
Ulew customers have several ways to stock up on their favorite products. “Our products are sold on our web site, where we provide up-to-date information on all relevant issues, as well as detailed information on all of our products. In addition, we really wanted to have personal relationships with our customers, so we began selling our products at Northwoods Mall in a cart on the upper level toward JC Penney. We also do private parties, so people can try the products,” Holder said.
Stamer Bernal said in addition to those who are health-conscious and concerned about the environment, there are many reasons customers are drawn to Ulew products. “Our customers also include women who are pregnant, people who are cancer survivors, and people with skin conditions and allergies to common cosmetic ingredients.”
In the past year, Stamer Bernal said she’s been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who’ve thanked them for starting Ulew. “I really wasn’t sure what to expect when we put our products out there. I was unsure if the Midwest was ready for us. It’s been wonderful to hear all of the positive feedback, and it’s very exciting to come to work and do something I feel is so important.”
Holder agreed, saying, “I’m shocked at how many people know more than I knew a year ago. People want to be informed.”
For more information on Ulew products, call 681-0025 or visit www.ulew.com. TPW