Barrington shop focuses on organic and natural products
After operating a business cleaning suburban houses for more than 20 years, Judy Zabielski believed the chemicals from the cleaning products were causing her fatigue.
The Antioch woman found herself exhausted until she switched to organic cleaning solutions about three years ago.
She talked with longtime client Laura Mueller about how she felt better as she swapped more and more household and beauty items for organic varieties. The women had long conversations about how they could provide healthier alternatives to their families with all-natural products.
Mueller, of Wauconda, and Zabielski wanted to share what they learned with others and decided to launch a business.
They opened Acacia Organics in Barrington in late June. The shop, at 100 E. Station St. Suite 155, features an array of all-natural and organic products. Skin care, makeup, baby products, vitamins, minerals and even items for pets are included in the mix.
The top-selling item at the shop, which looks more like a spa than a retail store, is the Klean Kanteen, a stainless-steel water bottle. The water bottles, ranging in price from $15 to $20, are guaranteed to be free of bisphenol A, Mueller said. BPA is found in plastic water bottles, baby bottles and the lining of aluminum water bottles and has been linked to health problems, said Mueller, 41.
The second most popular item has been Max Stress B vitamins. "Women are finding the vitamin helpful to alleviate stress," said Zabielski, 46. A 3-month supply sells for $80.
Organic makeup has also been a big seller. "The LaVera line, which is gluten-free organic makeup, has been a hot seller," Zabielski said.
Other minerals and herbs have also been a hit, she added.
The new business owners say shoppers are coming in ready to make small changes to make their lives healthier.
"The most important thing is if we take small steps to get the toxins out of our lives, we can lead happier, healthier lives," Zabielski said. She added that she has a certificate for nutritional consulting and is available to assist customers make changes. "I'm very passionate about this," said Zabielski, whose husband, Ken, works as a respiratory therapist.
Meanwhile, Mueller is a nurse and was doing medical-legal consulting before launching the business. She and husband Devin, a Wauconda firefighter, are raising three sons, ages 6 to 10.
"Our goal is to educate people and help them make simple changes in their lives to live a long and healthy life," Mueller said.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday. For more, call (847) 387-3174 or check out acaciaorganics.com.
• Kim Mikus covers small business and retail. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4567.