What started as a school project to remove aluminum from my skin care for a healthier and more sustainable routine has become a side hustle. While studying Sustainable & Healthy Society at Mount Royal University (MRU), I focused on how to best help the environment and my health. This led me to explore beauty and skin care, researching how my makeup and hygiene products affect both me and the planet.

When I learned how my skin and health were affected, I wanted a better, natural way to care for myself and loved ones. The biggest shock was realizing the harm caused by using anti-perspirant. I knew it had aluminum, but didn’t know the risk. Since aluminum is linked to cancer and Alzheimers, I chose not to take the chance. As someone who used to be a good Girl Guide, I can say there are safer, more natural options.

 Where to begin? Research first. I reviewed all products I knew that help with dryness and odor. Baking soda was my first idea. Then I looked into other common deodorant ingredients. I read blogs and checked sources through the university library. Once I found a solution, I started thinking about the scent, and that’s when the fun started.

I tested the deodorant and fragrances on co-workers, family, and friends. I created a scent that appeals to both men and women, my Original Signature Scent. I also started making a lip balm to replace the ones I was using. I enjoyed learning about sustainability, my carbon footprint, and how my products affect the environment. Then, the unthinkable happened—I was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Six years later, after chemo, sepsis, and three months at Foothills Hospital in palliative care learning to walk with a walker, I had finished my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Business and Human Resources at MRU. Wondering “what’s next,” I told a friend I had made some items years ago that I forgot about and thought about testing them again to see if friends and family might still be interested, to help ease the stress of being unemployed.

You need to start your own business. An idea was born. and I was hooked. Coming Fall of 2025, Pretty Natural; from the culmination of a lot of thinking and my passion for natural products. Here we will feature handcrafted health and beauty products. All items will be eco-friendly and, of course, pretty natural!