As essential oils experience a resurgence in popularity, Midland locals have an expert to turn to right in their own backyard.
Nascent Naturals opened its doors as a storefront in 2018, but founder Sandy Powell has been in business online for 20+ years. She has also been teaching and working with essential oils for almost 34 years.
“I’ve watched the whole field grow from complete obscurity. I’ve seen it ebb and flow over the years. It’s fun to watch things evolve,” says Sandy.
Nascent Naturals carries wholesale and retail essential oils, aromatherapy supplies, personal care and body products, soap making and candle making supplies, and more. The business produces their own products as well as carrying products from other brands. From all these options, there is something for everyone. Sandy says that their clientele is a mixed bag, which she appreciates.
“Everyone should use essential oils in some capacity.”
Sandy worked in the corporate world in the 1980’s before finding her calling in the world of essential oils, natural ingredients and cosmetic chemistry. Her passion is for educating her customers, so they can make their own decisions about which essential oils to purchase, for what price, and from whom. “Most people really want to learn. We sell oils and ingredients and we do finished products. But I love to educate people.”
When it comes to making their own products, Nascent Naturals knows procedures front-to-back and has the experience to make products come together safely and effectively. The facility is Health Canada-certified, and everything that has a scent uses essential oils, rather than fragrances.
“Everything that we have, we make. We make it right in-house and we’ve done it from stable formulas that work well,” says Sandy.
Nascent Naturals buys their oils in bulk from distilleries and bottles the oils themselves. Sandy goes through all the necessary paperwork and standards to ensure she’s getting the grade and quality that she wants.
A big part of the business has been private-labelling for other companies, which entails providing the ingredients and expertise to help others develop their own products. Sometimes companies will come to Sandy with a formula that she will help fix, standardize and make stable. Word-of-mouth is Nascent Natural’s best form of advertisement, with some customers driving from as far as Toronto to shop.
“Customers almost always say, ‘I’m so glad I found this place,’ and that we’re knowledgeable, courteous and helpful, and enjoy what we do. It’s nice to get that feedback from people,” says Sandy. Customers have expressed to Sandy that they like being able to come in and ask her and her team questions in person, rather than speaking with a faceless company online.
Sandy is a big believer in the power of community. She moved to Midland from Oro-Medonte in early 2016, and is passionate about donating any items her business can give to charitable raffles and auctions. This has included Canadian Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, animal shelters, and more.
Nascent Naturals also provides Georgian Bay Hospital’s gift shop with unscented products for extra-low prices. “As long as it’s a legitimate charity, our staff know there’s no question, no hesitation. We’re happy to participate. Especially local,” says Sandy.
In addition to the business’ charitable donations, Sandy believes in simply giving her customers quality value for fair price. “Depending on where you buy your oils, they can be crazy expensive. Because you’re paying for the layers of the market. If you’re buying from a place in a big fancy mall with beautiful counters and nice fancy boxes, that’s what you’re paying for.”
As well as running their popular storefront, Nascent Naturals has workshops and courses in the works that will be starting up again this year. The courses will cover learning about essential oils, natural insect repellents, first aid with essential oils, how to make your own room sprays, and more.
Sandy is also working on a podcast that will discuss topics like the essential oil industry, natural ingredients, how to make your own products, and running your own business. Much like chemistry, “It’s going to be an interesting mix of a lot of things.”