Bethel Small Business Spotlight: Scrubbers Natural Products

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

• Business: Scrubbers Natural Products
• Owner: Anne Gesualdi
• Website: scrubbersnaturalproducts.com
• Address: 4 Willow St., Bethel

How did you come up with the name?

Scrubbers is an old English slang word for women, and our first product was laundry detergent! These products were developed by three “mature” women with aging skin, a desire to go back to basics, eliminate harmful chemicals and be healthy. The products are developed without preservatives and harsh chemicals, with the majority of the ingredients being organic or in their natural form. With the environment in mind we used glass containers when possible with 50 cents off your next purchase when refilled in person to recycle.

Why start a business in this town?

I have lived in this town for 27 years, raised my daughter and love all the small businesses we have had over the years. My two wonderful friends (or witches as we call ourselves) are also first generation immigrants who grew up appreciating the simpler things in life. One of them had recently struggled with cancer and this town rallied to support her. Through this, we thought about triggers for cancer victims and felt eliminating chemicals, as much as possible, might help.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We make handmade body butters, face creams, scrubs, masks, eye make-up remover, bath salts, lip balms, soap, house cleaner and laundry detergent-- all with natural, organic and none of those harsh chemicals that you can not pronounce!

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

We made these products originally for ourselves and friends. Everyone loved them so we recently decided to try and turn this into a business. The challenges we are facing are: developing a website and figuring out how to run a business, (we are dinosaurs with the computer) and knowing what local businesses would be willing to showcase our products to gain exposure.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

We actually sold a lot of products at the Bethel Community market and it was fun! Getting positive feedback on the products is what keeps us going onto the next chapter. Also having the connection with good friends as we concoct potions in my kitchen with our cauldron, drinking tea and eating chocolate, is priceless!

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We can promote healthy living and give people a different perspective while getting to know our neighbors which is wonderful. We recycle everything to help the environment and hope to donate a percentage to cancer research when we are able to financially. Meanwhile we are having fun!

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.