I read ingredient labels. It’s a habit. And, I have been reading the labels on all types of products forever. It is eye-opening to recognize the ever-growing volume of ingredients contained in our day-to-day products, particularly our cosmetic and body care products. Not only can most of us not pronounce many of these ingredients, but they are also not good for us or the environment. As my awareness of these synthetic and artificial ingredients grew, it made me ponder why we moved away from using real, natural ingredients.

This label reading and awareness of synthetic ingredients further prompted me to think deeply about the state of our lives and the conditions we live in, causing me for quite some time to lament over the ways in which Corporate America has been quietly and discreetly removing us from nature, unintentionally taking the goodness of nature away from us—from the products we use (i.e., body care, food, furniture, clothing) to the jobs we hold and the overly developed urban areas where we live and work—all for the pursuit of development and profit. It has become truly disheartening to know how removed most of us have become from the natural world.

For decades, I had personally experienced that disconnect, and it is an unfortunate reality that our health and wellness suffers as a result of these disconnects. With the speed of life and living in a large city, eleven years ago I suddenly felt the overwhelming negative effects of being removed from nature. My health—mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual—was suffering. So, I began reconnecting with nature. I started small but moved swiftly. I planted a few trees and flowers. I learned about plants—their structures, ecological roles, culinary uses, and medicinal applications. I learned about animals, bugs, soil, and much more. I studied botany, biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental science, and sustainable landscape design at my local college. I helped with volunteer restoration projects. I went on nature walks. I took up photography—using the lens to capture nature. I made things from grape vines, twigs, rocks, flowers, wood, cloth, and natural pigments. I discovered for myself that, little by little, I somehow felt more balanced, almost whole—even if those around me and beyond thought I was strange. For the first time in a long time, I had a feeling of contentment and inner peace. And, in retrospect, I realize now that the seed for Motley Artistries was planted all those years back.

Pair that initial seed with an expansive knowledge-base and skill set and the desire to make a difference in the universe in someway, and a dream was born. So, when I was dreaming up what Motley Artistries would be about, I knew there had to be a deep purpose behind what I did and I needed to solve something—even if it was a small something. Also, having worked in a highly analytical profession for nearly two decades, I wanted to tone down my hyper-developed analytical capacities and offer more of my creative self. It was a tall order; yet, very quickly, I decided Motley Artistries would focus on delivering more than a singular product line. I would offer an eclectic mix of handmade items and creative services.

You might wonder how a product and service offering of this type fills a deep purpose and solves a problem. It’s simple, really. At its core, I intended Motley to be about progress and simplicity and choices that will lead to improved health and wellness. I intended its products and services to bring nature closer to our lives—to strengthen the bond that over time has all but disappeared for many.

For this reason, as a business entity, Motley Artistries focuses on 1) producing body care products without synthetic or artificial ingredients; 2) buying locally sourced and USA made supplies as much as possible; 3) reducing and recycling its waste; 4) minimally packaging its products and incorporating biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packaging; 5) using non-toxic and organic substitutes as much as possible; 6) finding creative ways to recycle spent items through art; 7) improving the connection with the natural world through the use of more natural body care products, art, and creative goods; and 8) coaching others on the ways in which to improve their health and wellness via nature as a source of inspiration and connection.

It is my hope that, together, we can all Be Well.

With much appreciation,

Aimee Brown, owner, Motley Artistries