First of all, "about us" is really "about me"...

Camellia Pure Beauty is a one woman show that began in August 2007 as a brick and mortar boutique dedicated to natural and organic products in Portland, OR.

Camellia was founded under the premise that personal products can be a feast for the senses without being toxic. None of Camellia's truly natural products contain phthalates, parabens, petroleum products, sodium lauryl sulfates, or artificial fragrances (with a few well-noted exceptions).

In the mid-1990's I worked at The Environmental Working Group in Washington, DC, where I learned about the toxins we are all exposed to every day.  (You may best know EWG as the creators of the Skin Deep Database). Increased awareness combined with my sensitive skin led to an interest in truly natural beauty products. I have put together a line up of products that don't make me itch and fulfill my girly desires for high performing products, sweet smells, and pretty packaging. I may be green, but I am not the earth mama type when it comes to beauty and fashion.

So when you see "Emily Says..." at the bottom of a product description, I am not a fictional character. My observations and suggestions come from intimate knowledge of my product lines and from feedback from my boutique customers. I realize not every product is right for every person, and it is part of my job to help you figure out what is perfect for you.

Please enjoy the fruits of my labor (and the labor of my vendors, most of whom are also small businesses dedicated to providing better choices for people who care about their bodies and the environment) and let me know what you think.

Camellia Pure Beauty LLC strives to be a sustainable business:

• Your online order will most likely be packed in re-used boxes and packing peanuts/bubble wrap that come from Camellia's vendors. So please don't send angry emails about using foam peanuts- we know they are evil, but it is more evil to send them to the land fill instead of to you. (Most UPS/Mailboxes Etc. type stores will collect your peanuts for re-use).

• Camellia Pure Beauty is powered by 100% renewable energy through Pacific Power's Blue Sky program.

• Camellia Pure Beauty is a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Portland, and a woman-owned independent business.

• A minimum of 5% of Camellia's annual profits are donated to nonprofits with projects serving Oregon, Washington and Northern California.

• We strive to make the most sustainable choices possible in our daily store operations and support wholesalers who also make greener choices.