Products that are safe for animals, humans and the environment are at the heart of Jennifer Tinsley’s company, Field Botanicals.
“I became a vegetarian at 14. I’m a vegan,” said Tinsley, who wants the products that go on her body to be free from the same types of chemicals and other additives as the ones that go in her body.
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She started her business in 2015 by developing a couple of her own vegan body hygiene products — Smell My Feet and Smell My Bod. Smell My Feet uses a witch hazel and aloe base with botanicals known for neutralizing odors, while Smell My Bod has an aloe base and is free from synthetic fragrances.
She spent a year working with theClubhou.se to learn the business side of things and opened her boutique at 215A 12th St. in October 2018.
Prior to launching her business, she worked in community development and planning in South Carolina towns such as Orangeburg, Barnwell and Bamberg. Before opening the shop, she created her product and sold it at farmers’ markets and vendor fairs.
She knew she couldn’t keep that up for long and finally decided to take a leap. When a friend of hers, who was the previous tenant, posted on social media that she was moving out of state, Tinsley jumped to claim the space on 12th Street.
In addition to her brand items, Tinsley carries other health and beauty products including a line of cosmetics, hair and body care. She also has a filling station for items such as hand-sanitizer in an effort to reduce plastic waste. Bars of shampoo rather than liquid shampoos in plastic bottles also seek to eliminate waste.
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Prior to the pandemic, Tinsley held workshops and other events in her space, and she said she’s looking forward to being able to return to that when her customers feel safe. She continues to require masks for those shopping with her.
She’s also excited about what’s taking place in downtown with new businesses such as the Funhouse and Freshwater Design Co. opening in recent months. She said she and other downtown business owners are talking about revitalizing the downtown merchants’ association.
Tinsley said she enjoys collaborating with other businesses. One of the people she met during her days of farmers’ markets will have a book signing at the Book Tavern. Nichole Dandrea-Russert, who has written “The Fiber Effect,” will be part of the Saturdays On The Porch event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12. Tinsley will do a giveaway through Field Botanicals. Dandrea-Russert will do a smoothie bowl demo.
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Field Botanicals is also the Saturday morning pick-up site for Haute Doughnuts, a local vegan doughnut baker.
Field Botanicals is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit fieldbotanicals.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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