Tanna Larson was on the quest for all things pure and natural to moisturize and clean her body, as well as the bodies of her loved ones. Despite the claims of many products to fit the bill, she grew frustrated as she stared at label after label with lists of ingredients she couldn’t pronounce or understand. So much for “natural” she thought. But, one to not give up easily, Tanna decided to do something about her conundrum and she launched Nature’s Touch Baby & Body.
All products in the Nature’s Touch Baby & Body line are handcrafted from scratch. Tanna combines the oils and butters, infuses the herbs, and then she completely “builds” her pure products. Additionally, everything is formulated by Tanna, working off of recipes tested and loved by herself, her friends, and most importantly, her babies!
“From creating the concoctions, to designing the labels, to photographing my work and packaging orders, I absolutely love everything about Nature’s Touch Baby & Body,” she says. “Each and every bottle is carefully thought out and filled with a product I believe in. I hope my love of what I do and what I create shines through in each and every jar.”
What inspired the launch of Nature’s Touch Baby & Body?
After years of frustration from looking for pure and natural products—only to find an ingredient list a mile long that I still could not read or understand, I started to create body care products for myself and my family. My creations eventually expanded to fit the needs of my baby and my adapting body once I found out he was going to be gracing my life with his presence. What started out as what I felt was a necessity, became a true love affair.
How were you able to launch a product line? Did you have previous experience?
My husband co-owns a cosmetic company, Generation Klean, that he launched from ground zero. Being a part of his process helped lay the foundation for me as far as knowing where to start.
What does a day in your life entail? How do you organize your day?
Well, with a very active 2-year-old, the best made plans often end up being simply best intentions. My life (happily) revolves around him, and I end up squeezing in my much needed work time during nap time or when he’s playing at his grandma’s.
Since launching, have you been able to build out a team, or are you still involved in every step?
I am still involved in every single step. I truly do love my job—even though it doesn’t feel like a “job” often! I will, in the near future, begin to add others who feel as passionately about the work that I do so that I can expand.
What inspires new products or ingredients to use?
Generally, a new product is inspired by either personal necessity or from a particular ingredient that I feel is so amazing that I need to create something with it.
What is your favorite aspect of your job? The most challenging?
My favorite aspect of Nature’s Touch is that I get to create. I can lose myself in the creative process and be proud of it once it’s finished. In a way, it is my “art.”
The most challenging is the limitation of time. I have a head full of ideas for new products that I am dying to forge, but time is limited with a 2-year-old and another on the way.
What are some of your go-to resources for both work and your personal life?
My husband is my biggest resource. His experience, support, advice, love and patience are incredibly invaluable and greatly appreciated.
What is a product you are working on now?
I am currently working on two products—out of a list a mile long—that I am excited to share. The first product, which is close to completion, is an eye stick. It’s full of incredible herbs and oils that are amazing for helping under eye circles, as well as fine lines around and in between the eyes and around the mouth. The second product is a face mask, which is still in the very early stages.
What is something you wish everyone knew about owning and starting a business?
It takes a lot of very hard work and dedication. Not many see the amount of research, countless hours, frustration and failed attempts in the beginning, but every ounce of blood, sweat and tears poured into your work is 100% worth it. Reaching your desired results is incredibly satisfying and something to be proud of.
What is a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to take risks, follow your heart, and pay attention to your intuition.
What do you envision in the future for Nature’s Touch Baby & Body?
My future plans include adding a variety of new products, expanding from e-commerce to in-store and building a team of like-minded people to help with the process. I envision Nature’s Touch Baby & Body being a household name for natural baby and body care products. It is my dream for everyone to love my products as much as I do.
I’d love to grab coffee with:
My grandparents. They live in another state, and I don’t see them nearly enough.
My favorite purse is:
Whichever I can use to fit the most toys, diapers, and snacks necessary for the day or evening ahead—without having to tote around a huge diaper bag.
My go-to outfit is:
Jeans and a comfortable shirt.
My favorite dinner spot is:
My kitchen!
I can’t live without:
My green juice.