Julio and Debbie Blanco wanted to inspire women to take a few minutes each day to slow down and pamper their bodies and spirits with a wonderful little luxury. And so Sun Turtle Naturals, a family business based in Louisville, Colorado, got its start creating handcrafted, all-natural body care products.

The two began a love affair with artisanal body care products when they lived in Wisconsin a few years ago. Julio discovered a local handmade soap that he purchased for Debbie as a gift. She was immediately hooked on its gentle touch and the care and creativity that went into its making.

They try to put the same tender love and care into their line of a dozen all-natural soaps using only plant-based ingredients. All of the recipes are original and the line includes some unique recipes like Cinnamon Tangerine and Lime with Aloe. Sun Turtle Naturals also has plans to introduce an online artisan boutique later this year as a way to introduce other small, artisanal companies to a broader audience.

Ultimately, Julio and Debbie see the company as having a voice in creating cultural change and want to play a role in that change: from the hectic and harried lifestyles typical of today, to a culture with down-to-earth, friendlier values. They hope that Sun Turtle Naturals conveys the idea of slowing down to connect, nurture, and enjoy each moment, calling this ethos Turtle Wisdom. In fact, each Sun Turtle label contains an inspirational Turtle Wisdom quote.

Sun Turtle Naturals is now available in over 20 boutiques and spas around Colorado as well as via the company’s website at www.SunTurtleNaturals.com.