Meet Kara Armstrong, the brains behind The Conscious Merchant and Consciously Cleaner, a pathway to healthy living with an emphasis on Eco-Brands and connecting communities through engagement, education, and empowerment.
“The Conscious Merchant’s philosophy is that making cleaner and more sustainable choices for your home should be easy, attainable and fun -- we’re here to help you achieve that! Our team of experts does the research to make purchasing cleaner products easier. We verify our vendors and vet the materials, quality and standards of all products so that you don’t have to. We designed an in-store experience so that you can come learn, see and feel how products can be integrated into your daily life.”
Store Front Coming Soon! Until then, The Conscious Merchant goods can be found at:
Door to Door Deliveries can be scheduled at https://www.theconsciousmerchant.com/pages/to-your-door-refills
Refill bar at Midnight Rambler Boutique - 2220 E Colfax, Denver, CO 80206 - Learn more about the refill bar HERE
Instagram: @theconsciousmerchant
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theconsciousmerchant
Pinterest: TheConsciousMerchant
Website: www.theconsciousmerchant.com
Kara and her team offer a range of consulting services based on your personal health needs and lifestyle goals. Their services are available in-person in and around the Denver Metro Area or virtually worldwide. Contact Kara today at 720-696-4840 / www.consciouslycleaner.com
Q&A
1. Tell us your story and how the Conscious Merchant was born. How did you get involved in the eco-conscious industry?
Like many in the cleaner and eco-conscious living, my journey started with my own personal health struggles. Dealing with autoimmune issues post baby number two, I had to start looking at the products in my home, as well as things that could be affecting my air, water, etc. It was through that journey that I realized the complexity of making changes and that I wanted to help others and make healthier homes and sustainable solutions simple. I founded Consciously Cleaner, a consulting business that provides one on one services, as well as group workshops to help navigate ways eco-conscious living. In the same vein, product selection was incredibly complicated in an under regulated personal care industry and highly imported home goods market. That is how The Conscious Merchant came to be as an experiential concept to allow you to touch, see and ask questions about well vetted and consciously curated personal care and more sustainable products.
2. What has surprised you the most working in the eco/wellness industry?
The lack of regulations in personal care, the greenwashing in sustainable and safer home goods and the “all or nothing” vibes that I found in sustainable living concepts and work.
3. Do you think living in Colorado makes a difference when talking about clean living and it’s importance?
I absolutely think Colorado plays a role. At one point we looked at moving back to Austin, Texas where I went to school and decided that our business would best be served growing here in Colorado with a very conscious clientele and strong base for small business. Our outdoor nature as Colorado residents creates urgency in taking care of our planet and our sense of adventure and activity makes us more aware of taking care of our bodies and health.
4. How would your friends describe your stores vibe?
First and foremost that we’re approachable with our progress not perfection. I believe in small lasting steps over a perfectly curated home of glass jars. We welcome anyone at any phase in their journey and accept that something “sustainable” or “safer” may not work for you. I say. “okay, great! Let’s see what will!” We’ve made some big pivots during the pandemic and have moved to doing “pop up” tailgates with our refill bar in my car and door to door deliveries. My friends would tell you we’re about innovation, fun and really value reaching our community and meeting them where they are at.
5. What is your favorite go-to product right now?
Our refillable hand soap is DIVINE and EWG verified.
Our Good + Well candles give back to National Parks and are clean so ensuring our indoor air quality is good while we’re at home.
Our Food Huggers - they are so stinking cute and a great alternative to Saran wrap!
