Ann Kelsey
Since starting her business a year and a half ago, Econatural, the on-line store that sells a range of natural, organic, eco-friendly and Fair Trade products, has been going from strength to strength. “It’s all about getting out there and becoming somewhat of a household name,” said Ann Kelsey.

Having secured a loan from First Step, Econatural started trading in November 2005 with an official launch in January 2006. Ann runs the business from her home as it keeps costs down. As the business is web based, people place their orders on-line, their payment details are processed by Realex and orders are then shipped to them. At the moment it’s just Ann running the business, with some help from a couple of friends and family along the way.

Ann’s aim in setting up Econatural was to bring all of these products together under one roof – a ‘one-stop-shop’ if you like – to make the option of a sustainable lifestyle easier for people.

“I liked the idea of people being able to get their eco cleaning products delivered right to their door, along with their natural moisturiser, shampoo and deodorant, their eco nappies and organic baby food. To me, it was really a simple concept, based on my own experiences.”

“We have recently started selling EcoYoga mats wholesale as well as retail and this has been going well so far. We look forward to developing this side of the business, although keeping our main focus the on-line retail aspect. Of course, our overall aim for the future is to grow the business in an ever-increasing eco and ethically aware market. We look forward to the day when we have no other choice but to move the business out of our home into our own premises.”

Econatural,
137 Terenure Road West,
Dublin 6W
Tel: +353 1 492 7774
www.econatural.ie