Here’s a little bit about Ashley Knight and her shop: Sugar and Spice Organics!
“My hubby and our rescue kitties enjoy a lot of movie and game nights. We love the mountains and hiking, especially hiking with friends, and enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love staying active and seeing what my body is physically capable of, nowadays primarily through crossfit and yoga (formerly terrified of being upside down, I’m in love with headstands haha). I am a paralegal in the South Bay and have been in that industry since 2006. Dogs have been a huge love of mine since early childhood, which grew to a passion for animal rescue – currently my involvement is primarily with Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles. It’s so rewarding to see these gorgeous dogs, once discarded, abused and treated like a commodity, overcome the obstacles life has thrown their way and truly blossom. Some take more work than others…and the “problem children” are usually my favorites!
I’ve always been a big advocate for REAL food and being aware of what we are exposing ourselves to. I think there is such a disconnect in much of today’s society about where our food and products come from, what’s really in them and how the various ingredients and additives actually affect us. Knowing that our skin is our largest organ, having had a few pre-cancerous occurrences myself and my mom having several surgeries for skin cancer over the years, I started to wonder about the effects of the harsh chemicals we put ON our bodies, not just in them. Have you ever read the ingredients that are in your shampoo, soap and basic care products? So many chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients – just terrifying!
We really are a direct result of what we put in, and on, our bodies. If a commercial farmer has to wear a hazmat suit to handle so called “food”, there’s no way I want to be ingesting it or exposed to it. Being all about real food it seemed bizarre that I was still using the same chemically filled skincare products. When I started transitioning towards natural products I found that there really weren’t many chemical free skin care products at my local stores, and the few that I found either still had preservatives in them and/or were astronomically expensive. My sister-in-law made me an all natural face mask which I fell in love with, and my research into natural skincare, the benefits of oil cleansing, essential oils, organic herbs, etcetera began. I started making masks and body scrubs for myself and others, and my passion for natural skin care grew from there! I wanted to make sure whatever I was putting on my body was just as healthy and beneficial as the REAL food I was putting in my body. My scrubs and masks are made with all natural, organically sourced, fair trade, ingredients; handcrafted and created by me.
Do you have any experience with clean eating or the Paleo diet and way of life?
Yes! I have always been very active and fortunately was raised on a very healthy diet which made clean eating as an adult second nature. In January 2013 I participated in a paleo challenge and have never looked back! It was amazing to see a difference in the way I felt and how my body functioned, even coming from a background of clean eating. I already avoided dairy, sugar, and fast food so I’m sure that made the transition easier, but I never thought I could survive without pasta! I was pretty strict paleo for a year and, while I’m still predominantly paleo, some non-paleo foods sneak in every now and again…especially when I fail to plan ahead. 😉 My favorite “go-to”s are green smoothies, eggs, shrimp, and an assortment of fresh fruit & veggies – all easy to whip up when there’s no time!
What is important to you in how you source your materials?
The herbs and spices come from a co-op that was founded on social responsibility and quality organic products, the carrier oils are all organic and cold-pressed, and the essential oils that I use are pure-therapeutic grade from a company who focuses on quality ingredients from ethical producers around the world. Every ingredient is natural and ethically sourced. I think in today’s society there is such a disconnect about where our materials for food and other products come from, aiming for convenience over anything else. Having a family history of skin cancer and a constant thirst for knowledge, I’ve done a lot of research over the years on the importance of whole, real foods, without any chemical additives or GMOs. Knowing that our skin is our largest organ, absorbing about 60% of what it comes in contact with, I started to wonder how the harsh chemicals we put ON our bodies affect us. Have you ever read the ingredients that are in your shampoo, soap and basic care products? So many chemicals and unpronounceable ingredients – terrifying! We really are a direct result of what we put in, and on, our bodies; and I wanted to make sure whatever I was putting on my body was just as healthy and beneficial as the REAL food I was putting in my body.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy connecting with so many different people from all different walks of life. I love hearing feedback and seeing photos, and it’s wonderful to hear how a product has left a mom of 3 feeling refreshed after a long day! I put care into each item that goes out and it’s wonderful to hear how people are enjoying the products, as well as be part of the cycle of healthier choices.
And now for my review!!
I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive Ashley’s amazing products! You really can feel the passion for top quality ingredients when you use her products! I absolutely love the flavor combinations! Every single one of them made my skin smoother, brighter, and more moisturized! You have to try them! 🙂 And for an opportunity to for free, go to my instagram page to win a spiced honey face mask!
Purchase her products on her Etsy Page!
Go to my @OliveYouWhole Instagram Page to enter to win our Giveaway!
