“I’m incredibly proud to use my shop as a platform to elevate female creators and share their inspiring stories.”
– Kristine Sarmiento, founder of Juniper and Yu
Juniper and Yu is a consciously curated collection of sustainable, ethical, and purpose-driven brands owned by independent minority & female creators.
Mamas we are the main shoppers in our homes. You know it’s true! But unfortunately the choices we often make when shopping are at the cost of the planet, our family’s health and our wallets.
There’s a better way to shop and Juniper and Yu makes it easy to find the right brands that benefit minority businesses in developing communities.
Here is Kristine Sarmiento from Juniper and Yu to tell us more:
- In what ways do you believe the average mom shops can be costly to her family? ATTN: (In what ways do I believe how the average mom shops can be costly to her family) Is this what you meant to ask? I wasn’t sure so I answered the question how I understood it.
Moms are busy. They’re always looking for ways to save time and energy, as well as finding products that’ll make life a bit easier. Many people, especially moms, use disposable paper towels, cotton pads, wipes, plastic bags, zip locks, diapers, and plastic bottles in their homes almost every day. These household essentials are relatively affordable, and quick, and easy to use. While many find ease in using disposable products, there’s a high cost with this “throwaway culture” we live in.
The purchase price of disposable paper towels, for example, might be affordable right then and there. But, people don’t realize how much they actually spend on that product at the end of the year. The costs add up, and people end up wasting a lot of money. Not only can disposable products be expensive, but it also creates so much unnecessary waste.
Our purchases can heavily impact our environment, health, and communities. Committing to reusable products and learning to throw away less is a great way to reduce household waste, protect the planet, and save money in the long run.
- What is the significance of shopping from female-owned and minority brands? What is the benefit to the customer and the world as a whole?
I’m a champion for supporting female and minority-owned brands and businesses. When you purchase a good or service from their business, you actually help create more meaningful opportunities for them and their community. By shopping at their business, you not only get products and services that are unique, but you also help create more diversity and inclusion within the community. In addition, you’re investing in their economic empowerment that paves the way towards gender equality and inclusive economic growth. That’s the power of your dollar!
I’m incredibly proud to use my shop as a platform to elevate female creators and share their inspiring stories. Every dollar spent at my small shop will help further my business mission and fuel the dreams of the female creatives I represent.
- What are must-have products for moms from Juniper and Yu?
All-Natural Exfoliating Body Bars
Our clean, all-natural handcrafted artisan soap bars are self-care essentials for conscious moms! They’re mindfully crafted with the highest quality ingredients and infused with 100% pure essential oils. They produce a luscious creamy abundant lather that gently cleanses, exfoliates, and softens the skin while providing aromatherapeutic relief. Each bar is carefully hand-blended in small batches using the traditional cold-process technique and hand-cut by our master soap maker. Our soaps are vegan and free of palm oil, artificial fragrances.
100% Organic Cotton Hair Scrunchies
I don’t know about you, but hair scrunchies are a staple in my home. Our adorable hair scrunchies feature our minimal trademark prints handmade from 100% ecologically grown organic cotton and digitally printed with eco-friendly, water-based inks. They’re incredibly soft, are of the highest quality, are non-damaging to hair, have an excellent hold on all hair types, and are machine washable. These make great gifts for moms and kids!
Reusable Bamboo & Organic Cotton Face Rounds
These extra-large 3-inch face rounds are an all-time customer favorite! These rounds are made of 2 super soft layers of certified organic cotton and bamboo that can be washed and reused repeatedly. They’re a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for cleansing, toning, make-up removal, and more. They’ve also been pre-washed and pre-shrunk, so no need to worry about any shrinkage. It’ll keep its shape and size! Comes in a pack of 8.
Reusable Bamboo & Organic Cotton Cloths
These multi-purpose, reusable 10″ x 12″ cloths are essential for eco-friendly moms. Made of 2 super soft layers of certified bamboo and organic cotton, these cloths can be used for cleansing, drying, bathing, and make-up removal that can be washed and reused over and over again. They’re perfect for everyday use, baby, travel, and more. Comes in a set of 2 cloths.
GOTS Certified 100% Organic Cotton Net Bag
- What can customers anticipate concerning the quality and longevity of products from Juniper and Yu?
I put an incredible amount of thought and care into curating and creating clean, sustainable, and ethical products. I have high standards and believe in giving people products that are actually good for them and the planet. Every product is handpicked and thoroughly tested to ensure its integrity, safety, efficacy, and longevity. I stand by my commitment to never carry products with known harmful ingredients, and I refuse to accept brands that test on cute furry friends.
- What caused the start of Juniper and Yu? Where did the idea come from?
My entrepreneurial journey started because of my personal health struggles. Since I was little, I’ve wrestled with an immune deficiency that affected my health and made everyday life challenging to manage. Learning how to take better care of myself and discovering positive ways to improve my mental and physical health has been a game-changer.
I’m a big proponent of cultivating sustainable self-care habits that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Through my experience, I was so inspired to create a business that could help others be the best possible version of themselves.
Shop to support local minority brands here with Juniper and Yu at https://juniperandyu.com/
