Getting Dirty with Rand Hill Naturals
“Be open to the possibilities, be open to change, be fearless, and educate yourself” – Randie, Rand Hill Naturals
Stop by the MissFitMama Shopping Guide for a special offer from Rand Hill Naturals
I met Randie last fall during a Women’s conference at the Long Beach Convention Center. I was drawn to her booth by the delicious scents of cinnamon and spices and warm earthy colors from her ” fudge like” soap display. She was passionate, sincere, bright eyed and cheerful. I walked away with a bag full of goodies and once I started using these products, I knew I wanted to share my skin fitness secrets and Randie’s inspiring story with MissFitMama readers!
Randie, Owner Rand Hill Naturals
“What were you doing before you started Rand Hill Naturals?”
“Well… I did a lot of things. I really had a hard time finding my passion. My schooling was in theatre arts and I thought I was going to be an actress – hah! I spent about 20 years floundering around Hollywood working behind the scenes in various capacities from Production Assistant to Personal Assistant to Agent’s Assistant to Casting Director to Sound Engineer to Producer and Director. Nothing really fit for long. I spent my last year in the entertainment industry focused on why I went there – to act. I was in America’s homes just about every night for 2 seasons as a background actor – remember the girl in the tweed coat handing Jamie a Tic-Tac in Mad About You? That was me 
) I left the entertainment industry in 1998 to pursue what I had discovered was my passion . . . Rand Hill Naturals. However – It took another 8 years to really get my whole head into and around it. During that time I had some great opportunities in customer service and operations working with companies like greenfeet.com.”
My son Elisha asks ,” Why did you start making all natural products?
Was there something that happened?”
“Back in the 80s I was battling a couple chronic health conditions – one of which was becoming life threatening. By the early 90s the medications (antibiotics) weren’t helping any more, and/or, I was allergic to (I ended up in the ER a couple times due to bad reactions). One day the doctor handed me a prescription saying – “If this doesn’t work I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
At the time, I was a sound engineer. The next I was in a recording session with a gal who noticed I was somewhat distraught – come to find out she was an Aromatherapist. She gave me some background on how aromatherapy worked and suggested I try it. The next day she dropped off three little vials, told me how to use them. Within 24 hours my current situation had been abated, within 3 months the incidents and duration had diminished, and within a year the condition was gone!”
“Why is it so important to use all natural ingredients in your products?”
“First, let’s explore the term Natural . . . and what it means to me. The term *Natural* can have very different meanings to different people. For me it means *as it grows in nature* – on the extreme opposite end it can mean *if it didn’t come from the Moon or Mars then it came from earth and that makes it natural* – a salesman at a chemical supply company actually said that when I asked if their ingredients were natural. Ah-hah! Many manufacturers are playing the semantics game.”
“So now – why is it so important I use all natural ingredients in my products? A little more history here – I was raised on antibiotics from a very young age. Antibiotics break down the immune system. After 30 years of use mine was shot and I began to have sensitivities to just about anything that touched my skin…including many natural ingredients, like lavender.
So – with the help of an Aromatherapist, some good books and a healthy dose of *I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,* I began to explore the world of botanicals and found that – for me – they worked. My immune system began to get stronger and now I’m even able to use lavender – wahooo! Some may call this the placebo effect – I really don’t care . . . placebo or not, I no longer have the chronic conditions and I’m much healthier than I ever was.
For me I’m a walking, talking case study of how effective natural ingredients really are. Another *proof in the pudding* for me was when I rubbed the tips of my neighbors hyper-active dog’s ears with some lavender essential oil and he calmed right down – dogs don’t know from placebo “
“Which products do you use as part of your daily skin care routine?”
“Daily Honey Wash or/Mask
Skin Quenching Serum
Soaps
Shea Cream or Body oil”
“Me too! Is this suitable for all skin types (or for children)?”
Mostly yes -The Complexion Essentials line was developed for sensitive skin types – like me… In fact, all my products are developed to be mild yet effective for all skin types…like me . But, keep in mind not everything is for everybody or every body. In addition, some of my products are not recommended for women who are pregnant due to the essential oils and/or herbs used (these products are labeled accordingly).
My products were not created for babies and it’s important for parents to educate themselves with regard to products used on their babies. They may find some of my products would be effective – but, that’s only for the parent to determine based on the needs of their baby. Same with children – but, they may find more of my products appropriate for children than for babies. All my formulas are properly balanced with safe levels of all ingredients.
“It’s always inspiring for me to learn about women who are entrepreneurs & business owners in a seemingly male dominated industry. What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue their dreams the way you did?”
“Be open to the possibilities, be open to change, be fearless, and educate yourself. There are a number of wonderful, empowering organizations out there geared towards women. I found mine with Women’s Economic Ventures . The Women’s Conference is a great place to start. And, your local Small Business Administration has great resources.”
“Any exciting new projects or products in the near future?”
“I hope to have my bath products up on the site in the next few days. I’m working on a lip balm and….Oh yes! I’m so excited about a line of natural perfumes I’m working on. The line is called *Artworks* – a collection of 5 natural fragrances in bottles that are wrapped with these amazing abstract art works. I’m looking to launch them sometime this year.”
“Thanks so much!”
“Thank you! I’m so thrilled for the opportunity. It’s a real pleasure to know that other’s have found the same results that I have enjoyed all these years.”
