Local retailer offers skin care alternatives

Serendipite Organiques, a toxins-free cosmetics store in East Hills, was born out of owner Teri Kelley’s own health issues. Her health struggles motivated her to research the hazardous ingredients found in the products she used every day. Kelley attempted to find as many products as possible with a toxicity score of zero using the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database.

“[It was] very hard for me to do that,” says Kelley. “I wanted people to come to one place and trust that what they’re getting is safe for them to put on their bodies.”

The EWG database scores products between a low of zero and a high of 10 based on known and suspected ingredients. Kelley’s store only carries products that have a score of “low hazard 0-2” on the EWG database.

“I want [customers] to know that when they come in here they can trust that I have done my research, because that is so important to me,” says Kelley.

Kelley also stresses the importance of customers educating themselves on toxic ingredients found in products they use.

“It’s so vitally important to be educated, not just about what we’re putting on our bodies but as well as what we put into it. The more educated every single person can be, the better off we will be as a society,” says Kelley.

Kelley hosts events such as her toxic ingredient workshops and toxic-free makeovers to help the community learn about cosmetics and toxicity. 

“This is a place that I want people to come... to talk and see that it’s a fun atmosphere to be in. It’s not just about me talking about what I know. I want other people to talk about what they know and ask questions,” says Kelley.

Kelley is the exclusive retailer in the midwest carrying Face Naturals, and one of just three retailers in the United States carrying Sappho Organic Cosmetics. Organic personal care products from Brittanies Thyme, based out of Cedar Springs, Michigan, can also be found at her store.

Serendipite is currently celebrating their one year anniversary. Ten percent of sales during the anniversary week will be donated to Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

To celebrate, the store is offering specials and extended hours. Prizes donated to the store by local businesses will also be given away through a drawing for 10 grand prizes. Purchases of $50 to $150 will enter customers into the drawing. Customers have until Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m. to enter the drawing. Winners will be announced after that time.

In its first year, Serendipite Organiques relocated to its current location in the Blackport building after going through an expansion. Kelley, who serves on the East Hills Business Association and the Uptown Marketing Committee, hopes to continue becoming more involved in the community.