Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Jamie Miller from the pioneering eco-friendly brand J.R. LIGGETT’S. The brand was started by her stepfather and mother more than 40 years ago. As a child, he made soap with a beloved aunt. As an adult, he came upon her “hair soap” recipe. He made up a batch it turned out to be a fantastic “all natural” shampoo. He gave bars to friends and family as gifts and soon had people asking for more. This was the beginning of what turned a hobby into a business.
Over 40 years later, J.R.LIGGETT’S has over 35 products that are sold all over the world. The products all have a consciousness toward ecology and their customers well-being. They make shampoo and conditioner bars for people and pets and other earth friendly skin care products.
Jamie, who is now the J.R.LIGGETT’S President, and I chatted about the natural product space. The company has always used all-natural ingredients and has been transparent about their ingredients. They use 100% natural vegetable oils and essential oils for mild scents. They use no detergents or chemicals.
While the “hair soap” is shampoo, it can also be used as soap. In the 80s, it was not popular to have multi-use products, but she’s been using it “for everything” – especially when she travels.
I asked Jamie for her tips for traveling light and sustainably. She says that she tries to keep it simple. The more she travels, the more she finds that “less is more.” Here’s her list:
- “Capsule” wardrobe – lightweight, neutral pieces that all can be worn together with shoes that match everything (my travel faves from Ministry of Supply shown above)
- Light makeup (foundation, mascara, lipstick), shampoo bar and body oil bar. The shampoo bar doubles as soap and the body oil bar can be used on the face, too. [It’s her new fave and I can see why!)
- Travel mug that can be used for hot and cold beverages
- Crocheted market bag that she can pack and use when she’s out to avoid plastic
- Chopsticks for eating on the go (genius!)
I also asked Jamie for an advice she’d give her younger self (one of my fave questions. She said, “Listen to your gut, be bold and take chances and check your facts.” Great advice!
I’m loving the Shampoo Bars and Body Oil in a Bar and am excited to take these with me to Ecuador in July. They send me an extra Mini-Traveler (4 mini Shampoo Bars with a carry case and bar saver). I’ll send it to a lucky reader.
Want to win the Mini-Traveler? To enter, answer one of these questions in the comments: “What’s in your bag this summer?” or “What’s your favorite tip for traveling light and/or sustainably?” For an extra entry, follow J.R. LIGGETT’S on Instagram and comment to tell me that you did with your Instagram handle. I’ll pick a winner in order of comment with random.org on June 28 and will notify the winner on June 29.
Don’t want to wait? Get J.R. Liggett’s online and on Amazon.
What’s are your go-to items for traveling light and sustainably this summer?
Please note: I received these items at no cost in exchange for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own. This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. If you use this link, I’ll receive a small commission.