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Introducing the Sparklehearts collection
by Rebecca Klein
The whimsical flowers, hearts, sun and rainbow that adorn the bottles in the Sparklehearts bath and body collection may capture your daughter’s attention, but it’s the wording about what is inside that will likely attract parents.
This sweet scented, mom-created line is 99.6% natural with organic ingredients and steers clear of artificial fragrances and colors, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and animal testing.
The starring ingredients inside the recycled bottles include violet extract and organic aloe to soothe and soften hair during a shampoo, wheat protein for hair repair in the conditioner, and moisturizing sweet almond protein in the body wash. Sesame oil, described by the company as naturally antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, is found in the body lotion.
Southern California moms and close friends, Hilary Orr and Darcy McMahon, launched Sparklehearts (sparklehearts.com) in the spring of 2009.
“We’re inspiring young girls to make healthy choices at a young age,” explains Orr.
The mompreneurs share how each of their older daughters, ages 7 and 8, had wanted to try out some fun looking products. Only, the moms didn’t approve of some of the chemical ingredients listed on the labels. Orr suggested to her friend that they start their own natural line that would hold the same appeal.
Orr, a former caterer and chef specializing in gourmet organic meals, and McMahon, who had worked in the financial industry as a securities trader, spent more than two years working with formulators to create the Sparklehearts line. With four young daughters between them, they didn’t have to look far for a focus group.
The business’ name has its roots with Orr’s younger daughter, Ava, who is 5. At the age of 3, she began referring to herself as a Sparkleheart. When Orr and McMahon were trying to come up with a name for the business, Orr had a “light bulb” moment. She thought her daughter’s term, Sparkleheart, was a perfect fit. “It’s beauty inside and out if your heart is sparkling,” she says.
While the products are geared for girls ages 4 and up, Orr and McMahon describe Sparklehearts as mild and something younger kids can also use.
A lip gloss is in the works. Products for boys just might be in the future. The mompreneurs also each have a son.
“I have a 10-year-old boy. He is wondering where those products are,” quips Orr.
msrp: $12.49 per bottle. The shampoo, conditioner and body wash come with 10 oz. The detangler and lotion have 8oz.
