For the month of September, we are honoring National Day for Truth & Reconciliation by highlighting Indigenous-owned businesses!
We were lucky enough to visit Jack59, an indigenous-owned, ethically driven, women-led, and 100% Canadian business! When we met up with the founder of Jack59, Vanessa, she gave us a tour of her warehouse & storefront… yes, they have a storefront! You can also find their products at various other locations, but you can indeed visit their super cute boutique!
While touring where they make all their products, we had a chance to see how they make a variety of their Jack59 conditioner bars. All their products use natural Canadian ingredients, are ethically made, and use a zero-waste production process. Beginning her business in 2015, they quickly moved their operations from their house into their current location in 2019 where they grew from just Vanessa to having up to 14 other employees! However, the biggest reward from this growth “has been the ability to give back” says Vanessa. They are now able to financially donate to local charities, donate proceeds from their products to organizations, or donate the products directly, they are even in the process of starting their own scholarship.
I’m a hippie kid at heart; I grew up in a little community that was very sustainability-focused, so a big part of [Jack59’s mission] is eliminating plastic from the world and getting people to rethink product packaging in a way that offers them a fabulous product with clean ingredients. They can be confident using it with their families and at the same time, they inadvertently get the plastic out of their lives. To date, we have eliminated around 600,000 plastic bottles! –Vanessa
How do Jack59’s hair care products differ?
“Our shampoo bar is a concentrated version of liquid shampoo in bar form. Traditional liquid shampoo can contain up to 80% water. Our shampoo bars contain all the beneficial cleansing and nourishing ingredients of a liquid shampoo without the unnecessary water. We add only the essential elements and press them into solid bars that are compact, convenient, and take up less space in your shower. Removing the water also reduces the environmental impact by eliminating the plastic bottles required with a liquid version.”
Jack59 practices exactly what they preach by not only creating ethical, eco-friendly products but they are able to reduce their carbon footprint through their plastic-free production process, and if plastic waste is not avoidable it’s transformed into 100% recycled products via [Re]Waste. Their long-lasting sustainable products can replace up to three traditional liquid plastic bottles and are packaged in fully recyclable and compostable materials!
They really are making a difference and have so many amazing items for everyone, with new kids and travel products coming out soon! Jack59’s goal is to become a global brand, and one day they hope to see their bars in every shower. Their sustainable products are luxury quality without the cost… seriously – go check them out today!
Jack59
3620 98 Street, NW, AB
Come back each month to see who we highlight next! Have a favorite local eco-friendly business you want to shout out? Let us know by emailing monique@sustainableyogawellness.ca
Sustainable Yoga & Wellness 