Shampoo bars are trending and for good reason — They are convenient, last longer than bottled varieties, and typically have less packaging too. When I had the opportunity to speak with the President of J.R.LIGGETT’S about the brand’s popular shampoo bars and other personal care items for people and pets, I jumped at the chance. I enjoyed picking her brain! Here is my interview with Jamie Miller on being eco-friendly, how their products benefit outdoor enthusiasts and others, and more.
Interview with Jamie Miller, J.R.LIGGETT’S President
When I began the interview, I asked Jamie how she came to be the President. I love her answer: “As the first person to ever use a bar of J.R.LIGGETT’S shampoo and after 42 years of being in business, it is both a natural fit and an honor to continue the legacy of J.R.LIGGETT’S.” The rest of our interview follows:
Have you always considered yourself to be eco-friendly? What have you learned that surprised you about the environment after joining J.R.LIGGETT’S?
Yes! Growing up in a family with an acute awareness of our environment’s delicate balance, making environmentally conscience choices has always come naturally. I’m pleasantly surprised to see how easily our onsite solar array handles manufacturing.
I’m intrigued by the ‘Leave No Trace’ philosophy of the company. Can you share what this is and how it influences your products?
In addition to using solar power energy, our products are made up of all natural, plant-based ingredients that would not have any harmful effects on the environment. One could literally shampoo their hair in a stream or river without harming any of the living ecosystem in that environment. We package our products in biodegradable, compostable, or recycled/recyclable materials. Every part of our process and products are intentionally designed to be highly effective while remaining environmentally friendly.
What types of bars and other items are there?
We have 6 varieties of shampoo bars that include: the Original, Herbal, Tea Tree and Hemp, Moisturizing, Coconut & Argan and Jojoba & Peppermint. We have an amazing conditioner bar and new Body Oil in a Bar, non-aerosol shave foam, lip butters, travel ready items, and a complete line of Bar and liquid pet shampoos.
I love that some are designed for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. Can you share the benefits of some of your products for them?
All of our bars are easy and great for travel naturally just by themselves! There is never any worry about your shampoo, conditioner or moisturizers leaking, and are lighter to pack and carry than their liquid counterparts. We have designed the mini-traveler and natural traveler (eZ-Pouch) to make it even easier to take along our shampoo bars for both shorter and longer trips.
Although our shampoo bars are specifically designed to clean and moisturize the hair and scalp, one could cleanse the face and body with any of the 6 shampoo bars. This can be very helpful when packing for camping, backpacking or any other type of travel.
What has the feedback been from campers and backpackers?
Backpackers and campers appreciate the convenient size and how well our bars really work! While designed specifically for the hair and scalp, backpackers and campers have raved about using the shampoo as a very gentle cleanser for face and body too. Campers and backpackers enjoy the peace of mind knowing our products are all natural, detergent free and completely safe to use around wildlife and the environment.
What makes J.R.LIGGETT’S unique in the personal care industry?
As a Legacy Brand, J.R.LIGGETT’S has pioneered the way people think about what they use on their hair, scalp and body using all natural, plant based ingredients for over 40 years. To this day we are family owned and manufacture high quality products made by hand in small batches.
What is your favorite J.R.LIGGETT’S product, and why?
This is a hard question because I love all the products! My latest favorite is the Body Oil in a Bar. It’s the bomb! Love using it all over, including my face! So easy to use, super moisturizing and never greasy
What role do you see J.R.LIGGETT’S playing in educating consumers about the environmental impact of their personal care choices?
Experience, knowledge and transparency! When choosing any personal care products, one should do their due diligence with knowing a product’s ingredients, where and how it’s made, and what is left over when you are finished using the product. Each of these elements can have an impact on the environment (good or bad).
J.R.LIGGETT’S was created from generations of experience and knowledge using only all natural, environmentally safe and effective plant based ingredients (all of which are transparently listed on the label). Our packaging is made from materials that are compostable, recycled and recyclable. We take great pride in our solar powered and zero waste manufacturing practices done all on site here in the U.S.
What challenges have you encountered as a woman in a leadership position, and how have they influenced how you lead the company?
Women all over are faced with challenges in leadership roles in many circumstances as I have prior to joining J.R.LIGGETT’S . Fortunately, J.R.LIGGETT’S is a supportive working environment that encourages growth, team work and open communication.
Thank you for being here today, Jamie! Your company’s commitment to the environment and making personal care easier at the same time is awesome.
ABOUT J.R.LIGGETT’S
J.R.LIGGETT’S mission is to craft the finest shampoo bars for people and pets that are safe and environmentally friendly, using the highest quality natural ingredients. James Liggett was first introduced to soap making at the very early age of five, while visiting his great Aunt Ann who lived in Denman, Nebraska. He helped her make her yearly batch of soap, which sparked a lifetime passion for the craft.
With a pioneering history from the Founders, husband and wife duo Diane and James Liggett, J.R.LIGGETT’S can now be found all over the world at large-scale chains like Publix and Whole Foods, natural product stores, outdoor retailers, pharmacies, gift, and travel shops. It is truly a company whose products belong in a home, backpack, or suitcase.
A forward-looking legacy brand that introduced all-natural personal care products long before it was in vogue or even considered a viable category, J.R.LIGGETT’S has been in business for more than 40 years and has over 35 products that honor the founder’s commitment to ecology and their customers’ well-being. You can purchase their products online, or visit their store locator.
Do you consider the environment when shopping for personal care items? What resonated most with you in this interview? Please comment below!
I have been LOOKING for a plastic-free replacement for body lotion! Awesome! (I am using bottle-free shampoo and conditioner and deodorant right now!). Thanks, as always, Christy Birmingham! (I imagine they don’t test on nonhuman animals, correct?)
Not surprised the Vermont Country Store carries it, either! Cool!
Oh sweet friend! I am so glad you checked this out. You’re like me, all about the eco-friendly area! They do not test on animals. So glad you found a store that carries it. I hope you’re doing well.