Barrington Family’s Firm a Finalist

A Barrington family-founded business based in Warren is among five national finalists in the “Entrepreneur of 2011” awards competition. The winner will be selected by online voting.

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, which produces non-toxic personal care products, was chosen as a finalist in the “Emerging Entrepreneurs” category of the contest sponsored by Entrepreneur magazine, according to a press release from the company.

The company was founded by Kim Anderson, president of Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, and her daughter, Ava, who was 15 and a student at Moses Brown School at the time. See a BarringtonPatch story on the company and teen entrepreneur Ava Anderson by clicking here. 

“This recognition from a national leader in business and industry is an amazing endorsement of the work that we are doing to inform the public about dangers posed by chemicals most people apply to their bodies every day of their lives,” said Kim Anderson. “Our products provide a welcome alternative for those who want more control over their health. We are deeply grateful that Entrepreneur has chosen our company as one that is making an impact in an industry that has failed satisfy millions of customers who are concerned about chemicals and compounds they are putting on their skin and hair, and into the environment.” 

You can vote for the winner, according to the company, at http://www.entrepreneur.com/e2011/vote/emerging/#1094. Short videos posted by the finalists offer an overview of the companies and their early success.

The competition is based on innovation, impact and community service, according to the company.

Ava Anderson Non-Toxic is one of the fastest growing direct-sales companies in the country. It was founded to produce body, skin and hair care products, cosmetics, and sunscreen without chemicals harmful to humans and the environment.

Through its web site (www.avaandersonnontoxic.com) and its network of sales consultants, Ava Anderson Non-Toxics educates customers about toxic chemicals in personal care products and offers safer alternatives.   

The company creates independent earning opportunities for thousands of people at the same time. Sales representatives inform customers face to face in family rooms across the country about how products are advertised and produced. The goal is to demonstrate that there is a huge global advantage to being honestly "green.”

“We believe we can affect the health and health care costs of our nation,” said Kim Anderson. “We can reduce our national health care – and make people healthier – through education, prevention and empowering people to reduce unnecessary exposure to toxins.

“Ava and I plan to travel to Washington in support of the Safe Cosmetic Act of 2011, the work of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and Environmental Working Group,” Anderson added. “Ava often speaks publicly on this issue.

“In addition, we, along with our socially responsible sales force, hold fundraisers to give directly to our local communities through cash donations, generated from product sales, to our favorite charities in cancer prevention, disease prevention, local schools, etc.”