Nature's Inventory Returns to Small-town Enumclaw Roots

What began as a quest for better health for one woman has lead to a very profitable and successful business nine years later.  I had a fabulous opportunity to meet and talk one-on-one with LouAnn Brandjes, owner of Nature’s Inventory to discover her secrets to success, even in an economy where so many small businesses are suffering.

LouAnn’s story began years ago when faced with the continued pain of what was diagnosed as incurable lupus.  Perhaps it was her refusal to believe in this diagnosis or perhaps it was that little voice in her head that told her not to give up that she began the search for an answer through natural health coupled with changes in lifestyle.  It was through her strong desire to be pain-free that LouAnn created her own combination of wellness oils that relieved this pain and today she is free from the crippling effects of lupus. 

But it did not stop there.

LouAnn spent years on research from clinical studies that were applied to the type of products she wanted to make and intuitively she knew there was so much more to discover by pursuing the natural route.  There was also this persistent voice in her head that kept nagging at her to, “Go Natural.  Go Natural.”  While many people disregard that voice, LouAnn chose to embrace and follow it.

She began by creating and experimenting with organic oils and then asking around to family and friends about their ailments.  She found that Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was something a lot of people had in common which results in an ongoing lack of sleep and of course the side effects resulting from an inadequate amount of sleep. 

Some might say that a mad scientist was in the making but when she began handing out samples of her creation for RLS, people took notice. Why?  Because it worked!  It was then that people began to ask for different products to ease their ailments.

In 2002, Nature’s Inventory was born.

What started out as a business built in her garage has now turned into what is described as a ‘thriving woman-owned business located in Enumclaw.’  At this warehouse facility, more than 100 all natural and certified organic wellness oils are blended, manufactured and distributed.  Nature’s Inventory products can be found in 220 retail locations as well as 295 natural and international wholesale accounts.

LouAnn humbly admits she had no idea what an impact her products would have on others’ lives and just how rewarding her business would be to her personally.  Both she and Jenni Minnis, National Sales Representative for Nature’s Inventory and side by side partner in crime, state the testimonials from customers are amazing, and as Jenni said, “Some of them will make you cry.”

(And it’s true-- I have read them.)

“People don’t realize the therapeutic properties of essential oils,” stated LouAnn as she explained how the oils reduce pain, inflammation and contain anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.  She explained it quite simply by saying, “There is intelligence to the essential oil.”

That intelligence looks something like this: it takes 30 seconds for the oil to absorb into the body’s system.  The oil then attaches to the harmful chemicals within the fatty tissue and carry it out of the body.  Now that’s what I call smart.

LouAnn and Jenni have many healing stories to share but one in particular that tugs at both their heartstrings and has become one of LouAnn’s most rewarding days was their participation in Lakewood’s Wounded Warrior Program.  These members of the military are suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and have been given all sorts of pills and medicinal cures to ease their pain which for many is life long. 

LouAnn and Jenni handed out samples of their product “Calm,” a combination of wellness oils to aid when experiencing a panic attack or anxiety.  When some of these soldiers applied the oil at the event, they immediately came back to the Nature’s Inventory booth and asked how they could get more and how they hoped this would result in them not having to take any more pills. 

All they wanted was what Nature’s Inventory could provide—solutions not in a pill.

As successful as they are today, it has not always been a smooth road for LouAnn.  Business was booming up to 2007 until the first signs of the recession made its ugly appearance.  However, LouAnn states that the recession was the best thing that could have happened to her business.  Was the mad scientist going crazy?

Not at all. 

LouAnn found a way in a struggling time to re-evaluate her business which had grown so immensely.  It taught her to be honestly happy being small again and more importantly, brought her back to her small town roots in Enumclaw.  “It’s an honor to have this business and I definitely want to be part of the community.  I love it and I want to support it.”

Nature’s Inventory can be found at 2551 Cole Street, Ste T.  LouAnn and her team are excited because they soon will be moving…but not that far away.  Just around the corner at the same address but different suite number, will be their new location which includes a fabulous relaxing deck area. 

Their products can be bought at the warehouse site, online and through catalog ordering.  However, I must recommend stopping by to experience the relaxing aromatic bliss that floats in the air as well as the sassy and humorous Nature’s Inventory team—if only for a few moments.

Website information:  www.naturesinventory.com.  Phone:  866-607-2146