Lawrence Hayes II, H.D., Ph.D has a goal to get people back to the basics of skincare. Growing up in the dry climate of Michigan, Lawrence is no stranger to the painful effects of eczema — and to big brand salves that claim to help, but don’t. After earning a degree in nutrition and a Ph.D in Holistic Nutrition, Lawrence set out to improve the beauty industry by offering premium-quality, yet affordable products that are naturally sourced and formulated for effectiveness. “Skincare companies make money convincing people they need expensive products, many of which are made from synthetic ingredients that actually changes the skin’s natural PH balance,” Lawrence says. That’s when he discovered the healing power of Babassu, a natural oil harvested from the seeds of the babassu palm tree in the Amazon rain forest, and an innovative idea to create personal care products with this natural ingredient emerged.

Little did Madelyn and Matt Morris know when they took a class in organic beekeeping back in 2007 that the two beehives they established in their Portland backyard would become the springboard for a 30-acre operation and home to 20 hives. In 2011, the husband-and-wife team launched Mickelberry Gardens, crafting a variety of healing remedies using what their beehives produced: plenty of raw honey, propolis and beeswax. Closely aligned in mission with Market of Choice, Mickelberry Gardens enjoys its place in the Pacific Northwest as an independent, family-owned business that focuses considerable effort in giving back to the community and to organizations that enhance bee health, plant diversity, water conservation, land stewardship and equity.