After Nicole of Hudson Herbivore became a vegan four years ago, she observed a lack of quality vegan products in her local shops. She has dedicated Hudson Herbivore to offering eco-friendly, sustainable and cruelty-free goods, and she also showcases handmade items from local Hudson Valley artists.
Nicole will be popping up at HudCo on Tuesday, July 13, so we wanted to get to know her a little more beforehand and get some of her expert recommendations for shopping and self-care.
Your slogan is “love is plant shaped.” With your lifelong ties to Westchester—is there a favorite plant shop, park, or garden to visit?
So many! Where do I even begin? My go-to plant shop is Hilltop Nursery and Garden Center in Croton-on-Hudson. They have an array of indoor as well as outdoor plants, flowers, trees, and even a gift shop that changes every season. Go check them out for unique and affordable finds. As far as parks and gardens, I am partial to the Scenic Hudson RiverWalk located in Tarrytown (not just because I live in the area, but because the views of the Gov. Cuomo Bridge are absolutely stunning; especially in the evenings when it’s all lit up). The area is full of native plants and is the perfect place to have a picnic, bike or even go on a stroll with your pup.
You are committed to sourcing ingredients that support an eco-conscious life. What goes into building up your assortment and developing your own products?
I really enjoy creating products that fit my own personal needs, as selfish as that may sound. I like to treat my body kindly so the use of organic, clean, and non-toxic ingredients are a must. This is because I firmly believe that what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in our bodies. I gravitate towards the basics and ingredients that are versatile, like coconut oil, aloe, and essential oils (my favorites being lavender and peppermint). For home décor, we use organic and biodegradable textiles like organic cotton, wood, and hemp.
Running a business is all encompassing—how do you incorporate your beauty products into your daily life? How do you designate time and create rituals for yourself?
For me, strength and beauty go hand in hand. I enjoy weight training and cycling, so inevitably I do experience times when my body is sore; I have incorporated my bath salts in my weekly beauty regime. I also religiously use my body oils after a shower for hydration and a natural glow. In general, these “rituals” or routines impact my self-care and we all know how important that is. All this to say, “me time” is a must.
You have regularly presented your line in New York markets. What is your favorite thing about participating in these events? Do you have any serendipitous experiences while there?
I meet so many people from all walks of life and that in itself is my favorite part of showcasing my products locally. Being that we are located in a state that has been referred to as the “epicenter of the world,” I’ve had so many instances where customers will just give words of encouragement or make suggestions on what else I should carry in my online shop. I love learning from people; their likes, their dislikes, it’s all a wonderful experience for me.