French-themed shop focuses on natural products

French style meets natural skin and healthcare products at Amy Searle's new business on Taupo Quay.

After years of selling her products at markets and through other retailers, Amy Searle has taken the plunge and opened her own shop, Savon Natural Products.

When the Chronicle visited, it was Ms Searle's third day of trading and she had been "flat out" with stock flying out the door.

Ms Searle has been making natural soaps and creams for 15 years and has a large following for products such as her healing kawakawa cream.

"It started when my kids were young," Ms Searle said.

"When she was one, my daughter Paris developed eczema and I started making calendula cream from my mum's recipe. It's grown from there and many people will know me as 'the soap lady' from the Whanganui River Traders Market."

Ms Searle's shop in the arcade at 45 Taupo Quay has a French theme to match its stock of Savon soap. She also sells healing soaps and creams, natural deodorant, insect repellent, moisturiser, soya candles, natural products for babies and a natural range for dogs including soap, healing cream and paw protector. She makes about 90 per cent of the products herself and stocks some made by her sister Hayley Benseman who is based in Taranaki.

The French theme carries through to a range of necklaces, dolls, berets and other "little bits of French stuff".

Ms Searle is also making up gift baskets and will customise gift packages to suit the recipient.

Her 16-year-old daughter Paris is getting in on the act and will be bringing in a range of natural eyeshadows to sell in the shop.

Ms Searle has a natural healthcare certificate from the Herbal Education Resources Centre. She is awaiting her junior herbalist qualification and plans to go on to study for a senior herbalist certificate and then a diploma.