It was a lesson in horticulture and international aid that inspired one of the Triangle's newest beauty companies. JustNeem, a family business based in Cary, creates body care products made with the oils and extracts of the neem tree. The tree, found in areas such as Southeast Asia and the African nation of Mauritania, is known for its medicinal properties.
"We were first introduced to and inspired by the neem tree through our friend Bill Stoffregen, founder of Homewood Nursery and Garden Center in North Raleigh," says Antje Radtke, whose parents founded the company. "As we learned about neem's amazing medical properties, we knew we had found a resource that could bring economic, ecological and health improvements to the people in Mauritania, while at the same time benefiting people right here at home."
The company began creating soaps, lotions, bath salts and other beauty products, designed to give back to the people of Mauritania. By buying their ingredients from locals at fair trade prices, and by financing the planting of neem orchards and nurseries, the company hopes to help the people of the struggling nation.
"The opportunity to give back to Africa inspired us to create JustNeem, and it remains the core of our business," Radtke says.
JustNeem holiday gift sets are available at Whole Foods stores in Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill. You can also find the line at www.justneem.com.
Holiday make-it-yourself
A gift you make yourself shows how much you care. And even if you're not the crafty sort, you can still create a handcrafted gift at Ornamentea and Panopolie in Raleigh.
Through Christmas Eve, both stores will have helpers on hand to assist customers in creating custom gifts such as resin pendants and ribbon-tied bead necklaces.
Ornamentea is at 509 West St., Raleigh. 834-6260, www.ornamentea.com; Panopolie is at 6320 Capital Blvd., Raleigh. 872-4767, www.panopolie.com
Clothes can help others
Enjoy savings while helping those in need at Love in Bloom Maternity in Raleigh.
Bring in gently used women's clothing, either regular or maternity, today through Saturday, and receive 15 percent off one item in the store. The donated items go to Interact, a local nonprofit group that supports victims of domestic violence.
Love in Bloom is at 4035 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh. 881-2121, www.loveinbloommaternity.com
Bling bling
Get a peek at some of the latest designs from jewelry brands JB Star and Leslie Green this week at Bailey's Fine Jewelry trunk shows. JB Star brings the sparkle Wednesday and Thursday, showcasing diamond rings, earrings and more. And Friday, Leslie Green's intricately designed earrings, necklaces and bracelets will be on display. Both trunk shows are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bailey's Fine Jewelry is at 415 Daniels St. in Cameron Village, Raleigh. 829-7337, www.baileybox.com
Let's hear it for the boys
Cat Banjo in Cameron Village hopes to make holiday shopping a bit more tolerable for men this year with "Man Night." From 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, the gift boutique specializing in jewelry, handbags and housewares will focus on men.
There will be beer, snacks and extra staff on hand to assist men looking for the perfect gift. And to make it even easier, folks can pre-shop and leave a list of suggestions.
Cat Banjo is at 2043 Cameron St. in Cameron Village in Raleigh. 833-6711.
Come to their house
Looking for fashionable and affordable stocking stuffers? Then check out SOHO Shoes' Holiday Open House, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday. In addition to shoes, boots and handbags, it has gifts such as hats, scarves, jewelry and pashminas for less than $30.
SOHO is in Crabtree Valley Mall at 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 881-9055, www.sohoshoes.com.
