"I started Green Koala after noticing how many products in my home contained toxic chemicals and fillers

Keif, who now runs the business with her husband Chris, is upbeat and enthusiastic about the experience so far.

"I started Green Koala after noticing how many products in my home contained toxic chemicals and fillers," Keif said. "I knew we could offer something better and I wanted to help others make more informed choices about the products we use every day, such as soaps, lip balms, lotions and candles. With Green Koala, I wanted to create a brand that would always represent high-quality, safe products. We've stayed committed to that original vision and it's been exciting to watch the business grow over the years."

Initially, Keif started selling her products at local shows and farmers markets.

"When the same people started coming back to buy again and again, I knew we had something special," she said.

Green Koala products are currently sold at local shops and boutiques, such as Mono Mono, Marshfield Hills General Store and Sand & Water.

"We are so appreciative of how the community and local businesses and shops have embraced us over the years," she said.

Then, a few months ago, a representative from Christmas Tree Shops contacted Keif.

"They had seen our products at a local fair and loved them," she said. "Now, Christmas Tree Shops is our biggest corporate partner and we are thrilled!" Green Koala soy candles are currently being sold at Christmas Tree Shops in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.

All Green Koala products are handmade in small batches in Keif's eco-friendly, energy-efficient home manufacturing facility. To make Green Koala soaps, sugar scrubs, lotions, lip balms and body butters, Keif uses only organic and natural ingredients, combining pure olive, coconut, sunflower and palm oils with organic shea butter. Green Koala's top-selling, hand-poured candles are dye-free, phthalate-free and made with 100% percent pure soy wax with lead-free cotton wicks. All products are offered in a variety of fresh, clean and seasonal scents.

Green Koala also recently launched a new website, www.greenkoala.net.

"The updated website is another way for us to directly connect with our customers, offer them the opportunity to purchase our products online and provide more information about how to embrace a greener, more organic way of life," Keif said.

The Keifs are also committed to giving back to the community. Green Koala has donated more than $10,000 to a growing list of non-profit organizations and schools, such as Wicked Good Cause, Hope Floats, South River Elementary School, the Marshfield and Scituate Animal Shelters, One Tree Planted and the North River Arts Society.

"Green Koala is truly our passion," Keif said. "Chris and I take so much pride in what we are doing. We are a team and our company is an extension of us. This is how we live and we are making exactly what we would want to buy for our own family. We are focused on quality and consistency, we are meticulous about the details and we're committed to always creating safe, natural and organic products."

Looking ahead, Keif said that she plans to keep an open mind about where to take the business. "In this journey with Green Koala, I know that the path may change along the way," she said. "So far, every time I've met somebody new or something has happened, it has led us along onto the next phase in the business. I'm a firm believer in the idea that 'good things happen to good people.' When we started, we knew in our heart of hearts that this was a good thing, that this was the right thing. So in many ways, that makes the journey a bit easier. We're definitely excited to see where we end up next!"

To learn more or to purchase Green Koala products, visit www.greenkoala.net or call 877-304-4493. Information about upcoming local events and fairs featuring Green Koala products are also listed on the Green Koala Facebook page.

Around Town Submission Guidelines. I'm always looking for new ideas, people and events to feature in this column. Do you know a local family, group, business or organization that has a special story to tell? I'd love to hear from you. Please send all story ideas and news to Nicole Sands at aroundmarshfield@gmail.com or call 617-775-1371. Thank you.