March 2025 | Issue No. 48

A Conversation Between Monica Lenches, Realtor, and Karen Bloom, Owner/Founder of Natural Haven

 

Karen and I first connected during the chaos of COVID, when she was searching for a new home in Santa Barbara as a mom-to-be. I helped her get settled, and then, as life goes sometimes, we lost track of each other. Four years later, in the very same week, two people suggested I interview her for A Kinder World of Commerce. Reuniting with Karen and learning about her incredible journey with Natural Haven has been a real joy. Her company is a testament to her deep commitment to the health and wellness of both people and the planet. I’m excited to share her story with you, and I hope you find as much inspiration in her journey and the services she provides as I have.

 

ML: What inspired you to create a business that promotes non-toxic living? 

 

KB: As life is, it’s been a journey! Originally, my lifelong passion for protecting the environment–and everyone living in it– led me to become a consumer protection attorney in Washington D.C., where I focused on holding companies accountable for failing to warn consumers about toxic chemicals in their products. I fought against companies using harmful chemicals without proper warnings and pushed for  responsible manufacturing. I litigated cases involving DuPont’s use of “forever chemicals,” BPA in baby bottles and formula, and against the tobacco industry. Unexpectedly, my work as a lawyer came to halt when I became disabled from a mysterious illness, which included chronic pain, brain fog, and fatigue. Eventually I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and mold toxicity, among other things. I spent years rebuilding my health, and one of the ways that it significantly improved was by eliminating household toxins. My personal experience with Lyme and Mold inspired me to help others – particularly those with chronic illnesses – live in healthier, nontoxic environments.

 

ML: Why should people be concerned about the products they bring into their homes? 

KB: Most companies are not looking out for our health and, worse, actively mislead consumers about the safety of their products. We are bombarded with a myriad of chemicals every day that have never been tested for human toxicity, and many of them come from within our home. These hidden toxins, found in furniture, cookware, and children’s toys, and more, can cause serious health issues such as respiratory problems, birth defects, hormonal imbalances, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Our bodies can only detoxify so much before becoming overloaded. Once that threshold is reached, the body struggles to process more toxins, leading to adverse health effects. Everyone should care about reducing their toxic load. This is particularly true for those with chronic illness or young children, as they have a lower threshold for detoxifying.

 

In addition to caring for our well-being, the planet’s health is also a consideration. We are here for a short time, in the scheme of things, but we are having an outsized impact on the environment. Sadly, the toxic chemicals in the products we buy eventually end up in the environment. I love modern conveniences but I believe we can have them in a responsible, thoughtful manner, while not jeopardizing the survival of the planet’s ecosystems (or our own health). Hence, I am dedicated to pushing companies to prioritize healthy, non-toxic materials over cheaper, harmful alternatives, reducing both our exposure to toxins and the environmental damage they cause. I hope to increase consumer demand for safer products, making non-toxic options become more accessible and affordable through economies of scale.

 

ML: What services do you provide? 

KB: Natural Haven helps create natural, non-toxic living spaces. Through personalized consultations, I guide homeowners in identifying “problematic” products and recommend safer alternatives. It can be hard to find non-toxic products and clients tell me it is often overwhelming. I cut through the greenwashing and simplify the process. For expecting parents, I provide a non-toxic baby registry and help design a nursery that supports their child’s health and development. 

 

ML: What are your company's vision, mission, and values?

KB: Natural Haven’s vision is to make the world healthier through mindful, non-toxic living. Its mission is to raise consumer demand and economic pressure to compel companies to manufacture products with greater mindfulness. I am committed to creating a positive impact by promoting sustainable, non-toxic choices. And my values are Transparency, Respect, Environmental Stewardship and Community.

 

ML: Please give us a couple examples of how you put those values into action on a daily basis.

KB: Transparency: I carefully vet the products I recommend. I do not receive incentives from any companies so all product recommendations from Natural Haven are genuine and unbiased.

 

Environmental stewardship: At Natural Haven, through my client recommendations we are increasing demand for safer products and supporting eco-friendly manufacturing practices. With each recommendation, my clients are given the tools to make better purchasing decisions that benefit the planet as well as their health. For example, a client purchasing a non-toxic mattress made from organic cotton, natural latex, or wool, reduces the production of harmful chemicals like flame retardants and VOCs in mainstream memory foam mattresses. These chemicals can off-gas into the air and leach into soil and water, harming ecosystems. Or, a client using my natural cleaning product recommendations helps eliminate harsh chemicals that pollute water systems and harm wildlife. Another example is helping clients switch from plastic containers to glass, which reduces plastic waste that can take centuries to decompose. 

 

ML: What can we look forward to from Natural Haven in the near future?

 

KB: In the spirit of aligning the value of Community with actions, I am in the initial stages of building a not-for-profit community to connect fellow businesses that promote sustainable living in the SB area. My hope is to share resources, referrals, and collaborate to unite our efforts through the Sustainable Living 
Business Network.