My Story: From a California Dream to a Natural State of Living
Hi, I’m Nicole, the founder of Natural State Living. One question I get a lot is how my journey into sustainable living began. For me, it started with the ocean.
Growing up in Santa Barbara, I was part of a childhood program called “Los Marineros” that taught us about the impact garbage has on our waterways. That lesson stuck with me. I became an avid recycler, always cut my six-pack rings, and never forgot my reusable bags at the grocery store. I thought I was doing enough.
Then came my “aha!” moment.
In 2011, I read a Sunset magazine article about a family of four that produced almost zero waste. It made me look at my own home, at the paper towels I was using and the pre-packaged products I was buying, and I realized how much more I could be doing. I knew I had to make a change.
As I transitioned to a lower-waste lifestyle, I hit a roadblock. I wanted to buy my cleaning and bath products in bulk, but the resources just weren’t there. I could find some eco-friendly products online, but the waste from shipping a single toothbrush felt counterproductive.
I knew that if I was looking for these solutions, others must be, too.
That belief led me to open my first eco-store, Ma’s Green Living, in Monterey, California. It was an incredible experience that taught me so much about sourcing, refilling, and helping a community make sustainable swaps.
Life eventually brought me here to Little Rock, Arkansas—a place I am proud to call home. Here, my passion for this work continues to grow, both in my ongoing role as manager of The Green Corner Store, where I’ve loved connecting with so many of you, and now through my own new venture: Natural State Living.
Natural State Living is the culmination of this journey. It’s a resource for you, whether you’re just starting to ask these questions or you’re well on your way. My philosophy is simple: Progress, not perfection. This is a space free of judgment, designed to help you create a healthier, more sustainable home, one simple swap at a time.
I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s get started.
