OM DENNE EPISODE
Kristin Fracassi, founder & CEO of Root & Splendor, and Alecia Nelson, the COO, share the origin story of a premium non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover - developed by a mom of four who went down a rabbit hole on natural product ingredients and didn't like what she found. Kristin talks about working with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists, the moment when lab results confirmed her product matched the efficacy of big-name brands, and why full ingredient transparency is a non-negotiable for the brand. Alecia shares what it's like to join a brand she watched grow from the dream stage, and what's on the horizon with a new kitchen product line built to the same uncompromising standards. They wrap up by reflecting on how Naturally Network has opened door after door after door.
Takeaways:
- Root & Splendor makes premium, fully non-toxic laundry detergent and stain remover formulated with 100% plant-based ingredients, scented with natural essential oils, and priced at about 33 cents per load.
- Kristin started the brand as a mom and homesteader, not an entrepreneur, after discovering that many "natural" products still contain harmful ingredients
- Root & Splendor is one of only a few laundry brands to achieve EWG Verified status, a third-party certification from the Environmental Working Group.
- Five years of R&D with formulation chemists and enzyme scientists resulted in a product that matches the efficacy of major conventional brands without any harmful ingredients.
- Their packaging delivers an 800% reduction in carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives.
- Full ingredient transparency is a core brand commitment with every ingredient is listed on the package along with an explanation of what it does.
- Kristin describes conscious business as a daily choice because every day brings opportunities to cut corners.
- Root & Splendor is now expanding into a kitchen product line, holding to the same standards of plant-based formulation, premium efficacy, and sustainable packaging.
- The brand continues to grow organically through word of mouth from customers who try the product and tell their friends.
- Winning the Naturally San Diego Pitch Slam was a turning point for the brand, opening doors to other pitch slams, awards, and a deeply supportive network of industry peers.
Sound Bites:
- "I was willing to sacrifice efficacy for safety, and then I did a deep dive into the ingredients and learned that a lot of natural ingredients are still not safe."
- "We formulate for safety and efficacy. Every ingredient is safe for people, pets, the environment, and fabrics."
- "I had no intention of starting a business, but once I realized we had something truly different, I wanted to bring it to everyone."
- "There are a million ways to cut corners as a business owner. Every day I choose to stay true to our values and our standards."
- "The consumer is really smart. They're educated. They know what they're looking for. The greenwashing in this space, it's pretty wild."
- "There's no reason to sacrifice safety or efficacy. You can have both."
- "This wasn't developed in a boardroom. This was developed by women, for women."
- "Don't ever give up on a stain."
Links:
Alecia Nelson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecialnelson/
Kristin Fracassi LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfracassirootandsplendor/
Root & Splendor Website - https://rootandsplendor.com/
Root & Splendor LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/root-and-splendor/people/
Root & Splendor on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootandsplendor
Root & Splendor on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootandsplendor
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Naturally Network: www.naturallynetwork.org
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Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/
Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/
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Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/
Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/
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Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/
Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/
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Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radio
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