More than a month ago, the family that owned and operated Ava Anderson Non Toxic announced it was cutting ties to the business.
The Andersons, who live in Barrington, said they were moving on and that a new management team would be taking over the operation of the natural cosmetic line when it reopened under a different name.
According to papers filed with the secretary of state, Ava Anderson Non Toxic changed its name to Pure Haven Essentials, LLC on Feb. 22. The document lists the business's location as 99 Main St. in Warren — the American Tourister building. Ava Anderson Non Toxic had been operating out of the same space.
The document lists Kim Anderson as manager of the LLC. Ms. Anderson was president and co-founder of Ava Anderson Non Toxic.
On Jan. 25, the Anderson family published a statement, announcing its decision to cut ties with the business. It read, in part, "the Management Team at our RI-based home office will pick up the torch and carry it forward. We are diligently working to continue to offer the great products you have experienced over the past 6 years under a new brand. It is our intention to transfer all the great aspects of the company you currently know."
The Anderson family said its decision to end their involvement with the business was based upon two reasons — alleged harassment and bullying, and problems with product suppliers.
It was later reported that some online bloggers had challenged the labeling of Ava Anderson products. One blogger, Jess Brandt, also had some of the Anderson products tested and reported that the ingredients in the products did not match those listed on the labels.
The Anderson family countered by stating that bloggers including Ms. Brandt had a conflict of interest and worked as sales consultants for competing companies.
The new company, Pure Haven Essentials, created a new website and shares a statement regarding quality commitment: "All of our energy and passion go into formulating and creating the finest products, free of harmful chemicals. Our formulations are based on as many natural, plant-based, wild crafted and certified organic ingredients as possible, always with keen attention to health and environmental impact."
The site also states that the complete line of Pure Haven Essential products are made in its Rhode Island facility.
Ava Anderson Non Toxic reportedly struggled with a few of its suppliers — Ms. Anderson had stated "that several of our suppliers, who professed to have our same mission of providing safe, organic and natural personal care products, have violated our contractual agreements, by including some of the ingredients, found on all store shelves that we have passionately educated and even lobbied against, in several of our 80+ products."
According to its website, Pure Haven Essentials "can ensure exactly what ingredients are in each product and where those ingredients come from. All ingredients that we use are tested for safety, toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, potential skin and organ irritation, and environmental impact. We qualify vendors who can reliably provide these select raw materials and authenticate compliance with our standards."