Becoming a green manufacturing company came in unexpected ways, but it has been worth it!
Chapter One: Harmony – The Green Beginning
HG Labs’ green manufacturing beginning in some ways out of an “ah-ha” moment. Have you ever noticed that within every story there is another story? That “inner story” or rather prequel; helps make sense of the main narrative. Often there are many twists and turns you would not have expected leaving you with thoughts of, “Oh, that makes sense” or “Ok, now I understand.”
HG Labs’ eco-friendly, manufacturing beginning had its own unique origins. Did you know it was started by a grandmother? This begs the question, “Why?” A grandmother starting up her own green cleaning product company does not happen out of the blue! So, what set her on this path toward creating HG Labs?
We’ll let HG Labs’ founder/owner/president; Sharron McAdams relate to us her story…
In 2009, after twenty-five dedicated years of teaching wellness and exercise, Sharron made the profound decision to close that chapter of her life. She allowed herself a moment of rest before diving back into her studies to complete her Ph.D. Her husband, Jerry, a talented engineer and chemist, had been successfully running his own business since 1986. Together, they had created a loving family, blessed with three children and eight grandchildren. They now have ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren and their family continues to grow.
Sharron’s life had been deeply touched by the loss of many family members to cancer, instilling in her a deep awareness of the dangers toxins could bring. She felt a sincere desire to create a healthier, safer home environment.
Jerry, with his exceptional ability to formulate effective products and build a company from the ground up, couldn’t ignore Sharron’s heartfelt plea. He took a close look at many popular eco-friendly products and was disheartened to find that many were not as safe as they claimed to be. Resolute in his mission to make a real difference, he began developing genuinely non-toxic household green cleaners for their family.
Sharron believed these products were good enough to share with the world. And so, HG Labs’ green manufacturing began. They named their first product Harmony. They took six of their products to the Louisville Whole Foods Market and offered them to the grocery manager to try. He loved them, and after a thorough evaluation of their ingredients and procedures, he gave them a trial spot on the shelves alongside other well-known eco-friendly products.
On weekends, Sharron and Jerry would visit the store to do demonstrations and give away samples. Sharron was amazed to find that many people had misconceptions about green cleaners—thinking they were either too expensive or ineffective. When asked why they were there, they would proudly share that Jerry was the formulator and Sharron owned the company. This personal touch brought smiles, and soon, people were buying their cleaners. Before long, their products were prominently displayed on an end cap.
The grocery manager told them that as long as Kentucky touched another state, their products would be considered local, which was very important to Whole Foods Market and their customers. Sharron and Jerry decided to expand their reach to other Whole Foods Markets. They loaded up cases of their products into their SUV, packing bottles in laundry baskets to offer to other grocery managers. With their loyal dog by their side, they traveled to every state touching Kentucky—Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Their persistence paid off, and their products were welcomed at each location. Twenty-six Whole Foods Markets in all began to carry them. Through their tireless effort, HG Labs manufactured green Harmony products became a beacon of hope for a healthier, safer home environment for many families using Harmony All-Natural Household Cleaners.
Chapter Two: Brightly Green – Expanded Horizons
Sharron had a vision that their products could reach households across the USA, and with determination and a spark of creativity, she decided to build a website. They named their new product line Brightly Green. Drawing from her business background, she started writing blogs and embraced social media to help others discover a better life for their families. But Sharron’s blogs weren’t just product-focused; they were filled with heartfelt advice on organization, cleaning, preparing for holidays, among other useful topics.
Her writing resonated with readers, and soon customers began purchasing their cleaners directly from the online shopping cart. Cleaning companies, seeking safer alternatives, approached her, leading to the development of concentrates that made the cleaners more earth-friendly and economical for both businesses and homes. They began offering larger options like 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon drums, and 275-gallon totes, always keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront.
From the very beginning, it was crucial for them to personally answer every call, providing support to new start-ups and established businesses alike. For HG Labs, customer service wasn’t just a slogan; it was a way of life. Understanding the desire of many companies to build their unique brand identities, they started offering private and white labeling. Inspired by the idea that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, they utilized their in-house label designers and custom formulations to provide a personalized, a la carte service.
Their newest venture into bulk, zero waste, and refill shops reflects their ongoing commitment to eco-friendly practices. What began humbly with six products has blossomed into hundreds of green solutions, cherished by eco-conscious families and companies.
A Personal Note from Sharron:
At HG Labs, our hearts are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the journey toward creating eco-friendly cleaning products. We are deeply thankful to each of our cherished customers and the remarkable companies that support our mission. Together, we are forging a path towards a healthier, less toxic world—one that nurtures families, children, and pets. Your unwavering support deeply inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate continued success in making our environment a cleaner, safer place.