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The Full Story

About Alternativ

Alternativ is born from a shared vision of two women dedicated to plants, wellness, and sustainability. Mindy, a biology instructor, established Rosebud Botanicals in 2008 with the aim of creating a skincare line free from toxins and crafted with intentional, meaningful ingredients. Her philosophy emphasizes offering products that are “clean & sustainable.” Kim, an herbalist and founder of Berly & Blake Lavender Co., started her brand in 2013 with a commitment to “simple & sustainable” products, believing that fewer, high-quality ingredients can yield powerful and effective results. Together, they have merged their expertise and passions to create Alternativ.

Meet the Team

Meet the team behind our success! Owned and operated by the talented women below, we invite you to take a moment to learn more about each of them. Their passion and dedication drive everything we do!

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Co-Founder

Kim Lauffer

 Kim is the heart and soul behind Berly & Blake Lavender Co., a venture she co-founded with her husband, Blake, in 2013. With a passion for creating simple, clean products and a desire to spend more quality time with her family, Kim embarked on this journey to bring the healing power of lavender to homes everywhere. Her commitment to healthy living and sustainable practices led her to co-found Alternativ, where she serves as the herbalist, crafting natural formulations and ensuring that every product is rooted in wellness. Kim believes in the importance of surrounding herself with a team that shares her excitement and values, and together, they've built a group focused on delivering the best to their customers. As a devoted mother, Kim's entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by her desire to be present for her family. She has crafted a life that allows her to nurture her children while pursuing her passion for natural products, proving that it is possible to blend work and family in a meaningful way. In her free time, Kim enjoys reading, learning new things, and formulating innovative products that reflect her dedication to wellness. She invites you to join her on this journey with Alternativ, where she is dedicated to sharing the beauty of the earth through her creations while fostering a sense of community that emphasizes wellness and connection. With each product, Kim hopes to inspire others to embrace a healthier, more natural lifestyle.

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Co-Founder

Mindy Skarda

Mindy is the visionary behind Rosebud Botanicals, a brand she established in 2008 in search of nontoxic skincare products that simply weren’t available at the time. With a background in biology and a passion for plants and the planet, Mindy serves as a biology instructor at Southwestern Community College, where she shares her knowledge and love of the natural world with her students. Recognizing the need for collaboration, Mindy decided to step beyond the comforts of Rosebud and co-found Alternativ with like-minded individuals who share her commitment to clean, sustainable living. Together, they have formed a powerful team dedicated to bringing effective, non-toxic products to the world. Mindy's goal is to make a positive impact by creating products that are not only beneficial for individuals but also gentle on the earth. As a recent empty nester, she now has more time to focus on her passion for formulating innovative skincare solutions that truly work. A proud mother to Madi, who is married to John and has two children, Noralayn and Jack, Allivea, married to Tristan and has her son, Marshall, and Gage, who has a playful puppy named Duce. Mindy cherishes her family while also finding joy in her hobbies. In her free time, she enjoys formulating new products, reading, learning, and traveling, always seeking inspiration to share with the world through her work at Alternativ.

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Managing Partner

Allivea Travis

Allivea is a dedicated stay-at-home mom and a proud Christian, inspired by her mother, Mindy, to embrace a clean and sustainable lifestyle. Her journey into this world deepened with the arrival of her son, Marshall, in April 2024. Allivea finds peace in knowing that every product from Alternativ is thoughtfully crafted and safe for her family. In her role at Alternativ, Allivea handles all marketing, web design, and related tasks, ensuring that the brand’s mission and values resonate with the world. She is excited to share the commitment to quality and sustainability that Alternativ represents. During her free time, Allivea enjoys reading, cherishing moments with her husband and son, and spending time on the farm, where she finds inspiration in the beauty of nature.

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