Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I live along the south coast of England quite close to where the HQ of The Body Shop is. Anita Roddick and The Body Shop made a huge positive difference to the local environment and community.
 
My wife used to buy from Anita`s first (I believe it was her first) shop in Brighton. Anita used to be behind the counter serving. Many years later my wife actually worked in the Worthing Body Shop store. My daughter worked at their HQ. I know numerous people who worked for The Body Shop.

They used to have `The Body Shop Tour` where you could actually visit the factory, see products being made and packed-up. My family and I actually did the tour during the summer holidays with the kids. Not many companies open their doors for joe public to come and see, like that.

They were a very friendly, flexible company to work for. They were very family orientated. They used to have family days out, friends and family Christmas shopping days.
 
It was a total shock and a very sad day when I heard she had died. I did not know Anita, of course, but she came across as a truly remarkable woman.

Here`s a link for a bit more background on Anita:

http://www.inc.com/news/articles/200709/roddick.html?partner =email-alert

Andrew

I think the whole world is a sadder place without her.  I remember being inspired by her philosophy long ago in how she sourced her goods from the various small countries and people; she was shade coffee before Starbucks even perked a bean, she showed the way for microloans and environmental community development; she set a high bar and I can`t think of anyone I`ve admired more than her for putting ethics before profit. (and I`m a wash and wear kind of guy who only shops for hte holidays; but I always sought out her stores for the kinder folks I know!)