The Story of HG Labs
Harmony | The Beginning
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' 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?
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 created a loving family, blessed with many grandchildren and 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 cleaners for their family.
Sharron loved the products Jerry developed so much, that she believed others should enjoy them also! Soon after, HG Labs was born. They named their first product Harmony and took six of their products to the Louisville Whole Foods Market and offered them to the grocery manager to try. He loved them! After a thorough evaluation of their ingredients and procedures, through a third party Eco-Scale testing in which Harmony products ranked in the highest green categories, 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. When asked why they were there, they would proudly share that Jerry was the formulator and Sharron founded the company. The personal touch of sharing about their Harmony products brought smiles and built trust. Sharron was amazed to find that many people had misconceptions about green cleaners—thinking they were either too expensive or ineffective. Soon, their Harmony products had earned a prominent end cap display and they had regular customers! 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 then decided to expand their reach to other Whole Foods Markets!
They loaded their SUV with cases of their products, packing bottles in laundry baskets to offer Harmony products 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. In their venture, their products were welcomed at each location they visited. Twenty-six Whole Foods Markets in all began to carry them. Through their tireless effort, HG Labs and its Harmony products became a beacon of hope for a healthier, safer home environment for many families using Harmony All-Natural Household Cleaners.
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, and 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 eco-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 most recent venture into bulk, zero waste, and refill shops reflects their ongoing commitment to sustainable 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 ecofriendly 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."