News

Truly-Life, a tiny piece of Alexandria
Alexandria Times

ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 2, 2011 – This small green business is focused on a cleaner environment for everyone.  The herb garden just outside the studio window supplies the skin care product line with fresh and dried herbs year round.  Inspired to make a difference in the world, Mellenie Runion, proprietor, made a few drastic changes in her life that spilled into an eco friendly business.  She specializes in handmade soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

Truly-Life started in 2008 as an eco friendly gift company for visitors and residents to give a tiny piece of Alexandria as a practical green gift. The business mission is to support the local economy with handmade products and take extra steps to protect the environment, such as using biodegradable labels and packaging.  In 2010, the business committed to bicycle deliveries for all online orders within Potomac West. In early 2011, the business received the Green America Business Seal of Approval.

Truly-Life continues to seek the best local sources for all the ingredients in their handmade products. “While we feel fair trade is fantastic, we can’t remember a more important time to purchase from businesses in Virginia and within the United States,” said Mellenie.   

Ray Runion, Mellenie’s father supports the woodworking side of the business with small heirloom boxes, balanced wine holders and other home items.  Working with solid wood from a forest that is harvested and re-seeded in the Shenandoah Valley, the native trees are located within ten miles of Runion's sawmill and wood working shop.  Each wooden item comes with a detailed description about the type of tree and the forest location in Virginia where the tree grew.

Truly-Life strives to find new businesses to carry the products that share the same eco values such as the Freeman House in Vienna, VA. The Freeman House is currently working with Truly-Life to provide herbs grown in their garden for use in the products to give visitors a more authentic piece of this historic property. Wedding favors are also increasing in popularity with green conscious couples. As a small business, Truly-Life can easily craft custom labels and ribbon colors to match an event of any size.  You can also find Truly-Life at the Old Town Famer’s Market on Saturdays and the West End Farmer’s Market on Sundays. To learn more visit www.truly-life.com.