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Name: Eden Organix

Type of business: An organic beauty store and spa

Address: 215 Raritan Ave., Highland Park

Telephone: (732) 325-9090

Web site: www.edenorganix.com

Number of employees: 7

Founded: 2005

Top officer: Valarie Mason Robinson, CEO and founder

Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday; Tuesday: noon-7 p.m.; Wednesday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

How would you describe your business?

"It's a sustainable 'green' business that sells organic natural beauty products that are toxin free," said CEO and founder Valarie Mason Robinson. "Our products are for everyone including babies and men as well as women. They include moisturizers, balms, butters, lotions, oils, shampoos, cleansers, exfoliates, eye creams, facial mists, masques, and products for sun care and skin care for acne, dry and normal skin, and nail care. Our spa offers facials, massages, waxing, and wellness services.

"We also offer other organic gift items including baby clothes, baby carriers, and soy candles."

What makes your business special?

"Everything we sell to put on the body is organic and our strong commitment to give back to the community through creating human capital by supporting jobs for women, scholarships, and donating 10 percent of our profits to causes devoted to helping the environment and children."

What goals do you have for the business?

"To create several locations for our green store -- first in New Jersey then around the U.S. and to come out with our own product line. With our own private label we would be creating jobs for underprivileged people as well as giving scholarships."

How has your business changed?

"Green is now in the mainstream now. People are looking at companies that just don't just say it but actually do it.

"When I started it was just me. I was selling things out of my home. In four years I've gone to my present location in Highland Park and seven employees."

What was your most important deal?

"My most important deal was starting my business. I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and had a corporate job in sales with large cosmetic companies. After my daughter was born, I decided to stay home. [She] had a lot of issues with allergies and asthma I was taking her to a lot of specialists who couldn't come to any conclusions about her. I started doing a detox cleaning and personal care products used in my home. I also had a dream of opening my own business, but wasn't sure what it would be. When my daughter's system and quality of life improved (through my detox efforts) my unique experiences came together and the concept of Eden Organix began. The name comes from the Bible. I was thinking about Eden -- the paradise that fulfills the needs of Adam and Eve."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"There will be no changes in the organic products and services sold and used at Eden Organix. Integrity is so important to me. I want to be a company that says not only is it green, but actually has the product that is green -- good for you and for the family.

"Eden Organix also has a sustainability piece where the money made from the item or service is recycled back into the community. Studies show that when money is spent in a small local business, that money is recycled three times more than if the product was bought at a mall.

"The change in our business will probably be the increase in the product line in the next 10 years and hopefully we'll be in other locations throughout the state of New Jersey and the tri-state area."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"That Rome wasn't built in a day and I can't beat myself up for not accomplishing everything I plan. I'm an A-type personality. So I've learned the importance of delegating and having balance."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"You have to read a lot. Get as much information as you can. Go back to school if you must to train to be an esthetician because a certificate will provide a certain credibility factor to clients. If an individual wants to start their own business I suggest they save a lot of money beforehand, because banks aren't as small business-friendly as they used to be. The bank needs to see you have a stable income."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. Right now I am able to have my own business and at the same time be available for my two children, who are ages 5 and 2, and not place them in day care. I would like to write a book about beauty. I think things are a process just like life. There is a season for everything -- you've got to roll with the punches."