Think outside the tube

Glass jars are filled with natural toothpaste made by Nelson Naturals

by
Dana DiPonio and Kevin Hagel are shown in a health food store. They are co-owners of Nelson Naturals, producing a natural toothpaste.

Kevin Hagel and Dana DiPonio of Nelson Naturals have created a unique product that is not only as effective as but better than other toothpastes available. — Photo courtesy Kevin Hagel

Who left the toothpaste open? How do you squeeze the last bit out of the toothpaste tube?

These are questions from the past. Welcome to a new era with glass jars of toothpaste.

“It’s not the plastic tube you grew up with,” said Kevin Hagel, who runs Nelson Naturals with Dana DiPonio. “That’s a good thing. Single-use plastics are filling our landfills and oceans, and it’s clear we need to make changes.”

The website contains the story: “Nelson Naturals began as a quest to create the best-quality toothpaste, while avoiding the controversial and harmful chemicals present in nearly all of the major brands. The result is Nelson Naturals Mineralized Toothpaste. Using simple and high-quality ingredients including colloidal silver and hardwood xylitol, we have created a unique product that is not only as effective but better than any other toothpaste available.

“Our unique formula kills bad breath and cavity-causing bacteria, not just in your mouth, but on your toothbrush and in our glass jar so you can dip and re-dip your brush with no concern of contamination.”

And if someone leaves the jar lid off, it’s no big deal. If the toothpaste has dried out, just add a touch of water and stir with a metal spoon.

Nelson Naturals offers six types of toothpaste, from whitening and cinnamon to strawberry banana for the kids in your household. The products are sold in 1,500 locations throughout Canada and can be found in many Kootenay stores. The company also pledges to give five per cent of its profits to animal charities, local and abroad.

Hagel and DiPonio answered our questions below.

What qualities does a successful business person need in today’s world?

You definitely need persistence—it’s a key ingredient for your business’s success. Compassion and forward thinking allow you to be one step ahead of the market so that you can create a product today that will cater to tomorrow’s trends and mindset.

Finish this sentence: Entrepreneurs need a lot more _____.

Entrepreneurs need a lot more people to be conscious of supporting local, Canadian brands.

What’s a common myth or misconception about entrepreneurship?

Success happens overnight. Success is a long and windy road, and there really isn’t a final destination we’re trying to get to. We are just trying to implement positive changes in our community and stay creative.

What makes the Kootenays attractive to an entrepreneur?

The laid-back vibe, natural beauty and like-minded people create the perfect supportive atmosphere to stimulate creativity and encourage entrepreneurs to thrive. The Kootenays are truly unique in every way imaginable, and that alone creates inspiration. Inspiration and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.

What trends have you observed in your community that might impact the local economy in the next five years?

In our community, we are seeing more and more people becoming aware of the importance of buying and supporting local. The support for small business owners is better than ever. Hopefully this will result in these businesses growing and creating local, sustainable jobs for Nelson.

Virginia Rasch

Virginia is a writer and editor with KPI Media. She is an avid outdoor recreationist in all seasons and has lived in the Kootenays for over 15 years. With degrees in the natural sciences, she has worked as a tour guide, an environmentalist, a writer, and an editor of books and scientific publications. Virginia now brings her passion for everything green to KootenayBiz. View all of Virginia Rasch’s articles

Related articles

East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Small Business, Technology, 40 Under 40 Jon Wedel pushes limits

Crazy ideas, pushing limits and working under pressure are common elements for the team at Flex Commerce.

by
East Kootenay, Creston, 40 Under 40 Bringing out the best in Creston

Amanda Murray draws the Creston community together and supports local causes with her event-planning business, AM Event Coordination

by
West Kootenay, Nelson, 40 Under 40 Determination meets inspiration in the West Kootenay

Meet Sydney Black, executive director of the Nelson & District Arts Council and founder of Black Productions.

by
View all 40 Under 40 articles

Comments