Photo by Jim Winn

Calm. Energy. Success.

These are words that pop into Indianapolis native Monica Wardlow’s mind if you ask her about Warm Spirit, a growing botanical and home remedy wellness company that is gaining a nationwide following.

Wardlow was introduced to Warm Spirit in December, and now as a consultant for the company keeps samples on her at all times – she can’t stop talking about the products.

&#8220I challenged myself to grow in all areas of my life. Warm Spirit seems to be in my life for a reason,” Wardlow said.

Wardlow’s eyes even seemed to glow at times as she spoke of Warm Spirit. The company was started in 1999 by Daniel Wolf and Nadine Abraham-Thompson, two friends – one black, one white – a man with a business and arts background and a woman with a social change and activism background. Wardlow said their idea was to empower people to care for themselves and to nurture their potential within.

&#8220And when you have a chance to be involved in something that positive that lends and dedicates itself to the human spirit of achievement, you jump at it. That’s where I am at this stage in my life,” she said.

Warm Spirit has more than 1,000 consultants nationwide and its products have been featured in national magazines such as Work and Wealth, House and Garden, Essence, Ebony, O, Pregnancy, Black Enterprise, Natural Health and Self.

&#8220We have been compared to Mary Kay as far as growth,” Wardlow said. &#8220We are on the fast grow and will be as large as Mary Kay.”

Wardlow recommends Warm Spirit products for people who have allergies because of the all-natural ingredients used.

&#8220We use tea tree, shea butter, aloe vera, pure essential oils and these generally help fight the different skin allergies that are out there,” Wardlow said. &#8220We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response. The product sells itself and I have yet to have anyone who has been dissatisfied with the product.”

Valerie Savage is hooked after trying various Warm Spirit products.

&#8220Oh, I love it – the oils that are in it are really good for you,” Savage said. &#8220I use it now in place of my perfume because the scent lasts all the day long.”

Wardlow graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in arts in marketing and a master’s in corporate communication.

She is employed at Republic Bank in mortgage and commercial lending.

&#8220Hopefully I will be known as the mortgage loan officer that looks good, smells good and can close your mortgage loan for $299,” Wardlow said.

Wardlow is an active member of the Bowling Green community as a Junior Achievement volunteer, an ambassador for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a mentor for Warren East Middle School and a part of the 2006 Leadership Bowling Green class.

She also does public speaking on budgeting and finance-related issues for different organizations.

&#8220Wherever I’m needed, I go,” Wardlow said.

After seeing the success of other consultants in Warm Spirit, Wardlow aspires to be a better mother, wife, friend and better lender.

Warm Spirit will officially make its premiere in Bowling Green on Saturday at Warren East Middle School gymnasium, where the Ladies Networking Group will have Vickie Johnson from Black Entertainment Television as a guest speaker.

Johnson is the author of &#8220Gems for the Journey” and she will have her second book, &#8220More Gems for the Journey,” which goes on sale in August, available for purchase.

Ladies Networking Group is the team name for Warm Spirit consultants in the area who want to develop relationships with people – men and women – from all walks of life.

&#8220We will talk about goal setting, women and handling finances, and we’ll talk about spirituality,” Wardlow said.

The cost for the Ladies Network Luncheon is $10. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

– For more information, call Monica Wardlow at 563-6055, consultant Shane Holman at 393-2041 or Vetria Anthony at 320-8818.