In response to consumer demand, La Rhea co-founded Organic Essentials in 1995 to provide organic tampons, cotton balls, swabs and other personal care products. In 2004, Organic Essentials formed a strategic partnership with Seventh Generation to achieve wider distribution of the feminine hygiene products. TOCMC continues to supply the organic cotton for both Seventh Generation’s program and Organic Essentials high quality personal care products.
In 1991 when La Rhea and Terry Pepper became certified producers, people were already asking for organic cotton but they didn’t want to buy a 500 pound bale! By the fall of 1993, the Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative was formed to create a stable and consistent supply of certified cotton fiber. These conscientious stewards of the land chose to accomplish this by using only sustainable farming practices. Their vision included a strong commitment to the earth that included replenishing the soil, protecting the purity of air, water and food supplies and preserving precious resources. Their mission is to expand organic agriculture by building the world's leading brand of high quality, certified organic cotton personal care products.
