The Organic Approach to Skin at Posh Organics

What we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put into our bodies; your skin can absorb as much as 80 percent of the products you use on your face or body. So it makes sense that the products you use—cosmetics included—should be as pure as possible. That's the philosophy behind Posh Organics Skin Care & Spa, located at 253 E. Main.
"It's important to use organic, paraben-free, chemical-free products derived from natural alternatives that are good for our skin," says Jeanne Walcher, owner of Posh Organics. "It really does make a difference, not only in our health, but also in our skin's beauty."
Jeanne bought the former Pure Alchemy and re-opened the store as Posh Organics in February 2015. After a longtime career as a physical therapist in California, she brings an appreciation for wellness, use of healthy natural ingredients and a commitment to customer service to her new venture.
She moved to Ashland with her family in 2003. A few years ago, she and her daughter, Alicia Croft, a graduate of Ashland High School and OSU, began looking for a retail opportunity that allowed them to blend their love of organic products and health-centered beauty. The result is Posh Organics.

Melissa McMillan’s Sammich Brings Chicago to Ashland

I just got back from a 4-day golf trip to Tahoe with some college buddies. Two of them are confirmed Chicago Cubs' fans, and they converted me to the cause. Now that I'm following the Cubbies, I need to start hanging out at Sammich (424 Bridge Street) more often.
Owner Melissa McMillan is originally from Texas but spent most of her life in Chicago. "I'm a huge Chicago sports fan," Melissa said. "You either love the Cubs or Sox, and I love the Cubs. My dogs are named Cubby and Wrigley. I have four brothers who all come in and out of town and work at the shop."
Melissa has been working in restaurants since she was a kid. "I've always enjoyed talking to people and selling," she said. "For this restaurant, Chicago food and style was my motivation. I used to go to two different sandwich shops as a kid. One of them was the Hoagie Hut for the Chicago cheesesteak. It left a smell on your fingers you could never forget. I was always searching for a place that could leave that memory. I couldn't find it, so I made it."

Quality and Pricing at Budget Blinds

When it comes to entrepreneurship, Fred and Darus Juarez go the extra mile. For starters, they own a franchise broker business where they help individuals pursue their dreams of business ownership by purchasing a franchise or business opportunity. Second, they are in the process of placing healthy vending machines in the area, which would offer healthy alternatives to candy and soda in the form of organic and non-GMO snack and drink items.
And third, they are the franchise holders of Budget Blinds of Southern Oregon, which is part of the number one custom window covering company in North America. They currently serve Josephine, Jackson and Klamath Counties.
"Budget Blinds is a great franchise business model that has shown tremendous success in the industry," Darus said. "With over 1000 locations, it gives us a lot of extra buying power. And along with our home-based concept, it allows us to provide customers with absolute best pricing in the industry."

Five Years at Ashland Home Center

Joel and Jenny Jessee of Ashland Home Center—Appliance and Mattress will soon be celebrating five years in business at their store located at 1401 Siskiyou (above Papa Murphy's). Joel is passionate about his focus on customer service while providing chain store pricing to the local Ashland market.

"We have the same product and price as any competitors, along with state-of-the-art financing programs," Joel said. "The advantage to buying local is consistent with Ashland's determination to develop and sustain an exceptional quality of life. Every dollar spent at a small local business circulates into the community four times more than sending the money out of town via a Big Box store. You don't need to leave town to find a great deal."

Family Health Care with Dr. Miriam Soriano

When Miriam Soriano, M.D., of Ashland Family Health Care (420 Williamson Way) first moved to Ashland in 1989, she had just finished medical school at Stanford and did her family practice residency in Salinas, California, at the Natividad Medical Center.
"My family and I came to visit the Rogue Valley and fell in love with Ashland, so I began to explore jobs here," Dr. Soriano said. "When we moved here in '89, I worked at La Clinica del Valle, which at that time was a small, migrant seasonal farmworker clinic. After working there for three years, I decided to go out on my own and start a family practice office. I like the small, personal atmosphere and the amount of time I can devote to my patients."