Living Naturally in Astoria: Q&A with Tamykah Anthony of Xanthines All Natural Products

If you’ve ever peeked at the ingredients list on your shampoo, deodorant, or even toothpaste, you may have been surprised to find an incredibly long list with lots of names you couldn’t pronounce (anyone else just looking for “soap”?!).

As more knowledge becomes accessible to consumers about the chemically-enhanced products we use everyday, many people are trying to move toward using all-natural alternatives. And if you’re looking to make the switch, or even just want to add some incredible bath and body items to your self-care routine, you definitely need to check out Xanthines All Natural Products!

Created by Forensic Toxicologist and Astoria local Tamykah Anthony, Xanthines offers products for the home, bath, body and hair that are natural, safe and effective (and smell incredible!). All of the products are handmade by Tamykah with love and science, so you always know you’re getting the healthiest options for you and your family.

We got to sit down and chat with her (virtually) even more about her business, what’s next, and some of her favorite spots in the neighborhood. You can order from Tamykah on Xanthines.com, especially her super popular subscription “Body Box” which sends seven amazing products each month so you never run out (she talks about it more below!).

Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about your background as a Forensic Toxicologist, starting Xanthines All Natural Products, and how your career informs your business.

While I was getting my degree in Forensic Toxicology, I started paying more attention to the ingredients in the labels of products I was using. I could now understand the words that were foreign to me before and, more importantly, I began to understand the potential harmful effects that these ingredients could have. So, I started seeking products that were less toxic and also educating friends and family. But I couldn’t find a product line that I completely trusted and those who I spoke to would always ask me for recommendations.

Then I had an epiphany: “Tamykah you’re a Toxicologist. You are the perfect person to create non-toxic products.” Deodorant came first. I chose deodorant because it had the most troubling ingredients to me and because people tend to wear it pretty much all day long. Then people started asking for more products because they wanted to keep replacing the toxic ones they were buying with ones that were safer. Then came toothpaste and body wash. It pretty much spiraled in a good way after that. All of my products have come in response to someone requesting a better alternative to what they were using.

2. Walk us through your process a bit…how did you come up with the monthly subscription box of natural products (which I am so pumped to be receiving each month!)? How do you decide which types of products to make?

The subscription box started because I wanted a way to please customers and also create more residual income. I still make all the products myself so it became A LOT of work as the customer base grew. I thought it would be a cool way to keep customers stocked up monthly on all their personal care products.

For the contents, I thought about the most important products that someone uses daily. Those were also the most popular products so it was very appealing to customers to get all seven products at a less expensive price than buying them separately. I also love getting videos and pictures of customers unboxing their products. The beauty of the subscription box is that it is the only one of its kind to my knowledge. Most subscription boxes have products from various companies. My company’s box has products from one brand: mine.

Instagram @xanthinesallnaturalproducts

3. I see on your Instagram you always have new offerings coming out—what are a few new items you’re most excited about? And what do you love most about your business?

I have soooo many new products I’m working on but the next few are a line of Goddess Potions, geared toward making women feel like the goddesses they are and get in touch with their feminine energy. That line has a multi-use oil great for hair, skin and nails, a body butter and a body mist all scented with the special divine Goddess scent of Lavender, Geranium and Vanilla. I also just released soapnuts and dryer satchets to help households do laundry in more eco-friendly and economical ways. If you haven’t tried soapnuts, they are the coolest things since sliced bread lol. I’m also releasing a line of gourmet CBD coffee including Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate bliss flavors that will also be sold in the CBD spa I am opening in Brooklyn in the Fall.

What I love most about my business is helping customers transform their lives while educating them. Customers like that they not only have access to the products, but also access to me to ask questions and make suggestions. I love providing families with healthy and safe options but also educating them on why they’re safer.

Instagram @xanthinesallnaturalproducts

4. What are some of your favorite spots in Astoria?

In Astoria, I love going to Astoria Park with my kids and trying different cuisines from different ethnic backgrounds at all the wonderful Astoria restaurants. One of my favorite spots is Arcadia Bar and Kitchen.

Thanks so much, Tamykah!

Tamykah is also always dropping wisdom on the Xanthines Instagram page @xanthinesallnaturalproducts about harmful ingredient lists in everyday products and how to incorporate healthy changes into your everyday life, plus explaining what all of her products do, so make sure you follow along!