By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Ashanti Naturals recently moved from its former location at the Oxford Hotel to Artisans Row at 39 S. Street. Artisans Row is a new location accessed from S. Third Street, nestled in the alley next to Teen’s, or accessed by way of Niblock Alley. The location is a hint of what’s to come from a $1 million grant which will completely renovate Niblock Alley. It is a testament to the determination of a community rebuilding after a devastating fire that destroyed several buildings in the downtown.

Ashanti Naturals recently held an open house and ribbon-cutting celebration with the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.

 “The name “ashanti” means thank you. It was my mom’s idea,” owner Kelly Cadwalader explained. “I came upon a Nepalese apothecary in Seattle when I was traveling. I thought it would be a cool idea for a store to sell herbs, teas, root, oils and more.”

Cadwalader grew up with his mother making oils and poultices. For those not familiar, a poultice is a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation. Natural treatments have long been used by persons opposed to modern medicines, and treating ailments naturally has a large and growing following. The success of Ashanti Naturals is an example of this. They have been at their new location for a month, and they are delighted to be there.

“We are already seeing an increase in traffic,” Cadwalader said. “I think we bring a new perspective to how to handle health. For instance, not a lot of other places hand-pick herbs for teas. We provide sleep tinctures, and a muscle-cooling pain relief spray. We have black cohosh root, valerian root, elderberries and juniper berries, star anise and ginseng.”

The store also sells tapestries, home decorations, plus singing bowls, steel tongue drops, and gongs which are used in sound therapy. They also have a nice selection of bath bombs.

“We also have a new consignee, Pardoe Handmade Crafts and Plants,” Cadwalader said. “We have more space now, 840 square feet. Other businesses here on Artisans Row are the Yoga Cove and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.”

He is also looking for events that they could host at the new location.

Kelly Cadwalader can be reached at 610-425-0743. The store hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The business can also be found on Facebook at Ashanti Naturals.

Stop by and visit Ashanti Naturals on the Artisans Row and discover what you have been missing in the Borough of Oxford.