After Margaret, our Operations Manager, sang the praises of non-toxic cleaning brand Branch Basics, we became loyalists. We were beyond excited to connect with Allison Evans, one of the founders and swap stories of health and living a cleaner life. We sat down with Allison to talk about her journey, the lessons she's carried from it, and how her approach to a cleaner home extends all the way to her closet.
Allison wearing our Janeiro Dress in Brownie
MIRTH: Many people know you as the co-founder of Branch Basics, a pioneer in the non-toxic cleaning space. But the brand was actually born out of a very personal health crisis which hits close to home with us (Co-founder Erin battles with both mold and Lyme). Can you tell us a bit about your journey from navigating chronic health issues to discovering the power of "tossing the toxins"? How did that ultimately lead to creating Branch Basics?
Allison Evans: I grew up in Houston in a conventionally-minded home. Soy-based baby formula microwaved in a plastic bottle, scented candles galore, scented laundry detergent, quarterly pesticide treatments…I'm sure many can relate! At 13, I had my first period and then it never came back. In high school. I was diagnosed with a severe case of PCOS, told I'd never conceive naturally, and put on birth control indefinitely. Fast forward to college and I came down with muscle tightness that quickly lead to chronic and debilitating back pain as well as neurological symptoms.
Despite seeing the nation's best specialists, I wasn't given a clear diagnosis and instead put on a slew of drugs to numb the pain and help me sleep. Then my angel (and now co-founder!), Aunt Marilee came into the picture. She taught me that most of our symptoms are actually environmental or lifestyle in nature. Our genes load the gun, but our choices pull the trigger. WOW. This concept was mind-blowing to me, as no one had asked anything about what I was eating or the products I was putting on my body or using in my home. She explained that oftentimes, our bodies are responding to the microdoses of chronic exposure, as we all have our thresholds of strength and resiliency. But there is a spillover at some point. We needed to remove the toxins from the things I was putting in, on and around my body in order to allow it the space to heal. It knew how to heal, and the diagnosis didn't really matter much to her. It turned out she had been consulting as a dietary and environmental health specialist for decades, after having saved herself from a pending kidney transplant using food as medicine… and then saved her son from what doctors deemed was an unrecoverable chemical exposure by not only using food as medicine, but also removing all toxins from their home and products. She was the specialist I never knew I needed. From then on, my eyes were opened to a world I could never unsee. I began questioning the things I had always thought were healthy and safe, from my packaged food to my cleaning products to my shampoo.
I went to live with Marilee in her home (free of all toxins, of course!) in the summer of 2008, and I'd never look back. I left symptom-free and drug-free…and 10 months later, cyst-free according to a sonogram taken by the endocrinologist I had seen in high school. He was in disbelief, holding up my images taken a few years prior. He told me to stay the course, whatever I was doing was clearly working. I had my second natural period a couple of years later and have since conceived four kids naturally (at home!).
Branch Basics Founders (L to R): Kelly, Marilee and Allison
Photo via Branch Basics
In 2017, I was diagnosed with Lyme, but after removing the mold from my home and implementing a targeted detox program, I am virtually symptom-free. I attribute my healing to the removal of toxins from my diet and home, and I praise God daily that He lead me down this path where I learned how to "get out of the way" of my body, so that it could run in the direction of healing, as it was meant to do.
Kelly, my best friend and co-founder, was with me throughout this journey - from college to the summer at Marilee's home. We just kept saying, "We have to get Marilee's brain on the internet!" So we did. We started a blog filled with information about living a clean lifestyle. We were always about education and use our products as a vehicle for that mission: remove toxins and heal!
MIRTH: Education is such a huge pillar of your brand. You don't just sell a product; you teach people how to create healthier homes. Our mom in particular loves your educational course videos and is always passing them around the family! What is the most common misconception people have when they first start transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle?
Allison Evans: Oh, I love this so much! Preach, Mama McClure! I think one of the most common misconceptions is how overwhelming to live a clean lifestyle. What we tell people is: get back to basics! Remove the toxic "conveniences" like ultra-processed foods, artificially-scented candles, cleaners and body care products, plastic food storage…and get back to basics! Real food in its closest-to-whole-form as possible, beeswax candles, unscented cleaners for your home and body, glass storage, natural fiber clothes…you get the picture. The more we can get back to the way things were intended: food without the use of harmful pesticides and preservatives, scents without artificial ingredients (healing essential oils, if you need a fragrance!), water without the harmful toxins…the higher the chances of healing. We simply weren't meant for the onslaught of chemicals that our bodies are facing today. We tell people that this process of cleaning out your home is actually a finite process. Once you find your favorite cleaners, candles, mascara, food storage, etc… you're done! What's overwhelming is chronic pain, fatigue, autoimmune disorders and disease. Living a clean lifestyle is actually one filled with hope and empowerment!
MIRTH: What is something you are most proud of in terms of your career or the impact Branch Basics has had?
Allison Evans: I'm so proud of our impact on the way people live their daily lives. We truly never set out to sell soap. It was always about waking people up to the toxins in their everyday lives, how to replace them and the healing that can be had by choosing this lifestyle. We get DMs all the time from people sharing their lifelong migraines, asthma, fatigue…even failed pregnancies…becoming a thing of the past once they take our Toss the Toxins program and remove the harmful products from their homes. I love that people know about us as forerunners in this wellness space, and educators first and foremost. Our products are second to our education.
MIRTH: Our team favorite BB product is the Oxygen Boost. Do you have a favorite product or favorite use for a product that might not be obvious?
Allison Evans: Gosh, I have to say the Concentrate. You can literally do anything with it!! For 10 years, I've used it to clean everything from my dishes and laundry to my babies' bottoms and eye makeup! It's a true one-for-all formula that is as gentle and safe as it is effective.
MIRTH: At Branch Basics, your mission is to help people create healthy, safe havens by being mindful of what they bring into their homes. Similarly, at MIRTH, we aim to be mindful and sustainable in our fashion production and the materials we put on our bodies. How do your philosophies on non-toxic living translate to your wardrobe and the way you shop for clothes?
Allison Evans: I am learning more and more about the clothing industry and its impact on our health, and WOW, is it horrific. I am so thankful for companies like you guys who are going the extra mile to provide gorgeous styles made with materials that work with our bodies, allowing them to breathe and not be burdened by the toxins found in (sadly) most brands today. For years, I've prioritized 100% organic cotton underwear, bras, pajamas and bedding for our entire family. But recently, I've really been focusing on switching out our wardrobes, saying bye to those toxic athleisure and fast-fashion pieces, and instead collecting beautiful ones that will last and allow my skin (and thus entire body!) to breathe. Most people don't realize just how highly absorbent our skin (aka largest organ!) is and the impact that the clothing industry chemicals has on our long-term health.
MIRTH: It is always such a joy to see you in MIRTH. How would you describe your personal style?
Allison Evans: Goodness, I've never put words to my style and am pinching myself that I'm even asked this question! I collect what speaks to me and learn toward a more muted, refined, organic and effortless look. I am not one to jump on clothing trends and appreciate pieces that are timeless and classic. I am understated, feminine, and relaxed…but polished!
Allison wearing our MIRTH Pant in Oatmeal
MIRTH: Do you have a go-to outfit or "uniform" for a busy day of running the business and mom life?
Allison Evans: Yes!! My Mirth linen pants I've had for years paired with a cotton t, J. Jacques gold sandals and gold everyday jewelry. You just can't go wrong!
MIRTH: Tell us why you love the Mirth linen pants.
Allison Evans: These pants tell my story, guys! They have comforted me through pregnancy and post-partum days with an oversized sweater…and shown off my slimmer-waisted days with a tighter t. They're the first pants I grab for long travel days and literally. Go. With. Everything. Everyone needs a wide-leg linen pant, and you guys nailed this one.
MIRTH: If someone feels overwhelmed by switching to a non-toxic lifestyle, do you have any tips on how to get started? Perhaps a few easier changes to make at first to transition?
Allison Evans: Yes! (Kindly) let your pesticide company go, if you are currently using one. Throw out all pesticides from your home, as they are the number one underminer of your health. They are highly toxic to kids and the immune-compromised, they cross the blood-brain barrier and have been shown to lower IQ and raise the risk of cancer. They are found in conventional disinfectants, which are simply not needed in a healthy home. Get back to basics with soap and water (or a gentle surfactant like Branch Basics!), which will effectively remove germs and viruses, rather than killing them along with the good bacteria we need to stay healthy. Then remove all scented products, from candles to laundry detergent. These two things alone - pesticides and artificial fragrances - are creating a low-level chemical soup in your home's air that will undermine the health of all who live there. When removed, your entire family has been on a cleanse and wasn't even aware! True health starts at home.
Quick Hits: Life, Travel, and Everyday Rituals
Our readers love tidbits from daily life and travel, so we asked Allison a few quick-hit questions along these lines.
Favorite restaurants or spots in your neighborhood: Green Fork and Straw
Daily morning routine or go-to breakfast: Quinton seawater vial and lemon water, followed by scrambled eggs and greens
A non-toxic beauty, skincare, or makeup product you swear by: Walter Abigail's "Mantle" moisturizer
A wellness practice or practitioner you rely on to keep you grounded: Grounding! Literally walking around my yard barefoot. The simplest routines have the biggest impact.
Traveling to next: Minneapolis for a meeting at Target HQ
A tip for keeping things non-toxic when staying in a hotel or Airbnb: Bring your own pillowcase!
Check bags or carry on? Carry on!
Always in your carry-on: 2 oz Branch Basics spray or foamer
Photo via Branch Basics
Laundry, the Branch Basics Way
We loved partnering with Allison and the Branch Basics team last fall to share tips for washing natural fibers, including our sweaters. This is worth the save!
Allison in her Moritz Pullover, via @branchbasics
A few tips and tricks from the BB Team on how to care for your knits:
Handwash (best for cashmere & delicate wools):
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water + ½ tsp Concentrate.
- Pre-treat stains with All-Purpose (test first on silk).
- Soak sweaters for 15–30 minutes, gently agitating.
- Rinse in cool water and press (don’t wring) out excess.
- Lay flat on a towel, roll to remove water, then reshape and dry flat.
Machine Wash (ok for wool, cotton, silk & blends, but prefer handwashing):
- Pre-treat stains with All-Purpose.
- Add Laundry Dilution (Concentrate formula) to dispenser.
- Run on the most delicate cold cycle.
- Remove promptly and lay flat to dry.
Golden rules:
- Always use a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Never tumble dry, always dry flat.
- Store clean sweaters in airtight bins with cedar, not mothballs.
