BEDFORD – Falling victim to a variety of illnesses, and being compromised by the exposure to toxins and chemicals in household products, led Karen Girardo, owner and founder of Just Naturals & Co., to create her own business.

“It was extremely challenging to find products that were truly natural,” said Girardo, who opened her first retail location in Amherst 2½ years ago.

Last month, Girardo opened a second, larger store on South River Road in Bedford.

According to Girardo, she became driven to create her own natural product lines after products she purchased either did not perform as well as mainstream household and personal care products or just failed to work.

With more than 20 years of experience in the corporate world, Girardo was ready to use her research and connections within the holistic community to bring New Hampshire a line of naturally derived products.

Her line includes household, pet, aromatherapy and personal-care items that combine plant extracts and pure essential oils.

Her nontoxic, environmentally friendly products are so effective, they were featured on “The Today Show” in 2009 after being chosen for the “Emmy Bag” for the 2009 Emmy nomination event.

“Each product’s fragrance provides a different therapeutic benefit,” Girardo said.

She said the organic rosemary mint foaming soap, a best-seller and one of her favorite products, improves clarity and focus, helps reduce mental fatigue and reduces pain associated with headaches.

Girardo operated the business for 2½ years out of her Bedford home before transferring to a studio at Salzburg Square in Amherst. Since the company’s founding five years ago, Girardo’s business has grown substantially, leading her to buy the second, 3,000-square-foot location in Bedford.

Girardo decreased the size of the Amherst location to 600 square feet, but will continue to serve her Salzburg Square customers. Girardo said the Bedford location meets all of her needs. Not only is the location close to major highways, but it also has curb appeal, room to house all the company’s production and the space needed to meet the rising demand for her products.

With the help of a feng shui consultant and the support of her husband, Girardo transformed her new location into a beautiful, eclectic shop. Watermelon pinks and lime greens saturate the walls and funky light fixtures dangle from the ceilings, creating a cool vibe for shoppers.

“The shop is beautiful,” Girardo said. “It’s gorgeous. I don’t mean to brag, but I have to. I have worked really hard to create the environment that allows people to walk in and feel uplifted, relaxed and balanced all at the same time.”

When designing the new boutique, Girardo created space for leading authors and wellness experts to hold seminars and workshops to educate clients about proper health, as well as an area for product development and treatment.

It will also be the location for her monthly Girl Nights, which include complimentary makeovers by Kriss of Kriss Cosmetics, wine tasting, massage, reiki and more.

Girardo said she hopes the new store will become a “community wellness epicenter.”

A unique characteristic of Just Naturals & Co. is that they provide one-on-one counseling with costumers.

“We meet with clients, find out what their needs are and figure out what products will meet their needs,” Girardo said.

With an extensive referral network, Girardo is able to refer her clients if they need additional assistance.

“It’s about understanding the need and meeting it,” she said.

Just Naturals & Co. has partnered with a variety of holistic health care professionals, spas and doctors who promote their products and who often refer their client base. For now, Girardo says she’s focused on expanding her partnerships, website sales and sale line.

Currently, her products are featured in local boutiques, as well as in New York and Maryland.

By providing clinics, seminars and workshops, which are often complimentary, her clients are able to make healthier, more educated choices for themselves, she said.

“It’s a passion,” Girardo said of her business. “We love what we do. And now we are organized and positioned to effectively grow.”

Just Naturals & Co. is at 176 S. River Road. It’s open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.justnaturalproducts.com or call 606-1345.