Kumy and I started Gilden Tree in 1990 because I had bad feet.

Seems like a strange reason to start a company, but I'd found a terra-cotta pumice stone that actually worked on my terrible feet while I was living in Pakistan.  I realized that these "Footscrubbers", which never wear out, might help other people with bad feet, too. So, in late 1989 we began working with two groups of women to make the Footscrubbers there, and started importing them into the US.

Even in those early days, we were committed to environmental, ethical practices, although some of our early efforts seem crazy now (packing in air-popped popcorn!) But we were on the right track. We were committed to a policy of making mindful decisions about everything from recycling paper and “packing peanuts” in the warehouse, to choosing easily recyclable containers and packaging, and wholesome, gentle ingredients, and of course treating our customers, employees and manufacturers with respect.

Wanting to do more to encourage environmentally-responsible manufacturing in Pakistan, we connected with an old friend who was willing to try making cotton robes for us without dyes, chemicals or bleaches. It took a couple of years to perfect the process, but in the end we came up with beautiful, comfortable high-quality robes and gowns that are made with low-impact dyes, and are chemical and chlorine bleach free.

Our product line expanded into hands, feet and body, and in 2003 we were able to take a step in a direction I’d always wanted to go – Certified Organic. We’re proud to say that the majority of our ingredients are Certified Organic or Wild-crafted and the products are still as effective and delightful to use as ever. We are incredibly proud of our products and the way they work.

We’ve stayed in Omaha, and our family has grown along with our business. We have three children; ours sons Ali and Samir, 23 and 14 years old, and our daughter Maya, 11.

We’ve been blessed with wonderful, caring employees, responsible, ethical suppliers, and customers who make every day a great day.   You’re a big part of that. Thanks for becoming a part of the Gilden Tree family!

Ann & Kumy Thariani
Owners & Founders
Omaha, Nebraska