November 2025

Co-op Connection Business of the Month: Texture Salon

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As Co-op shoppers, most of us pay attention to what goes into our bodies — and a lot of us are just as thoughtful about what goes on them. It’s no surprise that personal care ingredients matter, too. Our skin absorbs what we put on it, so choosing products made with safer, cleaner ingredients can make a big difference in our daily routines.

That’s why we’re excited to highlight Middlebury’s own Texture Salon. as this month’s Co-op Connection business. They offer safe, ingredient-conscious hair and skincare services — and member-owners get 10% off their first visit on products or services.

So, what sets Texture apart?
Salon owner David Warner Jr. puts it best:

“Since 2001 we have been committed to offering a new kind of salon experience where skin and hair care services are free of toxic ingredients (such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfates, talc, ammonia, formaldehyde, and other toxic agents), ethically-produced/tested, sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

Texture uses ammonia-free color, mineral cosmetics, and plant-based products, alongside thoughtful touches like air purification, salt lamps, and limited cell-phone use to support a calm space. As David explains:

“Offering ammonia-free hair color (Chi and Organic colour systems), Karma Organic nail color, Deva Curl, Onesta, Soma, and a full line of Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, at Texture Salon, we aim to provide a truly healthier, superior salon experience… We support recycling and alternative energy — we have 35 solar panels providing us with power!– and strongly oppose the use of animal-based products and testing.”

Texture also hosts community events and supports local charities, including The United Way.

Looking for hair color, styling, or skincare with a cleaner ingredient approach? Texture shows that caring for clients and caring for the environment can go hand in hand.
See their full list of services HERE!.

 

About the Texture Team

David Warner, Jr.
David graduated from O’Briens School of Cosmetology in 1994. Early in his career, he developed allergies to conventional salon products, which ultimately inspired him to open Texture Salon in 2001. He focuses on organic, ammonia-free options and continually researches safer alternatives. David has trained with Farouk Systems, attended the Deva Curl Academy in NYC, and specializes in corrective color and curly hair. Outside the salon, he loves history documentaries, time in nature, home projects, and traveling with his husband and their retired greyhound, Bruno. As David says, “It’s important never to forget why I entered the beauty industry. To have a real connection with my client and make them feel good about themselves.”

JoAnna Carter
JoAnna is a native Vermonter and licensed stylist since 2009. She prides herself on custom cuts for all ages and works confidently with Texture’s full line of Chi and Organic Colors.

Spotlight on Elmer Farm

We’re shining this week’s Co-op Spotlight on Elmer Farm — a 90-acre certified organic farm right here in East Middlebury. Member-owners can take 20% off their organic vegetables from November 12–18.

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Elmer Farm has deep roots in this community. The land has been farmed since the early 1800s, and today, the team continues that legacy by growing a wide variety of organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs. They farm about eight acres in crops and keep the rest in rotating cover crop to support long-term soil health — a practice that protects the land for future generations.

If you’ve ever driven along Route 116, you’ve probably noticed the farmhouse and flower beds marking the entrance to the farm. What you don’t see from the road are the fields tucked just beyond — fertile sandy loam soils left by glacier retreat, now home to more than 35 types of vegetables and hundreds of seed varieties, including many heirlooms. Everything is grown organically and inspected annually by Vermont Organic Farmers.

Beyond feeding their CSA members and supplying local stores (including us!), Elmer Farm is an important partner in increasing food access in our community. Years back, they joined HOPE, local farmers, ACORN, Middlebury College, and local businesses to build a program connecting surplus farm produce with the HOPE food shelf. What started as an idea around a table has grown into a system that brings thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables to neighbors who need them — while reducing food waste.

At the Co-op, you’ll find Elmer Farm’s organic cabbage (red, green, and napa), kale, onions, squash (butternut and delicata), baby bok choy, radishes, leeks, chard, garlic, turnips, rutabagas, beets, parsnips — and, of course, their standout carrots.Stop by, stock up, and support a farm that helps keep our local food system strong.