Life Elements in Atascadero focus on natural and holistic body care
A shop on El Camino Real in Atascadero didn’t always smell like honey and lavender.
Before Life Elements moved in, the space was once a gun store — an unlikely predecessor to a business now dedicated to skincare, muscle recovery and holistic well-being. The storefront has been transformed into a mini production space and retail shop, with shelves lined with all-natural products made from beeswax, honey, cannabidiol (CBD) and plant-based ingredients.
At the heart of Life Elements are its owners, Martha and Curt Van Inwegen, a married couple whose journey to wellness entrepreneurship began with a leap of faith.
The two moved to Atascadero in 2004 and later made a dramatic shift in their lives.
“We did all the things you weren’t supposed to do at one time,” said Curt. “We both got married, we both sold our homes and we both changed jobs.”
For Martha, the inspiration behind Life Elements traces back to her childhood and a nostalgic connection to natural living.
“I grew up in Mexico, and everything we used, from food to shampoo, was made at home,” said Martha. “That was just in me. I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and regret not doing what was in my heart,” said Martha.
Life Elements develops all of its products in-house, using no synthetic ingredients. Each balm, cream and bath bomb is carefully crafted with function in mind.
“It’s not about vanity. We try to focus on recovery, inflammation, and taking care of your body,” said Curt.
One of the company’s most popular products, CBD bath bombs, reflects that philosophy. Life Elements focuses on topical CBD rather than ingestible forms, emphasizing its effectiveness on soft tissue, joints and facial inflammation.
“It is accustomed to the marijuana plant. It comes from the hemp plant. And so it doesn’t have that THC level in it that gets you high…CBD kind of gave it a superpower,” said Martha.
Before CBD entered the picture, bees were at the center of the business. Matha and Curt were both beekeepers, and that experience continues to shape the brand’s identity. Beeswax and honey are key ingredients in many of their products, chosen not just for tradition, but for their natural anti-fungal and healing properties.
“I was already creating all these natural products, just using plant-based ingredients – things for pain, inflammation, and overall care,” Martha said.
Every product is housed in eco-friendly packaging, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability from ingredient to container. For the Van Inwegens, Life Elements has become a reflection of the care, intention, and values that shaped its creation.
Cal Poly students can receive a 20% discount on their purchase using the code POLY20 on their website, lifeelements.com.
