Have you ever been in need of a bug repellent that is easy to use but doesn't make you smell like the medicine cabinet? Gail Cole, a local entrepreneur who lives in Fort Morgan, has turned a personal quest for outdoor comfort into a new business with her idea for an all-natural bug repellent bar called “Keep Away”. Gail developed the product by experimenting with various essential oils, the lotion bars offer a chemical-free solution to repel pesky insects such as gnats, mosquitoes, no-see-ems, and yellow flies.

The idea for the product was developed in Gail’s kitchen, which she had transformed into a makeshift laboratory. She meticulously tested different combinations of essential oils until she found a recipe that moisturizes your skin and keeps the bugs away. The eureka moment came one evening while Gail and her husband, Greg, were fishing on their pier. While Greg was swatting at gnats, Gaul realized she wasn't being bothered by them at all.

Encouraged by the positive feedback from family and friends who tried the lotion bars, she decided to share her discovery more widely. The product’s popularity quickly grew, with many appreciating its all-natural, child-friendly ingredients and its ability to moisturize the skin without needing to be washed off.

In its first month, "Keep Away" sold 450 bars through local Facebook groups. The demand expanded beyond the local area, prompting the business to start shipping orders across the United States. Within three weeks, they had shipped to 16 states. Now you can buy them online HERE and they ship across the country.

The lotion bars are also available in three local stores:

• Brodie's Cream and Bean in Silverhill, 
• A Specialty Bakery in Gulf Shores, and 
• Fresh Market Seafood on Fort Morgan Road.

This journey from a personal project to a successful business venture has been very gratifying for Gail. She is delighted to help others enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of bug bites, whether they are golfing, gardening, fishing, or simply watching a sunset.