Article in Brighton Argus by Xenia Gregoriadis

NAME: Mama Oshun

LOCATION: Dyke Road, Seven Dials, Brighton. Call 01273 724623

WHO ARE THEY: Single mum of two Maya Saxton is a former agent for alternative and interactive performers and market trader, who moved from London to Brighton two and a half years ago.

"I used to buy and sell fair trade products at market stalls all over the world, from Guatemala to California," she says. "I always wanted to own a shop specialising in natural and environmentally-friendly products and when my daughter Talia was born I realised I wanted it to be somewhere welcoming and useful for mums with young children.

"I was inspired my brother who owns a similar business, albeit on a far larger scale, called Seven Generations in Bristol."

THE ETHOS: Maya is a firm believer in living in harmony with the environment as much as possible.

"I love the fact that this shop is built on stilts so as not to disturb the 100-year-old copper beech tree alongside us," she says. "That was quite a significant factor in why I chose this place.

"We have used reclaimed timber to from the Wood Recycling Project in Brighton to fit out the shop.

"Obviously shopping, along with modern living generally, isn't wholly green, but the diverse range of products we sell will appeal to men and women who want to live as sustainably as urban life will allow.

"We are about ethical consumerism, taking baby steps towards working with and respecting nature. The Native American Indians believed what we do now effects seven generations ahead. I hope I am making a small difference to the future of our kids."

ON THE SHELVES: Mama Oshun offers a diverse range of products, from eco-friendly paint to cleaning products, juicers, sprouters, games, books and music.

There are plenty of products for women and children, from organic cotton baby clothes to washable and biodegradable nappies and organic cosmetics. You can also trade or buy used children's clothes.

Men aren't left out, with DIY books taking pride of place. While the shop floor is fairly compact, a second, more spacious room upstairs will provide a space for complementary therapies, from counselling to Reiki and baby massage as well as a spiritual cinema circle and childrens' theatre group.

There is also a little courtyard adjacent to the shop where Maya plans to set out a few chairs and tables so customers can enjoy a drink while they browse.

BEST BARGAIN: "Women have become one of the Earth's biggest polluters by using disposable nappies, menstrual pads and tampons," says Maya. "If you invest in washable versions you not only save on waste, you also save a lot of money. Our washable Motherease and Babeco nappies (from £9) are our best bargain. Multex biodegreadeable nappies start from £10.88 for 40."

SPLASH OUT: Mama Oshun sells gorgeous clothes for kids including the "all-natural, no nasties" label Bossy Baby. A pretty Bossy Baby dress, recycled from a vintage pillowcase, for £40.

BEHIND THE NAME: Oshun is the Afro-Brazilian goddess of love, abundance, beauty and sensuality.

TOP TIP: "Even though it is more expensive because it is not mass-produced, the more people who buy organic and fair trade, the cheaper it will become."

Words: Xenia Gregoriadis Pictures: Kate Howell