NELL NEWMAN is willowy, with prematurely white hair that falls several inches past her slender shoulders. The resemblance to her famed parents isn't immediately discernible, but the more she smiles and talks, the more you see the Joanne Woodward-Paul Newman connection.
No matter whose offspring she is, there's no getting around the fact that she is a famous daughter. When she speaks of her commitment to socially conscious concerns, you hear the voice of her mother. When she smiles you see the quiet intensity of her no-nonsense father.
In short order it becomes apparent the life lessons taught on a Connecticut farm, far from showbiz glitz and goofiness, has stood Nell Newman, president of Newman's Own Organics, in good stead.
Initially, her father wasn't sure investing in organics was the best idea, but he gave her a start and let her fly, making it clear that he expected to be repaid. To allay his skepticism, she prepared an all-organic meal.
"Daddy was like a lot of people who kind of turn their noses up when you say the word 'organic,'" she says. "But that Thanksgiving dinner was a turning point. I mean, he ate. It was so funny. Everyone was in on it but him. He had seconds and wiped his plate clean. 'So, how'd you like your organic dinner, Dad?' I asked. He looked at me, smiled that smile and said, 'Well, OK. You made your point.'"
That was 12 years ago. Thus was the second generation of Newman products born. Nell Newman, 46, started Newman's Own Organics in 1993 to promote organic foods and free-trade products.
During a recent visit to Denver she signed copies of her new book, "Guide to a Good Life," at a Wild Oats store and introduced shoppers to Newman's Own Fair Trade coffee, the latest in a line of products to hit grocery shelves under the Newman imprimatur.
Several people stop, partly to see her, and partly to express support for her mission.
Bob Elisha of Englewood, Colo., says: "I've been buying fair-trade coffee online because that was the only way I knew to get it. I'm glad to know it will be at Wild Oats now. It's more accessible."
Pharmacy student Judy Wilder admits to being lured to the store by the celebrity aspect of Newman's appearance, but she has another reason, too.
"We've been buying Newman's Own products since they started, and I like the idea that they want to contribute to the betterment of society. So if buying two bags of coffee helps, I'm all for it," she says.DENVER POST
