This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Sandra Habold of Mother Nature’s Market in Woodstock.

NATURAL HEALTH HAS LONG BEEN AN INTEREST FOR ME. MY PASSION FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS BEGAN IN 2001 WHEN I STARTED MAKING HANDMADE NATURAL SOAPS FOR MY FAMILY. THIS HOBBY EVENTUALLY TURNED INTO A SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS CALLED HERITAGE SOAPWORKS.

As I witnessed the positive effects of the natural lifestyle on my family, I began a course of study on aromatherapy. Not long after in 2007, I became employed at a small health food store in downtown Woodstock, then in 2011, with the previous health food store no longer operating, Woodstock needed a natural food store once again. With my 3 children now in school, I was in the perfect spot to step in and fill the void.

Mother Nature’s Market was established on June 28, 2011, at 647 Main Street. I have since expanded my studies, going on to earn the designation of Certified Natural Product Advisor, as well as studying herbalism, recently completing advanced herbology. On July 26, 2016, tragedy struck, a fire destroyed the Rose building where Mother Nature’s was located, resulting in a total loss of the store.

With the outstanding encouragement and support of the community, Mother Nature’s Market reopened its doors 5 short weeks later on September 1st. In the five years since, Mother Nature’s continues to thrive and grow, largely due to the support from the community.

I proudly sit on the board for the Downtown BIA and I am the Vice President of the local Chamber of Commerce. I am beyond excited to give back to my community, giving back the support and encouragement it has given me over the years.

There are many aspects and benefits to supporting local in general, but it is vital now more than ever. The connections alone are a major benefit, downtown life is thriving, and the community is more close-knit with the focus on shopping local. The relationships that we have created with fellow business owners are also becoming a huge part of the revival and maintenance of the vibrant downtown scene.

Supporting local not only creates convenience, but it ensures that those businesses thrive and are able to be there to provide you with that convenience.