THE BUSINESS
The entrepreneurial journey for Stacey and Dale began in 2019, when they opened Eden Restored Health Market to bring organic foods, preservative-free options, supplements, and other healthy choices to the people in their community. In 2022, the couple opened the Eden Restored Lifestyle Center to offer natural healthcare and educational resources, and thus the Eden Restored Health Market & Lifestyle Center began.
Stacey said, “We started as a small mom and pop shop, purchasing the land and the building for the market. Since it was hard to find gluten free or vegan food in our area, the market did great! Then, when an old medical clinic became available AND I got a phone call from an angel investor to help open the lifestyle center as a 501c3, our little mom and pop shop grew significantly.”
The Lifestyle Center offers red-light therapy, an infrared sauna, hydrotherapy, massage, and other services. “We are excited about our machine that uses frequency to treat abnormal cells in the treating of Parkinson’s disease. Our patients are walking more steadily and experiencing fewer tremors,” Stacey said.
THE COMMITMENT
The commitment to providing low-cost services and goods to those in need is strong at this small business. All of the staff at the store and the lifestyle center are volunteers. Stacey said, “We don’t turn anyone away. We want to make a difference in the community. We are happy to sit with folks who can’t be alone or drive folks who need a ride to appointments.”
The business started hosting free classes on the topics of healthy gardening, holistic first aid, aging well, and more. In 2024, an herbal consultant joined their team and a retired pediatrist now volunteers to spend time with elderly community members, soaking and massaging feet and trimming toenails. They also started a summer farmers’ market at which other vendors and artisans can display their crafts or baked goods at no charge.
Stacey said, “We aspire to continue to grow to meet needs in our community. We would love to form future partnerships with additional providers of specialty services.”
THE ASSISTANCE
However, there are some obstacles to that growth. Stacey said, “Funding is our biggest obstacle. We rely on donations and apply for grants. We host plant sales as fundraisers. We were thrilled when we received the Main Street Bounceback Grant to help fund the renovation of our building.”
These entrepreneurs also benefitted from the Main Street Bounceback Technical Assistance program, which offers educational resources and specialized training. “I especially enjoyed the Business Basics Bootcamp. I walked away with a clearer understanding of how to run a business,” Stacey said.
She also took courses such as How to Deliver a Marketing Plan, Mastering Pricing Strategies, and QuickBooks Online. Stacey said, “The instructors were incredible! They really knew their stuff and thoroughly answered all my questions. I obtained some great insights for marketing, and I learned how I can use AI in productive ways. It was a relief to discover that AI is not necessarily a scary thing.”
THE JOY
Stacey said, “I enjoy most seeing the real improvements in people’s lives. One of our clients was thrilled to be able to put his arm into a sleeve by himself again. I love that we are known as a community hub where people can come even if they just need someone to talk to.”
