12/31/2021
Tomorrow, January 1st, marks the 12th anniversary of my natural food store in Rome, and today I announce it's closure. Retail is extremely challenging currently, and I'm no longer able to support myself from this business. Ever the idealist, I've held on longer than I should. It has never been easy, but it has been rewarding. I've met many wonderful people over the years, and I'm happy to now call many of you friend. I've been told by more than a few people that I have inspired them, and that too is rewarding. I've been a constant champion of other small local businesses. I've taught people how to grow food and provided them with organic plants to do so. I've hosted classes on nutrition, yoga, herbal remedies, essential oils, and have held Paint and Sip parties. Some of you have been with me since my beginning in Rome at the farmers market in 2000, when I first introduced myself to the community. I also did farmer's markets in New Hartford, Oneida, and Hamilton. I started a CSA in 2001 and delivered food to New Hartford, Barneveld, and Rome, in addition to having pickups at the farm. In 2008 I opened a natural food store in neighboring Camden. In 2010 I opened the Rome store and then closed Camden a few months later. In 2013, I moved into 236 West Dominick street where I had space to grow. I had sinks installed and fashioned a kitchen as inexpensively as possible, and opened the natural foods cafe in 2014. I know many of you miss the cafe foods as do I. Now I'll have time to enjoy the creative activities I've discovered recently... drumming, making music, and writing and performing stand up comedy. I'm having a great deal of fun! Since I have taken a job, the shop will only be open limited hours in January, with a closing date of January 28th. I will be there Fridays from 10 to 4 and Saturdays from 10 to 2 only. Give a call to special order anything you would like at 315-281-8759... I will be placing a couple more orders. I feel more relief than sadness in this decision, although more than a few tears have been shed. I have felt so much love from this community in the past 21 years in business, and will be forever grateful. Peace people, I love you! C'est fini!