Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana McFarland.
Hi Dana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Holistic Mountain Market (HMM) was an idea that came about during the early stages of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. After listening to Paul Stamets (founder of Host Defense mushrooms) speak on a very popular national podcast, “seeds” were planted in my mind and I knew a wellness store/smoothie shop was something that was needed in our community. At that time, I felt like so many people were turning to (and still are turning to) vitamins and supplements to help aid in the fight against the covid virus (and many other viruses too). The closest vitamin and supplement stores were either 30 minutes north of Clayton or 30 minutes south of Clayton. Why not make it more convenient for people to have access to high-quality vitamins and supplements in their own town? So I began working on researching and procuring the brands I wanted to sell in the store. Many of the brands I carry in the shop are brands that I myself have taken; I trust them and know that they work! HMM started small and over the past 2.5 years has grown into a true “neighborhood wellness store”, offering fresh, locally grown organic produce, locally made grab-n-go items, locally raised grass-fed wagyu beef, locally raised grass-fed bison, high-quality vitamins/herbs/supplements/CBD, and light grocery items. The environment in the shop is fun, relaxed, and healing – so many people will stop by just to say hello and stay for a while, soaking up all the good vibes we radiate!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way – opening a small business during the pandemic has tested HMM’s determination and ability to think outside the box! Back in early 2021, HMM ran into lots of issues getting supplies – both food products and drinkware – for our smoothies. Because HMM serves organic whole-food smoothies and does so in compostable cups, compromise was not an option. After a few weeks of running into “dead-end” roads, we finally found other options that helped us stay in line with our mission while continuing to serve healthy, delicious smoothies in packaging that is friendly to Mother Earth. Having the flexibility to “roll with the punches” is really important when operating a small business, and something I’m taught quite often.
As you know, we’re big fans of Holistic Mountain Market. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Holistic Mountain Market (HMM) is a small business located in downtown Clayton, GA on W. Savannah Street (Rabun County) specializing in high-quality vitamins, supplements, herbs, CBD, and small groceries, but best known for our yummy smoothies! I feel that we stand apart from other businesses because we are all about helping people to feel better while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. Positive customer experience is a must for HMM and probably why so many of our customers repeatedly stop in (sometimes just to say “hi” and hang out with us!). It truly matters to us when we ask “how are you doing today”, because we want to know what ails you and how we can help make it better. We have lots of wonderful brands in the store – North American Herb & Spice, Oregon’s Wild Harvest, The Georgia Hemp Co, Host Defense, HealthAid, Herb Pharm, Natural Stacks, Natural Factors, Life Extension…just to name a few. 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: www.holisticmountainmarket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistic.mountain.market/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holistic.mountain.market
Image Credits
Ronnie Pettit – Local Exposure Magazine
