My name is Sharon and I was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, a place I still call home today. After I finished college, I entered the field of law enforcement, but I always worked part time for a small, family owned health food store near where I grew up. This store was a part of my teenage and young adult years, and in 2009 when the store owner decided to close after being open since 1984, I knew I could not let that happen. I had so much heart invested in the neighborhood and community, that I decided to buy the business with the help of my family, and am still running it to this day!

In addition to being a small business owner, I am also an avid animal lover! I am a therapy dog handler, and assist in an animal rescue. My animal rescue/trap/neuter/return and adoption program efforts are centered on the Mayfair area, which is where I live and the health food store is located.

I am inspired by the flourishing ‘main streets’ throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhood, and hope that you will help me make Mayfair flourish again by supporting us through Kiva Zip!

Stan’s Health Foods is a cornerstone of the Mayfair Community, being the only store for miles that focuses on bringing healthy snacks, groceries, vitamins, minerals, supplements, herbs, essential oils, and natural pet products to the area.
In addition to our actual products, we are also expanding to offer classes and workshops, including but not limited to yoga, breathing and meditation, health eating habits, and the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. We are also working with local artists to promote their work, and hold a book club for the book titled, “The Artist Way, A Spiritual Path for Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron.

Recently, we moved to a new location in the neighborhood, which is more attractive and centrally located, but has put a strain on our cash flow. Our biggest challenge is to continue to grow in an aging community, and we hope enhanced programming and more outreach to individuals outside of the neighborhood will bring in new business.

I have owed Stan’s Health Foods for 8 of the 35 years it has served the Mayfair community. Of those 8 years, the last 5 we have struggled financially. Being a small business owner in this day and age is difficult, especially in a niche market such as a health foods store, and also due to declining financial situations in our customers and community. Our store not only meets each customer’s unique health needs, but also provides knowledgeable and individualized care (something you can’t find in GNC, Wholefoods, or even online!).

Because of the fierce competition in this market, we are paying off a high-interest credit cards and a loan, as well as trying to keep our shelves stocked ($5K monthly), and advertising ($14,800 yearly).

Stan’s has 2 full-time employees that do the work of 3 or 4. This loan can also offer us some security in bringing a part-time associate here.

This loan will help us by allowing us to expand our inventory to attract new customers. Currently, the bulk of our products are vitamins and supplements, and we would like to be able to carry an abundance of either items.

In addition, we will use these funds to do some advertising, and refinance some our outstanding business loans. Paying off these loans will help us increase cash flow, and allow the business to prosper which will both positively impact myself, the business, and the community.

A loan of $10,000 helps me to replace equipment and continue to bring healthy, natural groceries to our community.