New health store opens in Stellarton

STELLARTON, N.S. — STELLARTON – Danielle Carrigan was perusing a school calendar for Acadia University when her life’s path changed.
Carrigan, who grew up in Mount William, would study human nutrition at Acadia University and devoted another two years diving into holistic nutrition. “It’s always been my passion. I was just flipping through a school calendar and thought ‘oh, this looks interesting’. And that’s where it started.”
Years later, after working at health stores and doing some freelance consulting work, she opened up Hippie Chics Natural Health Shop in Stellarton on Aug. 26.
“I’ve been a nutrition consultant for the last few years and I found it was really difficult to find the products I wanted my clients to use – as well as for myself,” she says.
“There hasn’t been a health food store (in Pictou County) for the last two years. Healthy Selections in New Glasgow closed over two years ago and since then, there hasn’t been anything.”
Business has started to pick up once word of her business has gotten around.
“People are still finding out that I’m here and open.”
At her shop located at 270 Foord Street, she has a kid’s section but her clients are mostly older in age.
“We sell a lot of products for seniors,” Carrigan says.
“A lot of vitamins, supplements, natural products, like natural laundry soaps, and toothpaste, skin care, fish pills, pro-biotics that replenish the healthy bacteria that grow in your gut. Those are very popular.
“We have a lot of things to make smoothies. There’s a lot of smoothie-makers out there, and you can kind of target your smoothie to your health conditions.”
She believes that her knowledge and experience, when combined with more and more people seeking healthier options, makes for a good fit in this county.
“I think there’s a need in Pictou County,” she says. 
“People are moving more towards natural medicines, natural products. One thing I’ve tried to keep that in mind when I’m doing my pricing – there’s a lot of online shopping where people can get things a little cheaper. I kept that I mind when I’m setting prices, so I can be as competitive as possible.”