This week Vivid Minds Vivid Futures interviews Fenella Jane, the owner of Tamworth HoneyPot Health. For over 35 years, Tamworth HoneyPot Health has been a trusted, friendly source of healthy advice across the Tamworth and broader New England North West region. Fenella aims to provide her customers with the right information and assistance to help meet their health requirements.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born here in lovely Tamworth. I raised my three children here too. I love being surrounded by nature and seeing the simplicity it has to offer.
Unfortunately, I was unwell for the first four months of my life so my parents did a lot of learning about wheatgrass juice and healthy foods. They attribute my health to the application of their research, and it became the start of a long journey with our health food business.
I studied Naturopathy, Kinesiology and Life coaching in my thirties, which gave me a wonderful base for owning a busy healthcare business.
What does Honeypot Health do?
We are a vibrant, wholesome business that assists people with all sorts of personal and family health and wellbeing needs.
My team has a range of training and background knowledge, as well as personal experience, in many health-related areas. That means we can all relate to our customers and we love to chat with them. We can give general health advice and assist with all dietary needs from Gluten-free to Keto. We have a huge range of products to cover most dietary requirements and a large range of quality supplements to help where there may be a deficiency.
Our store also has Organic or environmentally friendly household products, personal cleaning products, Certified Organic fruits and vegetables. We also offer relaxation, skincare, hair care and other products to keep our customers feeling and looking great.
People love coming into the store, but can also order over the phone or through our website. Customers often make regular purchases, and they buy gifts for family and friends. A ‘Honey Pot’ gift certificate, comprising a massage and wellness session, is ideal for special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries or for any reason they may like to treat someone special.
When did you start your business?
HoneyPot was a family run business for nearly 40 years. I had worked alongside my parents for 15 years before I took it over on 1st July 2016.
If you’re not passionate about your business, get out! It takes heart and soul to keep going year after year. Lots of hours, late nights, soul searching and some absolute failures – those knock you down. You have to get up, keep going and keep smiling!
Why did you choose health products and services?
That’s a good question. Mostly because it’s a big part of who I am. I love helping people be at their best, watching families discover the natural way and providing the environment to encourage healthy habits and positive change is a blessing.
Our health and wellbeing is the only thing that matters. Life is so much richer and valuable when we have good health. Our outlook on life changes, we have happiness, joy and contentment.
How has Covid-19 affected you and what changes have you made?
Other than the Government required measures in the store it hasn’t affected my business or me. I feel being in the rural setting has only highlighted how much easier it is to keep our distance if we must isolate ourselves. At least most of us have some green grass for our kids to play on. Being stuck in a high-rise apartment in a big city would have been a lot more stressful on our systems.
During Covid-19, healthy living and preventing illness has become more important to people. Every day, my staff and I notice that there have been some positive changes in this direction.
What do you like most about running your own business?
I like the feeling of being able to create new things or implement changes at will. It’s nice to feel in control of my choices; however, that also means the responsibility is equalled! That can get to you if you don’t focus your energy in the right direction.
If you’re not passionate about your business, get out! It takes heart and soul to keep going year after year. Lots of hours, late nights, soul searching and some absolute failures – those knock you down. You have to get up, keep going and keep smiling!
What advice would you give a business just starting out?
‘Love what you do. Do what you love.’ It’s a great saying because it’s true, especially in business.
If you’re not passionate about your business, get out! It takes heart and soul to keep going year after year. Lots of hours, late nights, soul searching and some absolute failures – those knock you down. You have to get up, keep going and keep smiling!
What inspires you?
People who have a go inspire me. People who started out with everything against them and with a change of focus, a good heart and a healthy determined mindset improve their lives. I also am inspired by the beauty and awe of this planet. I love nature, its resilience and magnificence.
What is your secret for success?
Honestly, it’s no secret. ‘Just do what you love.’ Always do your best to be happy, smile and greet each day as if it’s your best day ever!
What’s next for HoneyPot Health?
To just keep doing what we do best. That is, to love, laugh, eat well, greet our customers with a smile, share stories and simply just enjoy our community.
