Grow wellness goals with health coaches at Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes

Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Susanne Fiori is sowing the seeds of wellness, running Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes in Reading, PA since 1977.

"I wanted to help people take responsibility for their own health through diet and nutrition," says Fiori, founder and owner of Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes. "Back then, so long ago, people took a lot of pharmaceuticals."

She stocks nutritional supplements instead.

"A lot of problems can be mitigated," she says.

Cindy Boyer, ND joined Fiori at the store in 1996.

"When I came in, I was the cook," says Boyer, co-owner of Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes.

"I wanted people to eat healthier," says Fiori. "We sold tofu out of five-gallon buckets. Tofu was not packaged as it floats in water today. I mean, we were ahead of the curve."

Although they no longer prepare food, the grocery section is still stocked with many organic items and healthier snack options.

"One of the best selections of dark chocolate," says Boyer. "And then we have teas and we have organic coffees."

They help customers fill in nutritional gaps as health coaches.

"Over the years I did get my degree as a Naturopathic Doctor," says Boyer. "We're looking at the cause of the symptom and trying to find natural ways to support the body to heal itself."

"We have about 80-feet of supplements right now," says Fiori.

"We do free consultations in the aisle every day," says Boyer.

There are supplements for brain function and stress.

"We carry supplements that are based on clinical trials," she says.

"Vitamins are cellular insurance," says Fiori.

And, because health is really head to toe, there are shoes.

"I brought in the Birkenstock sandals in 1978, because it fit into the natural food arena," she says. "As it warms to 98.6 degrees, this cork molds to your foot and becomes very customized."

Fiori says the shoes also offer "a great arch support."

"Today, everybody wants it," says Boyer.

They also carry apparel and accessories, like Darn Tough socks made in Vermont and Haiku Bags made from recycled plastic water bottles.

"But my heart is still helping people make good nutritional decisions," says Fiori.

"And I think that is what keeps us going," says Boyer.

Susanne Fiori and Cindy Boyer, ND also host a Facebook Live every Monday night from 6-7 p.m. tackling a different health concern each week and answering your wellness questions. It's called "Healthy Living with Nature's Garden."

Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes
Health Coaches Susanne Fiori and Cindy Boyer, ND
On Facebook - "Healthy Living with Nature's Garden"

Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes
4360 Perkiomen Ave.
Reading, PA 19606