A BUSINESS owner discussed her experience running two neighbouring shops in the High Street.
Teresa Kristara has a background in holistic health and nutrition, formerly owning a holistic business in Maldon.
She opened the Crystal Shack about six and a half years ago, at White Elm Garden Centre.
The shop’s stock includes minerals, polished gems and crystal displays.
After two-and-a-half years, Teresa decided to make the jump to Edwards Walk in Maldon’s High Street.
An opportunity came up for an empty unit just over two years ago, with Teresa transforming the space into Whole Health Foods.
She said: “I decided I would open up an independent whole foods shop.
“That’s what I did, I opened up an independent whole foods shop and here I am.”
Teresa maintains involvement in both of the businesses, with a manageress at the Crystal Shack and a team helping to run the shop.
She said: “I run the back office end. I do the ordering.
"I go to suppliers to pick my crystals, and do all the paperwork in the background.
“I’m still very much part of the business, but I’m primarily in Whole Health Foods.”
Teresa added: “I absolutely love having two shops.
“I love the customers that support us.
"I love our little community that we’ve grown, especially next door. We’ve grown a lovely community there.
“There’s all sorts of things going on, it’s like a bit of a community spiritual hub.
“Whole Health Foods will be going in the same sort of direction.”
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