Back to Nature comes of age

The well-known health store Back to Nature on Main Street, Cavan town, came of age recently when it celebrated its 21st anniversary in business and thus bucked the trend of late where businesses are closing down. Having set up in the recession of the 80s, Christine is confident she knows what it takes to get through this one. Established in 1988 by Christine McGuinness, this was the original health shop for the more health-conscious public. Throughout those years, Christine has consistently offered excellent and nutritious food at reasonable prices. The shop exudes serenity and calmness. It truly takes you... Back to Nature. Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Christine said she could not believe that she had been in business so long. "The time has just flown. When I established the business it was the right thing to do at the time and I have not regretted it." While studying religion and history in Mater Dei Institute in Dublin, Christine worked in Natures Way and she got hooked on how the shop operated. When she graduated she saw an opening for such a store in Cavan and opened up initially beside the Farnham Arms Hotel before moving to her present location at Upper Main Street. "What we are about is creating wellbeing." In recent times, people have become more health conscious and know what they are looking for whether it is supplements or herbal remedies, said Christine. "People have become more aware of herbal remedies and things are changing on a daily basis." They want to achieve good health and wellbeing. "There is a definite change of attitude right across the board from teenagers to senior citizens." People now want vitamins, natural skin care products and various health remedies, she added. Many of the products in store operate on a seasonal basis, according to Christine. "At this time of year it is about the immune systems and people looking for Echinacea and Manuka Honey." In the New Year, customers would be looking towards cleansing, detoxing and toning the body as well as natural skin care and Back to Nature stock the Dr. Hauschka range, which is quite popular in this area. Later in the summer, there is a greater focus on healthy food and supplements. Christine and her staff of Joan Langford, Rosemary Jaziasse and Kathryn McDermott are passionate about catering for the needs of their customer many of whom have supported them over the past 21 years. "Back to Nature was established during the recession in the 80s and it still managed to grow," said Christine. Eleven years ago , Christine opened Merlin's Cave, which is a healthy gift shop, and has proved very popular. People can browse and choose something for themselves or a friend. Two years ago she opened the Awakening Centre next door to Back to Nature, which is a new phase of her business. Among the services provided here are therapies, as well as workshops, which focus on health and well being. A nutritionist is also located in the centre, which can also be used for allergy testing and medication. The nutritionist is Paula Smith and she has received a tremendous response on the past two years. "Many of the issue we are dealing with are stress related," explained Christine. People who use the centre are taught how to relax especially in these stress related times, she said. The centre also has guest speakers on a regular basis from around the county, which again is proving a great success. When Christine established Back to nature she wanted to provide a complete range of products for the people of Cavan and save them the bother of having to travel to Dublin or elsewhere for them. "People are respecting their body a lot more today than they were 20 years ago. Here in Back to Nature we try to provide a healthy balance of well being." Christine believes that everyone wants to be healthy and have a healthy body. Men have become more health conscious in recent times and they now account for almost half of her trade. She also encourages people to visit her premises and see what's on offer. She points out that there is a great cross section that visit her premises. The older generation have their own remedies, while the younger generation are into aromatherapy. The recent 21st anniversary party, which was held in the shop last week, came as a complete surprise to Christine as it had been organised by her staff and she was completely unaware of it. "It came as a complete surprise." They had representatives from the various companies that supply them, as well as many of their customers. "It was a fantastic day and one I thoroughly enjoyed." Now it's back to business for Back To Nature for the next 21 years and more.