IN SEPTEMBER 2023, Tracey Ferns walked into Carmel’s Health Store, situated on the charming and historic Francis Street, in the medieval town of Ennis Co Clare. Tracey had come here for many years to buy her family’s food and health supplements.
The wonderful owner, Carmel Downes, whose knowledge and expert advice she had treasured over the years shared with Tracey that she was retiring.
“After congratulating her and wishing her well I began to think what a huge loss she and the store would be to the local community. Owning my own Health Store was something I had always wanted to do and I thought maybe now was the right time?” “Coincidently, I had taken a job share at St Finnachtas National School in Sixmilebridge, where I worked with children with additional needs. I knew I would have extra time on my hands. My family had recently suffered a heart-breaking loss with the tragic death of my beautiful cousin and best friend Fiona. Life is short and with sudden loss, perspectives often change. I decided to take a chance and be brave. With the help of my husband James and sister Laura, training from Carmel and Laura Downes, Ferns Wellness Health Store was up and running four weeks later.”
“I think people are really starting to become aware of how important whole organic foods are to our longevity and good health. We really are what we eat. Busy lifestyles combined with poor diets often work to deplete us of essential nutrients. In many cases, high quality supplements can make a world of difference to people’s quality of life. We continue to train on a weekly basis and work alongside doctors and practitioners to find the best protocol for our customers. I enjoy meeting people and hearing their story. I love it when customers swing in the door to tell us they have followed the advice and suggestions and feel like themselves again. Ennis and all of Co Clare has so many great characters! We are coming up to our one year anniversary and are delighted that people have continued to support us. We have built up some lovely connections and relationships within our community. We have also partnered with and supported many local enterprises. I felt owning a health store would be a great opportunity to be of service to my community and to help inform them of all the choices out there, backed by scientific research and in many cases centuries of use, that could enable them to have a better quality of life. Information and then connection was my second motivation. Online shopping can be really easy and convenient but it has eroded, in many cases, the chance to call in for a friendly chat, lend a shoulder to cry on or an opportunity for people to feel listened to. We often see people at their most vulnerable and it is with great respect and care that we offer them support. It is incredibly important to me, James, and Laura that people leave the store feeling helped and valued.”
