Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika McCarthy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am proud Fort Worthian who co-owns Sunflower Shoppe Wellness Market with my two brothers, sister. Founded by my grandmother in 1970, we are a family-owned and operated family business with locations in Fort Worth and Colleyville. We celebrated our 50-year milestone last year and what drives us today is the same as when we began – to help our community live healthier lives. I’ve worked in the public relations field at ad. agencies and Dallas and Chicago, “cutting my teeth” before I joined the family business 20 years ago. I’m married with two children, ages 17 and 12, who keep us busy. In my spare time, you’ll find me working in the garden (I’m a proud 4-time Yard of the Month winner!) or on the tennis court.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid has presented many challenges for businesses, yet Sunflower Shoppe adapted beautifully and has risen to the challenges. We saw the need to help our customer maintain their health now more than ever. An ongoing challenge is to compete with on-line sources and “big box” retailers yet we continue to offer great products at great prices while maintaining our home-grown personal touch as proud small local business. On a personal note, another curveball was my losing vision in one eye suddenly in August. It was difficult to overcome (vision is slowly returning and will continue over the course of many months) and has been a true test of grit and faith. However, amid an already tough year, this brought many lessons and gifts – deepened faith, family, friends, gratitude, compassion, patience and above all, maintaining good health.
We’ve been impressed with Sunflower Shoppe Wellness Market, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a natural foods and vitamins store known as the go-to source for knowledgeable, nutritional guidance with a friendly, approachable staff. We offer hundreds of supplements, natural foods, essential oils and so much more. Above all, we have a knowledgeable nutrition specialist to help guide you in your health journey and answer any questions you have.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
We believe luck is a minor part of it, but the three biggest factors that we believe have contributed to our success are sheer hard work, faith and simply staying true to our mission. We also strongly believe in building trust with our customers. Many people we see are struggling with a complex health issue and we are dedicated and passionate to helping them navigate those challenges with natural solutions.
Contact Info:
- Email: contactus@sunflowershoppe.com
- Website: www.sunflowershoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowershoppes/ (@sunflowershoppes)
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunflowershoppetx (@sunflowershoppetx)
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sunflowershoppe
Image Credits:
Rubye Sepanski – top picture, pink & grey sweater
Antonio Tapia- 2nd picture, blue shirt
