Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Green.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cassie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Back in 2007, I was working in the corporate world (and living in Chicago) and felt like I needed to be doing something more purposeful. I’d recently started learning about food sourcing, nutrition and sustainability and figured out I wanted to do something in that field. My (now) husband Gary suggested I open a little retail market in our Chicago neighborhood so, in January of 2008, I did!
We then met partners who wanted to open a similar concept in Dallas, which we did in 2013 but sadly had to close down the retail store in 2017. Although I miss the daily customer interaction, from our store, we birthed several products that we now sell to other retailers as well as inspired me to complete a Health Coaching program to coach private clients (I’m like a nutritionist and a life coach all in one).
We now produce our famously healing Green Grocer bone broth and an immune-boosting, cold/flu/allergy preventing Cassie Green Health elderberry syrup that we sell to many local retailers. I also keep a busy private practice working with clients on everything from weight release to stress management and restoring joy in one’s life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Well, I would say more entrepreneurs know that the road is never smooth and if that was what we desired, we would have stayed in our “safe” corporate jobs. It’s not a smooth road but it is an exciting and fun road. We’ve experienced everything from massive power outages to employees calling into struggling with sales and more.
These days, it’s not that everything runs perfectly but I now have learned to frame any struggles as challenges or puzzles (borrowed this concept from a fave author Martha Beck). I just don’t attach that much to things that are going differently than I planned or desired. After being self-employed for a decade, I’ve learned (finally!) to stay present with any challenge and know that the outcome will always be fine.
Cassie Green Health and Green Grocer – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We still have our cozy little retail grocery in Chicago (www.greengrocerchicago.com) and I go back monthly to spend time with our amazing team there. It’s known for great local produce, breads and meat as well as a remarkably well-curated beer and wine selection.
Basically, all the things you might need to survive a Chicago winter!
Here in Dallas, we produce a traditional bone broth which is amazingly healing for digestion and joints as well as helping skin appearance (I’ve personally seen a massive change in my skin). Bone broths are different than a stock or broth you could make in 4-6 hours (and it would taste great) because we simmer them for 24-48 hours and we use the parts of the animal that contain the most collagen (which is that healing protein).
We also produce our elderberry syrup which has helped so many people wipe out their seasonal allergies (myself and my husband included) as well as prevent folks from getting colds and cases of flu (which is great, especially this time of year).
With everything we do, quality is the utmost concern. We source in a way that isn’t the cheapest but is always the best so that the results are always going to be the most beneficial. Integrity is key.
For my health coaching practice, I’ve been so proud of my clients as they have completely shifted their behaviors, thoughts and beliefs and embraced a healthier and happier version of themselves. It’s an absolute honor to be a part of someone’s journey and bear witness to change. I love being a support system, an accountability piece and hopefully an inspiration to them!
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Oh wow! This is a tough question and maybe my answer will seem strange but my proudest moment was learning to let go of control of our businesses in order to open up more space for life balance. This happened a few years ago (and was a huge part of what made me decide to enroll in a Health Coaching curriculum) and it really changed the way I approached my professional life. Our businesses continue to evolve in ways that are more aligned with my true desires in life so that makes me super proud!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.greengrocerdallas.com, www.cassiegreenhealth.com, www.greengrocerchicago.com
- Phone: 214-810-2057
- Email: info@greengrocerdallas.com, hello@cassiegreenhealth.com
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