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Jennifer Noble is the co-proprietor of Second Nature Health Food store in Kutztown, PA. with her business partner, Charlene Sheetz. She completed David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies Herbalist Training Program in 2022. Jennifer continues to research natural food and medicine, help community members, and build on the legacy that Elaine Kilgannon started in that store 26 years ago.
How did you first become interested in herbal studies? How did you come to study with David?
Sometimes we believe that we are on the path that we are supposed to be on but, then a power greater than ourselves shows us otherwise. It’s up to us whether or not we listen and follow the signs. In my journey it just kind of happened and all the signs were pointed in the direction of herbal medicine. I became interested in Herbal studies when I saw first-hand that herbal medicine could impact people’s health drastically, prevent life changing illnesses, and change people’s lives for the better. I needed a change in my life, so I applied for a job at a local health food store. Without hesitation Elaine Kilgannon, Clinical Herbalist and Proprietor of Second Nature Health Food Store, gave me that opportunity. I knew absolutely nothing about this industry, which meant a lot of work was needed to excel and help people change their lives. Elaine saw something in me because I showed interest in knowing everything that she knew and more. When Elaine approached me about David Winston’s Herbal Studies, I jumped on the opportunity right away. More course requirements were needed in order to start his program, so I completed them as well. I have taken every chance that I can get to learn about the human body and herbal medicine, so I can help others. My goal is to help people understand herbal medicine and how it can impact their body in a positive way.
How has studying with David informed your work at Second Nature?
Studying with David has given me a lot of knowledge and understanding about herbal medicine and the effects on the human body. It also has given me a tremendous opportunity to pass along this informative information to our customers and the community in order to help them meet their health goal needs. I believe anything is possible if you are given the tools needed and have a desire. Well, I have that desire and David has now given me those tools needed to start changing people’s lives forever. Another very important factor is it’s okay not to know something but what is not okay is pretending to know everything.
How do you use your training to guide your customers’ product selections?
David has taught me to follow the Science. I research every single product I carry in the store, and make sure each and every product is clean, pure, and effective. I also let customers know their options depending on their specific needs or general preventative care. The knowledge about each product and what goes into each product and what they do for each individual, I believe is crucial for people’s wellness journey.
We did an interview with the previous owner Elaine Kilgannon of Second Nature a few years ago and it sounds like an amazing community resource. What drew you to buying the store?
Our community is fantastic! They are very much open to our industry and believe in healing naturally. They rely on us and our knowledge to help them and they know we will always be here for them and their families. My business partner and I decided to buy the store because we knew Elaine was retiring and being here for the community is so very important for all of us. Second Nature is very blessed by our community,and it is my pleasure to continue to be here. Going to work every day, investing my time, knowledge, and energy is 100% worth it because I am changing people’s lives and that is extremely rewarding. I look forward to the next 20 years serving our community, learning and expanding my knowledge to better serve anyone who is looking for help when they walk in Second Nature Health Food Store.
What are some on the most popular H&A products you sell, and what are some of your personal favorites?
Herbalist & Alchemist’s entire line does very well in our store because of the quality and its well-designed synergistic effects. Some of our biggest sellers are: Hawthorn Solid Extract™, Sinus Support Compound™, Astragalus/Echinacea Compound™, Immune Adapt™, Healthy Skin Tonic™, Women’s Formula™, Women’s Transition Compound™, Bitters, and Herbal Relief Throat Spray™. Some of my personal favorites that have helped me are: Ginkgo/Horse Chestnut Compound™, Spiced Bitters™, Phytocalm™, and Burdock/Red Root Compound™. The quality of all of their products is outstanding and they are known for that, but what makes them the best in my personal opinion is their effectiveness and consistency.
