Business & Tech

Cucumber & Chamomile: Nutrition on a Mission

Local business helps Ridgefield residents make healthier choices.

Business: Cucumber & Chamomile
Owner: Meredith Mulhearn
Website: cucumberandchamomile.com
Address: 32 Danbury Road, Ridgefield

How did you come up with the name?
I wanted a name that was relevant to healthy eating (Cucumber and Chamomile are two of the world's healthiest foods), but also evoked a soothing, spa-like feeling.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
Ridgefield is a health-conscious town and my home. I'm committed to giving back to the community, so opening my business here was a no-brainer.

Briefly, what business are you in?
As a nutrition therapist, I guide my clients to make simple, gradual changes to meet their goals and maintain them for life. I differ from a nutritionist in that I have created a more spa-like experience for my clients with a focus on reducing stress.

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
Filing taxes. ;) Ok, not really, but it's definitely the part I least enjoy.

My biggest challenge is offering the best possible experience to my clients, discovering how I can best support them on their journey to health and always learning so I have the most current information to share with them. Nutrition research changes the rules daily, so keeping on top of valid findings always keeps me on my toes.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
The nutrition industry is very much a word of mouth business. It took almost a year to establish a solid clientele base, which made me a bit nervous at first. But nothing could make me second guess my decision to become an entrepreneur. I'm on a mission!

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Witnessing the transformations of my clients and watching them leave my office for the last time, knowing that they have the tools to maintain their goals for life.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
There's no one thing that I've implemented that stands out. My clients are my ambassadors and they are the reason I'm in business today. I take all of their feedback very seriously and it has shaped my practice gradually. Cucumber & Chamomile is evolving every day, thanks to my clients candor and desire to see me succeed.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I don't have any difficult customers! All of my clients have been truly amazing, generous people. I'm blessed and honored to have worked with each of them.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
Cucumber & Chamomile works with local restaurants through Eat Well Ridgefield, an initiative designed to take the guesswork out of healthy dining in Ridgefield, while supporting local businesses.

This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.


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