BELLVILLE, Ohio — When newlyweds Marc and Jocelin Whitaker were planning their future together, they pondered what to do for a living.
“Why don’t we do something together?” Marc asked.
With his experience in the health food industry and Jocelin’s background in naturopathy, they decided to open their own health food store.
Jocelin said her best friend made her aware of a spot in Bellville — the former Trinity Farms Market at 7427 state Route 13 — as a potential location that could house their store.
After researching the location, “We really felt like it would be a good fit,” Jocelin said. “The community was really welcoming to this idea.”
And so, the couple bought the building and began transforming it into “Whitaker’s Farm Market.”
With renovations currently underway, they hope to open the business Oct. 8 and have a grand opening on Nov. 1.
The market will offer natural, organic and gluten-free food items, as well as deli sandwiches, household items, health and beauty products, supplements, essential oils, and more.
“We have something in probably every category that’s local,” Jocelin noted.
Some of the locally-sourced items include maple syrup, honey, beef, chicken, dairy products, dog treats, apple cider and soaps.
Marc noted they also will sell many products manufactured in Ohio.
Jocelin also hopes to offer consultations and classes at the store, noting, “We don’t want to just sell people a product. We want to educate them about it, too, because if you take home a product and it just sits on your shelf, it doesn’t do you any good. But if you understand what it does, then you’re going to use it and benefit from it.”
Some items are for sale via the website at www.whitakersfarmmarket.com. More products will be added to the online store in the future.
The couple hopes to create an inviting environment, where people can feel free to have lunch or dinner.
“If someone lives in the community and walks in, they’re going to get recognized by name because we want to get to know the people here,” Jocelin said.
Marc said he’s eager to be a part of the Bellville community. They’re currently living in Marysville and plan on moving into a house four minutes away from the store.
