Hey guys! My name is Julia, and I am the owner of KIPOS Nutrimart located in Niagara, Ontario. We are a locally-based, millennial-operated Health Foods Store that offers cold-pressed juices, farm-to-table foods, green beauty and supplements!
You can shop our online store kipos.ca, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on new arrivals and promotions! We appreciate the support so much!
Health, self care, and sustainable foods with Kipos
Tell us a bit about KIPOS.
Our philosophy is simple – From Root to Rise! We value clean and natural items designed to nourish your body + wellbeing! Today with Grandma’s Basement, we are so excited to share with you our journey from handing out Apples in the Halls of Brock University, to the STC Farmers Market selling Aloe, Tea, and Spices, to finally our KIPOS Nutrimart storefront!
What does KIPOS mean and why did you choose that name?
KIPOS is Mediterranean in word origin! Growing up I was fortunate to come from a family deeply rooted in the Mediterranean food culture. It also translates into “GARDEN” – recognizing that health and longevity is first rooted through a nutritious diet, then supplementation if merited. The Mediterranean diet is also very well-researched, and highly recommended to follow. I have noticed that in many health food stores, there is actually very little fresh food sold! So, although KIPOS is still in its seed stage of business, one of our end goals is to provide a full selection of fresh foods. I chose KIPOS with all of these factors in mind! From a fun quirky perspective, I also think KIPOS is such an easy-to-pronounce word, despite your linguistic origin.
You studied Human Psychology at Brock University - did your degree influence the path you’re on in any way?
Absolutely! A Psychology degree is very well rounded, offering all biological, psychological & humanistic interpretations of the human experience, and what it means to feel health and happiness - and I think we need that perspective, and human connection, to support a person’s lifestyle change. At Brock, I was VP of our Nutritional Council, I would walk around campus handing out fruit and healthy snacks, host healthy cooking classes + seminars, prepare lunch for students, and even apply for grants to make all of this happen! My university degree influenced my skills and mindset that I can confidently accomplish any goal independent from any employer.
How were you able to open a brick-and-mortar at such a young age? What steps did you take?
I knew I wanted a B+M, so I always had my eyes on locations! But I initially started out at the Farmer’s Market selling aloe, tea, and spices (it was a very small selection) but it helped me learn business mechanics even as basic as how to register a Sole Proprietorship. However, I wanted to stabilize my business in one setting, but financially and skill-wise, that was not in reach. I was successful in grant opportunities, one being Niagara’s Starter Company Plus Program – I highly recommend this for all entrepreneur’s B+M, or not! They teach you how to write a solid business model with Financial Projections, offer a strong mentorship, and you have an opportunity to receive a grant up to $5000 as start-up capital. I was fortunate enough to be very successful in this program, but it is highly competitive! So, give it your A-GAME. I contribute this to one of my greatest pillars in making KIPOS a reality!
How do you keep yourself focussed and grounded during stressful times?
SELF-CARE. It’s very important for me to practice what I preach! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be a service to my customer, or succeed in this industry. I drink a lot of water, follow a plant-based wholefood diet, cook three times daily, supplement, study, and really try my best to follow similar lifestyle practices. I decided to cut out anything in my life that didn’t serve my own, or business’ purpose. I think if I own a store like this, I need to be 100% transcendent in its values, and that requires focus + discipline, and that’s what ultimately keeps me grounded.
What does your perfect KIPOS brick-and-mortar look like? Walk us through your vision!
It’s important for me to ensure we are sustainable and biodegradable, so the interior design would be very central to that concept. Our brand is very nature-oriented, if I could have trees and a pond in the retail setting – I would! From a product perspective, a produce department, a baked-breads section that includes pita, focaccia, and other traditional staples. Prepared fresh foods, falafels, sandwiches, pasta’s – all of which are made in-house! I especially value Health Foods Stores that incorporate Juice Bars and Bistro’s! Especially Patios! It would be an opportunity to showcase our KIPOS ambiance, which is characterized by Terra Cotta, Rattans, Woods, Clays, Crates and Greenery! I think the Health Foods experience has so much potential! Especially in its technology, I’d love to see tech-based stalls where customers can explore their concerns, symptoms, and supplement information! Having this translate into an App would also be ideal! We’re a far way from all of that – but that’s my perfect KIPOS!
What is your most popular product in your shop right now? Can I just say my personal favourite is the Ginger Shot!
Thank you so much! They do very well! We typically have popular categories opposed to single items alone. This Fall our leading department was Self-Care, and for the Winter season, Supplements – we have seen a huge increase in inquiries relating to Hair Skin and Nails (Collagens, Biotin’s, Silica’s), Brain Health and Performance, as well as Detoxification and Immunity!
If you could open a second business, what would it be?
I’d really like to continue under the KIPOS brand because all of my personal interests + values intersect with its philosophy! It would be a blessing to achieve a location on a very busy strip with greater square footage, and an extension of assets that emphasize our Wellness Department rather than product! For example, a Studio – including services such as Acupuncture, RMT, Yoga, and Naturopathy. I would host this under a separate name; however, it would be within the KIPOS brand and facility. If I could also add one more thing, a KIPOS Terra-Cotta Go-Go Cart where we would perform Street Food Dishes! I love Street Food, and its fast-paced hustle!
If you could turn back time and only say one thing to your younger self, what would you say?
It’s okay to be different. Be confident in your identity and establish a core set of values, and eliminate anything that doesn’t serve or support its purpose. There is a greater beauty and liberation in creating your own reality than someone dictating it for you.
Talent: Julia Pasco
Photographer: Amryn Shae
Editor: Hondrea Hunt-Charbonneau