they made an offer on the building. Jocelin reflects, “Within a 10-day timeframe, we bought a new house, moved in, and got the store up and running. It was a whirlwind, but we knew we were on the right path.” Trusting in God, everything fell into place. 

Jocelin’s education and passion for helping others coupled with Marc’s background in retail proved to be the recipe for success. They started with a cleaner selection of bulk foods and pantry staples, but as Whitaker’s Natural Market grew, Marc and Jocelin revised their selection to mirror their own pantry. Every product was pre-screened for quality, with Jocelin being highly selective with brands. When they first opened, the Whitakers attended a trade show and found a hormone supplement company that seemed to align with Jocelin’s standards. Jocelin tried the product, but it didn’t meet the promised results. With 

 lab work to prove it, she refused to put it on her shelves and held the company accountable. As companies change their formulas or suppliers, Jocelin continues to test and monitor products; never simply taking someone’s word for it. 

Jocelin’s pursuit of a PhD in naturopathy was driven by her childhood experience with chronic bronchitis. From the age of four, she would be sick for two weeks, then put on antibiotics, which worked temporarily, but she would get sick again weeks later. After multiple rounds of antibiotics, she was put on steroids. A concerned pharmacist encouraged her family to talk to her doctor. They had a family friend who used herbs for healing, and Jocelin’s mom, desperate for a solution, sought their help. With natural solutions, Jocelin wasn’t sick anymore, and it changed her life. After high school, Jocelin worked in a ministry program, but when the position was eliminated, she reflected on her love for helping people. Knowing how naturopathy helped her, she decided to pursue a career in it. 

Whitaker’s Natural Market offers a range of products, including bulk produce in season, household items, health and beauty products, makeup with European cleanliness standards, books, board and card games, child games, local meats and eggs, elderberry syrup, Jocelin’s own line of essential oils, practitioner-grade supplements, organic animal feed, and much more! Jocelin and the team take the time to educate their customers, ensuring they aren’t just buying products but also gaining knowledge. They offer classes on various topics, focusing on health and homesteading, helping customers make better choices and improve their lives. 

The Whitakers have faced a variety of obstacles throughout their journey, but nothing could prepare them for the premature birth of their daughter Yalissa at 27 weeks, weighing only 1 lb, 12 oz. She spent nearly five months in the NICU, and Jocelin only came home 3 or 4 times during that period. With no other employees to rely on, running the

 business while focusing on their family was a huge challenge. Jocelin reflects, “we were stretched thin, but made it through with the support of our customers, community, family, and the grace of God. I’ll forever be grateful for the love and support we received during that time.” Another hardship was COVID-19 and the supply chain issues, which required them to jump from supplier to supplier to keep the shelves stocked. They put in the effort to track things down, ensuring 

 their customers didn’t suffer. Jocelin remembers, “I can’t even tell you the amount of calls and runs for toilet paper we made.” 

As the Whitaker’s celebrate 10 years in business, they want to extend a limited time offer. Mention this article to receive 15% OFF any one supplement, essential oil, or vitamin OR $5 OFF any purchase of $30+. Stop in to visit at 7427 State Route 13 in Bellville or find them on facebook for the latest class schedule, promotions, and more!