Natural Living with The Essential Cove

After being inspired to create a happier and healthier life for herself and learning more about personal development, Natalie decided to open The Essential Cove here in Sudbury. The Essential Cove is a natural wellness studio offering classes, workshops, shopping and healthy snacks! We spoke with Natlie to find out more!

Tell us about the Essential Cove. You left your corporate job to start the Essential Cove – what inspired this?

In my eyes, I had the “dream job” – I worked with amazing people in a place where I was fortunate to have benefits, a pension, and other cool perks. It was the kind of corporate environment that I had envisioned, and I was truly happy and grateful for my position. Prior to this, I had lived through the most fearful experiences of my life. At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberan, a very rare malignant tumour on my scalp. I spent years recovering and healing after multiple reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. The beauty of this tribulation was that it shifted me in an entirely new light. I was inspired to create a new “me” – happier, healthier, and full of vitality. I began immersing into personal development through life coaching, podcasts, workshops, books, and I began to feel inspired again. I also began exercising again, eating cleaner foods, and using essential oils to live more naturally in a toxic-free home. I discovered an innate passion for natural living, and I wanted to spread this beautiful lifestyle with others, and that’s where the idea of The Essential Cove came about. I was in love with the idea of a brick-and-mortar space. I wanted to create an in-person experience where like-minded people could meet in a yoga class, attend a workshop, shop, or enjoy a healthy drink and snack in our cozy seating lounge. Nothing beats the feeling of walking into a space that feels warm and welcoming – people will always remember how you made them feel! 

What types of products and services can we find in the store? How do you source your products?

We offer an array of products and services. Our natural lifestyle boutique boasts natural products like bath, body and face products, makeup, 10-free vegan nail care, hair care, essential oils and accessories, eco-friendly products, handcrafted jewelry, DIY supplies, wellness accessories, and yoga and boho apparel. In addition, customers could enjoy a healthy drink or snack from our menu of vegan protein smoothies, organic coffee and tea, local kombucha, and vegan sweets from Beard’s Bakery. We proudly source the majority of our products from local and Canadian small businesses and artisans. We also offer holistic services including yoga, massage therapy, Thai massage, reiki, and wellness and nutrition workshops. 

What types of classes are offered at the Essential Cove?

We offer various styles of yoga classes for both beginner and intermediate levels, including Chair, Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, and Yang/Yin. We also offer wellness workshops around the topics of essential oils, mindfulness, chakras, yoga for toddler and kids, as well as nutrition.

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Do you have any events coming up?

We’ll be attending Sudbury’s Holistic Healing Fair on Sun, Aug 25th as well as Anderson Farm Museum’s 13th Annual Fall Fair on Sat, Sept 7th. Also, our 1-year anniversary is approaching on Wed, Sept 25th where we will have fun activities and special deals happening!

Do you have any tips for other local entrepreneurs who are looking at starting their own business?

Do not fear the unknown. If you are feeling a burning desire to start your own business, start by writing down your ideas and inspirations in a special book, and keep adding to it. Don’t judge your thoughts, just write them down. Over time, you’ll re-read your brainstorm ideas, keep the ones that still give you good vibes, and ditch the ones that don’t anymore. You will most likely be flooded with inspiration and ideas, so make sure you have a clear focus as to what you want. The magic – and your success – lies in your authentic power, so pave your own path. Make it beautiful. Make it You. And lastly – a lovely reminder by Rachel Hollis: “don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle”. 

When you are ready to launch your business, put yourself out there! Network, join a pop-up or vendor show or find a retailer to carry your products or offer your services. And remember, don’t fear the rejection. The worst they could say is no, but imagine the opportunities if they said yes…

Do you think Sudbury has adopted the shop local mentality?  

I definitely think so! We are continuing to see new local businesses pop up around the city with awesome local vibe, which hopefully means less spending in large corporate chain stores. The strongest impact that we could have as Sudburians is to continue voting with our consumer dollars towards local businesses. Sudbury has a lot to offer, and, as a collective, we need to continue spreading the word about the local businesses in our city, like share with your friends and co-workers where you just had the best experience or where you found your new favourite product! Even a channel like Our Crater is an excellent way to spread local love!
At The Essential Cove, we love sharing with new customers where our products are sourced, and we always get positive feedback. People seem to be more interested when they know that the products weren’t massed-produced, and many will say that they prefer to support local or at least support small, Canadian businesses. 

What is your favourite local business in Sudbury?

What a great question! There are many amazing local businesses in Sudbury that I love to support. However, I’d have to say my favourite is Bohemian North. The owner and artisan, Adele Huard, makes beautifully handcrafted kimonos, and she just so happens to be my little sister! I know the incredible impact this business has done for her in only a few short months, and I am so incredibly proud and happy for her. You can check out her line of kimonos at the Cove or follow her @bohemian_north on Instagram or Facebook.

Find out more about the Essential Cove on their website and stay tuned for an online store launching in the fall. You can also follow along on Facebook or Instagram.