Member Interview: Nature's Food Patch
by Carrie Corson
Membership Coordinator
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Nature’s Food Patch natural market and café is a 14,000 square foot community grocery store in Clearwater, florida. Laurie Powers- Shamon talks about her experience as store director.
Since its establishment in 1987, it has been dedicated to offering a complete selection of organic and natural products. Nature’s Food Patch is also home to the Bunny Hop Café and Deli which serves up international natural cuisine. Laurie Powers-Shamon has been the store director for over two decades. She is currently in the midst of directing the store’s latest expansion which will add another 7,000 square feet.
CC: Why did you choose to go into the natural products industry? LPS: In 1972 I started working in food co-ops while going to college in Gainesville, Florida. I stayed in the business after I got out of school because I loved every aspect of it and it was a good complement to my night job as a musician. Eleven stores later I ended up at “The Patch” and the real music started.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as the Store Director? I think the hardest thing I have had to learn is how to love more. People are not chess pieces. You have to win them. There has been a relationship between how much I have cared about people and the success of the store. Being a person obsessed with a “vision” it was difficult to learn how to listen to others and to become more inclusive. I have learned that the group “think” is more powerful. Looking back, none of it seems like a challenge now. Funny how all you really remember is the good times.
What are some of your more memorable moments while working at The Patch? We have done so many outside events that I wouldn’t even know where to start. I remember after the grand opening of this store, after an 18 hour day, sitting on a pile of boxes in the stock room and finishing off wine left over from the wine tasting with the owners and my GM. It’s the most we ever laughed together. We were so punchy that we had tears running down our face.
What do you think is the biggest challenge the natural products industry is facing at this time? Staying true to organic standards is one of the things that concerns me. I am disgusted with big business co-opting a vision that has meant so much to many. I had the pleasure of working on a Board of Directors with Laughing Water 10 years ago and we were so passionate about doing something about genetic engineering. I’ve lost hope on this issue. Mother Nature will finish what we started.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction as the "guiding light" of The Patch? Seeing our staff grow, stretch, go back to school, and move on to bigger things. I am passionate about developing talent. I like to find out what people are really good at and point them in that direction. For instance, our Director of Purchasing began here as a cashier. Also, seeing our customers heal and feel good in our store. And finally, knowing that the store represents something good in our community that positively impacts and touches lives.