I couldn't help but notice the new Ellie's Fusions floral sign swinging in the breeze as I walked down historic Mainstreet and through the quaint French doors into a culinary delight. Tall, shiny spouted canisters lined the shelves, offering a wide variety of custom olive oils and balsamic vinegars, including Chimichurri Verde Oil, Portuguese Lemon Oil, Rosemary and Olive Smoked oils, Peach White Balsamic, Coconut White Balsamic, Pomegranate Balsamic, and other robust flavors unique to owner Lynae Walker's storefront.
"I order these products directly from my vendor, Veronica Foods, in Tanzania. They work with smaller producers in that region," Lynae says. The purity is unmatched in a largely unregulated olive oil industry.
"I purchase both infused and fused products. Fused means that the olives and lemons, for example, are crushed together. Infused ones are made with an olive oil base and added ingredients like garlic and other botanicals. The flavors of the infused are extracted into the oil base," she explains. Balsamics are produced in the same way.
Lynae promotes her products for cooking and also for the health benefits, which include heart health, inflammation, digestion, skin, and mental health. Lynae has been trained in Functional Nutrition, which serves her clients well. Customers are encouraged to sample the many options as she explains the origins and benefits of the oils and vinegars.
I would have never guessed that soft-spoken Lynae's career journey has been as varied as her products. She has been a helicopter pilot and has worked in banking, emergency veterinary medicine, legal mediation for the vulnerable, and functional nutrition. She is now a small-business owner!
"This is the most fun for me because I don't have to follow any medical or legal protocol. This is mine, and I can create and design things. I can also help people, which is the best part of it all," she shares. Her desire to serve and care for people runs through her entire career, and her business was born out of that motivation. Just visit her exceptional store, and you will experience that as she guides you through it.
Each oil and vinegar is fresh from the tap and slowly poured into one of her tall-necked green bottles, which you can refill later at a discount. Ellie's also stocks custom spice blends, body products, and other gift options.
Come in and enjoy the shopping experience at Ellie's.
"Whether you're here for the health tips, the inspiration, or the magic of intentional nourishment, you belong at this table," Lynae says.
Visit elliesfusions.com to find out more about this extraordinary business.