WEST PLAINS, MO – Jean’s Healthway is the most recent business to graduate from the Ozarks Small Business Incubator’s (OzSBI) affiliate program. The business was purchased by Rachel and Jeff Barry on December 30, 2020. Jean Farbin, the previous owner, started the business in her basement in the late 1970’s and decided it was time to retire after celebrating her 86th birthday.
A registered dietitian, Rachel is invested in the store’s mission, and is excited about expanding its services and offerings. The family’s ownership, in fact, stems from a love of nutrient-dense local foods, and participating in a community garden. That appreciation has grown into living the values of healthy living, and sharing those techniques with others, such as through regenerative agriculture, functional medicine nutrition, natural living and parenting and local community food-sheds.
Jean’s Healthway has been a pillar store in Ava, MO for over forty years. Rachel has been shopping at the store since she is old enough to remember. “We joke that it’s like the “Cheers” of Ava,” she said. “People come and spend an hour grocery shopping when they run into friends or meet new acquaintances with like-minded interests.” Rachel and her family are proud to continue the legacy of Jean’s Healthway. Partnering with their brother and sister-in-law, the Barrys intend to open VanDeli in the next month and a community space upstairs for community groups with other add-ons to come. The shelves and fixtures are getting updated, but the legacy and spirit of the store remains.
When asked about their experience with OzSBI, Rachel replied, “From the very first inquiry call, Heather and her staff and business mentors were very friendly, responsive and attentive to our specific needs. Their frequent check- ins kept us moving forward with attainable goals each month. The resources provided saved hours of time creating them myself. Rental agreements, contract wording, tax information, cash flow sheets; you name it. OzSBI is an invaluable resource to anyone starting a business, wanting to grow a business, or to just ask questions about your current situation. We are so grateful to our mentors, taking time each month to
share their experiences and point us in a direction we may not have even known existed.”
For more information, connect with Jean’s Healthway on Facebook or call the store at 417-683-
3026.
