Healthsmart opens in Glen Mills

Posted by Emily Myers on November 13, 2015

Jennifer and Gary Blankenship serve samples to customers during the opening of their new natural product store

When Gary Blankenship built the house for Randy Mullens, he had little idea that the construction would lead to a whole new career in another part of the country for him and for his family. Blankenship and his wife officially opened their new Healthsmart store at 1810 Wilmington Pike in Glen Mills Thursday November 11. Jack Kinsley from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce came out to cut the ribbon.

The story starts, however, in West Virginia when Blankenship worked as a general contractor and became friends with his client as he built the house. Mullens was building a business to sell natural products to promote health. Healthsmart LLC grew to have franchised outlets in West Virginia, South Carolina and now Pennsylvania.

Jennifer and Gary Blankenship decided they had to move to Pennsylvania to be near Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia because of the many surgical procedures one of their children required. So they decided to move but to bring a little West Virginia with them.

Camera shy Gary Brandon Blankenship III at the store register

On the grand opening day, three generations of Blankenships were in the store. Gary’s mother Janet, Jennifer and Gary, and their children. Gary Brandon Blankenship III is pictured at the cash register.

According to Jennifer Blankenship, one of the most popular items is fish oil supplements. The flavored fish oils taste “almost like candy.”

Another popular item is a mister to which scents can be added. Upon entering the store, a very subtle lavender scent creates a comfortable ambiance. There are many scents available including Frankencense and Myrrh.

The products include natural vitamins and supplements, products for weight loss, digestion and cleansing, homeopathic medicine, essential oils and aromatherapy, sports nutrition, alkalinized water, probiotics, gluten free and non-GMO foods, grass fed beef and premium beauty products. A full list of their products is on the website http://www.healthsmartwv.com/products.html

The store front is in the same Keystone Plaza where Pescatores Restaurant is located. The Blankenships have been connecting to the business community. A testimony to their products was given recently by Gene Yanek at a meeting of Neighbors in Business. Yanek tried the “Raw Energy Nut Mix” and said he could feel a difference in his energy level.

Heathsmart is planning two educational events in November. The first is a Nordic Natural demonstration and sampling on Saturday, November 14 with special pricing. On November 18, Healthsmart is hosting a Digestive Health for the Holidays seminar from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. featuring health educator, Michael Hennessey.

Every Monday is Senior Day. Customers over 55 receive a 10% discount.

The store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.