Meet Zachary Morehouse | Entrepreneurial & Community Wellness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Morehouse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
With years of retail experience in both big and small box stores, including HR roles, my mom, Margaret(Dee) Morehouse, and I share a passion for entrepreneurship. Together, we’ve honed our skills in building efficient processes and nurturing talent, which led us to launch our own business. Seizing an opportunity, we acquired a 26-year-old local health food store, aligning with the growing interest in natural wellness during the pandemic.

Since taking over, Dee and I have focused on maintaining the store’s essence while expanding products and engaging customers through platforms like TikTok. Our joint efforts and commitment to quality have driven a 79.9% sales increase in the first year. We plan to further integrate into the community with potential offerings like a cafe and naturopathic consulting.

Our journey, marked by adaptability, quality, and community focus, is a testament to Dee’s and my shared dedication. As we grow, we aim to be more than a business, becoming a hub for wellness and community empowerment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been a blend of corporate roles and entrepreneurship, starting with over six years at Target in Brunswick, Georgia, where I advanced in management. This laid the foundation for my leadership and operational skills.

I then served as an HR Manager at Winn Dixie for three years, deepening my understanding of HR and workplace culture. My move to South Carolina as a business advisor sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the expansion of a local brand.

Back in Georgia, I launched my own venture but faced challenges due to the pandemic. I later managed a Hallmark store in Northern Virginia and worked as an implementation manager for a staffing company in Georgia.

Passionate about small box retail and natural health, I co-own Act Natural with my mother, Dee Morehouse. Together, we enhance our store and community by promoting health and wellness through education and research.

My career highlights resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to community well-being. I’m dedicated to empowering individuals with knowledge and personalized guidance on their wellness journey.

I’m excited to share a new initiative I’m co-launching: INHLP (Independent Natural Health and Living Project). Together with Raelynn Bandy and Christi Bandy-Willard, we’re forming this non-profit organization to champion transformative health reform.

Our mission with INHLP is clear, to spearhead transformative health reform for independent vitality and empowering, guiding others to discover alternative healthcare solutions. We prioritize empowering individuals to make informed choices, advocating for accessible supplements and alternative treatments. Through education and support, we strive to foster independence, vitality, and empowerment for all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida is drenched in history, which is what I really enjoy. The list could go for days but these would all be on our trips itinerary for my friends and family.

Visit St. Augustine, Florida: Explore the oldest city in the United States and wander through its historic streets lined with Spanish colonial architecture. Don’t miss landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, the Lightner Museum, and Flagler College.

Discover Jekyll Island, Georgia: Explore our barrier island’s rich history as a winter retreat for the wealthy during the Gilded Age. Visit the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District, wander through the historic cottages, and learn about the island’s conservation efforts at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Indulge in the unique flavors of our region by dining at Southern Soul, Half Shell, Riverside Cafe and Tortuga Jacks. Enjoy Southern classics like shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, and fried green tomatoes,

Explore Amelia Island, Florida: Wander through Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown, filled with Victorian-era architecture and charming boutiques. Visit the Amelia Island Museum of History to learn about the island’s fascinating past, including its ties to pirates and the Gilded Age elite.

Visit Fort Frederica National Monument: Explore the remains of this 18th-century British colonial fort on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Learn about the fort’s role in the colonial history of the area and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Take a Ghost Tour: Experience the spooky side of the region with a guided ghost tour. Savannah and St. Augustine are both known for their haunted history, and evening tours offer a unique perspective on the area’s past.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Life’s essence lies in the fabric of our experiences and the connections we forge. I’d like to recognize: my mother, Dee Morehouse, for embarking on this business venture alongside me; to my unwavering supportive spouse, Christopher Beale; to my siblings, whose laughter has lightened even the toughest times; and to dear friend Alana Clark, whose presence in my life is a blessing beyond measure.

Website: www.actnaturalhealthfoods.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057228648813

Other: shopify: https://actnaturalhealthfoods.myshopify.com