Dowagiac residents Blanca Martinez and her son, 2010 Union High School graduate Americo, leased Angie Pond’s former Headlines hair salon storefront at 228 S. Front St. for Healthy Style, which sells Herbalife nutritional products.
When Blanca was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago in August, a friend introduced her to the global company.
During her treatment for cancer, she found the Herbalife line such a boost she began selling it from home.
Herbalife, which has helped people pursue healthy, active lives since 1980, has 2.3 million independent distributors in 75 countries.
Protein mixes and food supplements enhance energy and fitness, while also providing appetite control, enhancing digestion and helping manage stress.
Herbalife products do not cure diseases, nor are they a substitute for medical treatment or medications.
Protein shakes and snacks, vitamins and nutritional supplements, energy and fitness drinks, skin and hair care products, combined with healthy eating and exercise, contribute to a healthy, active life.
The business is open daily from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 8 p.m.
“The Martinez family has been looking at storefronts with me for a couple of years,” said Vickie Phillipson, Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority program director. “We’re glad it worked out for you after a very long search.”
Healthy Style is across the street from the new Council on Aging satellite senior center and City Hall and next to Curves.
Assistant City Manager Rozanne Scherr and city Treasurer Robin Coffey mixed it up.
Rose combined berry and the pineapple of pina colada, while Robin’s smooth shake blended cookies and cream with chocolate, which comes in mint as well as Dutch.
Americo, one of four children along with Adrian, Andrea and Alejandro, said Herbalife also offers soups.
“I’ve been here 19 years,” said Americo, who attended Southwestern Michigan College after DUHS.
With two back-to-back ribbon-cuttings April 4, “It’s a good day in the neighborhood,” Phillipson said.