STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 28
M A R K E T S
Locally sourced food for cleaner living
As a 30-year veteran of the beauty industry, I ' ve seen hundreds of trends and fads come and go over the past three decades. There hasn ' t been one with as much traction as the holistic health and wellness movement, and I do believe that this mindset and way of living are here to stay.
In a post-pandemic world, we ' ve seen many people seeking a more holistic lifestyle and implementing alternative ways to treat our bodies. So, what does that mean exactly? There are many forms of holistic medicine, including some that combine traditional Western medical techniques with alternative treatments. I ' m a firm believer in acupuncture and cupping as natural modalities for healing the body.
There are many ways to nourish your body that have nothing to do with dieting. After years of battling an autoimmune disorder with little help or comfort from the medical community, Jen Birchfield decided to take matters into her own hands. She started researching ways to use plants and whole foods as medicine. Our ancestors used these methods to treat and even cure their ailments long before pharmaceuticals were invented. Jen did the legwork and was ready to go off the grid and start homesteading, but she had to be realistic with her wants and her family ' s needs.
Channeling her energy into a business plan, Jen attended the Chamber of Commerce ' s Small Business University in 2024 and ended up giving the winning presentation. With several items checked off of her list, her goal of opening a market was within reach. Jen didn ' t want to create just another health food store. Her vision is to have a storefront with locally sourced fresh produce on a daily
basis, not to compete with our local Farmers Market, but to expand on it. She hopes to carry an array of grass-fed, grass-finished meats while also educating consumers on the way our food is sourced and harvested.
" We’ re building a space where local farmers, producers, and makers get the spotlight,” Birchfield said.“ A place where sustainability is a part of everyday life, not just a trend."
The Local Source Market will also offer refillable dry goods and sustainable products while supporting local producers and eco-friendly living in Stillwater and our surrounding communities. Follow The Local Source Market on their social media pages for behind-the-scenes content and announcements as Jen prepares to open to the public this Fall.
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STORY BY: JENNIFER JALBERT Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTO PROVIDED
Jen Birchfield is opening The Local Source Market at 205 W. Ninth in Stillwater
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 28