Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2007)
vernonia’s voice community december 09 2007 Cornerstone Naturals- It’s All in the Family By Scott Laird Walking into Cornerstone Naturals in Vernonia is like walking into a mix of a museum and a health food store. Dennis and Marilyn Nix have always been in- terested in antiques and collectibles. And that’s one of the reasons they opened their shop, Etcetera, in Vernonia over five years ago. Recently they changed the name of the store to Cornerstone Naturals and have added natural health prod- ucts like vitamins, essential oils, creams, and soaps, natural pet products, and bulk spices and teas to their mix of furniture, books, clothing, house wares and gift items. The change in focus is based on a higher demand for healthy products and the family’s commitment to looking for healthier ways to live. “We were forced to make serious changes,” said Dennis. “Fifteen years ago I was given five years to live because of extreme hypertension and an enlarged heart. We worked at changing our diet and cooking patterns, started taking vita- mins, and cut out sugar. I also slowed down and began appreciating and enjoy- ing my family and especially my wife. And I’m still here.” Marilyn also has a life style change story in her background. Marilyn grew up in Chapman on one acre where her family grew a lot of their own food, hauling buckets from Scappoose Creek for water. Marilyn’s father was diagnosed with a heart condition, followed recommended diet and other changes, and is still alive in his eighties. “We have seven children and can’t afford to be run- ning to the doctor all the time,” said Marilyn. “We had to look for alternative care options and healthier ways to live. Our kids drink tea and take vita- mins. When our family gets a bug, we tend to pass things on from one to the next, but when our kids do get sick, they don’t stay sick as long.” So it made sense to start selling healthy life style items in the store. “We started offering the bulk teas and spices, and peo- ple began requesting more healthy items,” said Marilyn. “We saw a growing need.” Dennis and Marilyn started their own business when they started selling baby clothes on Ebay after their youngest, Bethany, outgrew them. Then they inher- ited Dennis’ mother’s estate when she passed away and brought her things up from California. “We didn’t have room for everything,” says Marilyn, “so we opened a shop.” Dennis and Marilyn have a unique philosophy about selling. “We don’t think cutthroat business is good. We tend to look at things differently than most peo- ple,” explained Dennis. “We went from pretty well off to literally homeless a while ago which changes your perspective and what you consider important.” “With our consumable items, we try to find the best quality products and price them fairly,” added Dennis. “We look for the good stuff, including certified or- ganic spices and quality essential oils and fragrances.” “We don’t want a thrift store,” said Marilyn. “Any clothing we sell has been laundered, the stains removed and even ironed. I want things to be clean and presentable.” VERNONIA INN Quality & comfort at affordable rates All of the Nix children are involved, or have been, in helping run the family business. The two oldest children, Esther, 19, who is married and lives in California, and Nathan, 18, who works at Photo Solu- tions in Vernonia, have worked in the shop in the past. Abby, 16, and Han- nah, 14, make jewelry to sell, mind the store and help decorate. Rachel, 10, Sar- ah, 7, and even Bethany, 5, help dust, sweep, decorate, price items, and clean win- dows. “The kids are home schooled,” says Marilyn, “and after school they can work. Each is finding their own creative niche and of- fering their ideas.” “Those local handmade items we sell are going to be the collectables of tomor- row,” said Dennis. “We have had good support from the community,” said Marilyn. “We have a good faithful following of local people who come in and shop on a regular basis. We are increasing our internet sales and have an active website now. We work hard to make things attractive and interesting. Because this is a bedroom com- munity with lots of commuters, we tend to stay open later and on holidays so locals can shop here.” “Since Stub Stewart Park opened we have seen our foot traffic triple,” added Dennis. “I think the park is going to change this town.” For the Nix Family and Cornerstone Naturals, change seems to be a good thing. $ Bucks $ Holiday It’s “Holiday Bucks” time again in Vernonia! $ Promo- tion runs from Friday, November 16th to Saturday, $ December 15th, and is open to all ages. $ $ $ Purchase $50 in merchandise* from any of the following $ $ $ $ businesses, fill out your $ $ $ Holiday $ Bucks card, and enter $ $ $ $ to win! $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Combined purchases accepted. Purchases in increments of $5 each. See stores for details. $ $ Annabelle Antiques & Truffles Barlow Bikes & Boards BITs & PCs Black Bear Coffee Company, LLC Buckleberry Cottage Café 47 City of Vernonia Creative Memories Ind. Consultant Norina Abeyta Creatures & Flowers Friends of the Library Grey Dawn Gallery Jazzercise Karmel's Flower Patch Muffy’s Enterprises New Day Massage & Bodyworks Out on a Limb $ $ $ $ Pretty Gifts & Things Sunday’s Best The Buckhorn Restaurant & General Store The Clever Cricket The Independent, LLC True Value Hardware US Bank, Vernonia U.S. Post Office, Vernonia V&V Leathers Vernonia Community Learning Center Vernonia Hardware & Supply, LLC Vernonia Realty & Insurance Center Vernonia Senior Center Vernonia Sentry Market Wauna Federal Credit Union, Vernonia West Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc. The Vernonia Country Kitchen & Pizza (On Bridge Street across from the High School) Open 7 days a week 7am to 8pm Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Pizza Parlour - We deliver! Call 503-429-6523 503-429-4006 Suite with hot tub & private deck Individual entrances, TVs Rooms with hot tubs www.vernoniainn.com Continental Breakfast Handicapped Access Non-smoking rooms Home of the famous "Skidder Hamburger", "Tower Burger", "Logger Burger" and "Chili Burger"! Also known for our Milkshakes and Pastries!