- April 23, 2024
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Nature’s Garden, my grandmother’s health food store, closed March 1, in Ormond Beach, after more than 20 years. In those years, I learned a lot about hard work, family, and how much Sylvia Shield’s customers love her.
As Shields’ cancer treatments began interfering with work in recent months, family and friends pitched in to help. Dozens of customers asked us to send their well wishes to her. It became nearly impossible to remember each message, so we soon started collecting “Cards for Sylvia.”
The stack of cards grew higher by the day, as the loyal clientele shared kind words. One card read, “You are deeply missed, and I can't wait to see your beautiful smile.”
One woman was so moved by the news of Shields’ declining health that she returned an hour later with an assortment of thoughtful goodies: a Care Bear stuffed animal, vitamins, protein drinks.
A few customers brought in bouquets of flowers. Another has been sending her letters in the mail on a regular basis.
As the store closed for good, Shields’ heart was full. I have never seen more people cry in a day’s time than I did while pitching in to work at the store in its final days.
It meant a lot to me, too.
My grandpa taught me how to slow dance next to the banana display when I was a little girl. I will remember the lunches I shared with my grandparents in the back office — my first ever job.
Gene and Sylvia Shields shared more than one business venture over their 35 years together: They ran a motel and several supermarkets across Florida. In 1999, they opened their first and only health food store, Nature’s Garden, at 58 W. Granada Blvd.
Nature’s Garden produced a nostalgic feeling for all who entered. Neon hues surrounded a wide display of the latest vitamins, while the remaining stock remained on shelves behind the cash register.
Posters promoting local events, advertisements and sales were placed meticulously among each of the two doors of the store’s entrance. Glowing fruits and vegetables waited patiently for an eager customer’s attention. Business cards laid comfortably on the counter.
Growing up in a family-run business was a fascinating, wholesome experience. My younger brother, cousin, and I attended Ormond Beach Elementary, located within feet of the store. We would be picked up by either our grandmother or grandfather and spent time with them until our parents picked us up after work. We received help with homework, knowledge of health, fresh snacks, and a lifetime of loving memories in the store.
Customers admired the small-town charm Nature’s Garden offered. The caring, patient owners left them wanting to return.
“From buying the empty building 23 years ago to developing it into a successful health food business for the community to continue to support has been a dream for us,” Sylvia Shields recalled.
In 2016, Gene Shields lost his battle to melanoma, leaving his wife to keep his memory alive in the store.
“I stayed there for six years by myself, which was wonderful for me to carry on, because he loved it so much,” Sylvia Shields recalled. “After Gene passed away, support and love from customers and the community made it easy for me to continue.”
Shields said her husband taught her a great deal about owning a business over the years.
“My husband was an angel in disguise. He was a truly kind, gentle, sweet soul with so much respect,” she said.
Looking back on the time my family and I spent in Nature’s Garden brings back many emotions. My grandpa taught me how to slow dance next to the banana display when I was a little girl. I will remember the lunches I shared with my grandparents in the back office — my first ever job.
My parents, uncle, cousins, and other family members visited the store frequently, and those were some of our greatest times. We laughed, shared funny stories, embraced.
I always will feel the warmth and cheer the store brought me. Nature’s Garden was merely a building, but the people within it created a second home for me.
