The Chemist of Columbia, located at 908 Mississippi 13 S., may be new to the area but has a lot of local experience and will soon become a fixture in Marion County.
Partners Shantelle and Alexandra Williams, who are also mother and daughter, saw a need in the area for a wellness shop and pharmacy. Shantelle, a pharmacist, and Alex, a nutrition consultant and certified pharmacy technician, are joined on the staff by Rowena Dyess, certified pharmacy technician, and Zaquoria Jefferson, marketing representative.
Shantelle moved to Columbia last year to work for Winn-Dixie, but when the grocery store closed she didn’t want to leave Columbia because she loves how nice the people are. When the building next to Rajun Cajun became available, they pounced on the opportunity.
“We’ve always been focused on healthy eating. We’re big believers in nutrition being the basis for disease,” Shantelle said. “A lot of illnesses stem from your diet and a lack of nutrients in the diet. In our fast-paced world, it’s really hard to eat right. We do some organic gardening at home to make sure we’re getting fresh vegetables when they’re in season. It’s just the way we’ve lived for a while. We also have this product line, Standard Process, and I was introduced to them by a physician 20 years ago and have used them ever since. I definitely wanted to carry some good whole food supplements like that because that was an area that was lacking in Columbia. Our customers have really taught us a lot since we opened about what they want and the research they’re reading.”
The Chemist has a wide variety of supplements but is also a full-service pharmacy and sells smoothies.
“There’s certainly a place for traditional prescription medicine, and that is our main business,” Shantelle said. “We also have smoothies. We were going to go with fresh pressed juice, but our customers responded more to the smoothies. I’m really surprised that people have responded as well as they do. We have about 12 different smoothies on the regular menu. The menu does change some as the produce come in and out of season. We have a special every day, and it’s a dollar off the regular price.”
Shantelle said that being able to assist customers in improving their daily lives is gratifying.
“Helping people feel better,” she said. “When we can make a difference when they come in with a problem, whether they can’t sleep or having anxiety, and we can educate them with some herbal remedies and they come back smiling and thanking us for the help, that is very rewarding.”
Many Marion Countians haven’t had the option to shop locally for supplements, but now they don’t have to take a 30-mile trip.
“If there’s something that you’re looking for that you’re having to go to Hattiesburg to find, please come in and let us know,” Shantelle said. “We learn so much from our customers and will do our best to get anybody anything they need as far as nutritional and herbal supplements, homeopathic remedies and products that are whole food based.”
Going forward, Shantelle said she would like to be able to educate more people about what their bodies need.
“We would actually like to see more of these in areas where there is a need. I’m more drawn to smaller towns. Educating people in nutrition and finding new ways to incorporate healthy foods so that they taste good,” Shantelle said of her goals. “You have a lot of people working two or three jobs, and it’s very hard to put fresh vegetables on the table. We’re just trying to make it easier for people to eat right. The foundation with whole food supplements does help a lot with your energy levels and avoiding illness. The supplements are an easy way to add those ingredients to your diet.”
The Chemist also plans to be able to assist its customers beyond the store.
“We plan to offer delivery within three to five miles,” she said. “We haven’t really started it, but for special needs we’ve delivered to somebody in Lumberton just for someone that wasn’t able to make it out. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get people what they need.”
The Chemist opened its doors in the beginning of August, but will have its ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. The following day, Dec. 9, will officially be the grand opening where The Chemist will hold a drawing for a new TV — the drawing will be from prescription number, but customers can also enter by beginning a supplement plan — have separate drawings for other prizes such as gift certificates and will offer free food and smoothies to attendees.
The Chemist is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday and can be reached by phone at (601) 736-0550, at chemistofcolumbia.com and on Facebook.
Pictured Above: The Chemist staff consists of, from left, Alexandra Williams, Rowena Dyess, Shantelle Williams and Zaquoria Jefferson. | Photo Submitted
