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Mother’s Day Stories From 3 Healthy Living Moms

When I started Healthy Living almost 40 years ago, I was the only mom on board. Now, my kids are grown and have kids of their own, and we have an expanding group of moms on staff. And what a group they are! Dedicated, excited, busy, sometimes overloaded, but always full of love. Their stories inspire me every day, so I wanted to share a few of them with you.

MOMS SECTION:

Name: Chelsea Piazza Willsey

Title: Director of Human Resources

I was living in Burlington in 2016, and I had fallen in love with the experience of shopping at Healthy Living. I looked forward to physically being in the store. Even if I just grabbed a coffee and one other item, I was searching for excuses to go in! I figured, why not be a part of a company that can create that feeling?

Healthy Living has been an incredible place to become a mom. The owners are all parents themselves and completely understand the life of a working mom and emphasize that our kids come first. 

They even supported me through the process of donating a kidney to my brother last year. I was a mom with 2 kids under 5 (the youngest not even a year old) with a career I care deeply about. Plus, I had just taken maternity leave. 

The decision to donate an organ is overwhelming, requiring a lot of testing, appointments, and time off for surgery itself. It was amazing knowing Healthy Living was there for me and wanted to help me through it. I could not have done that for my brother if it weren’t for having a supportive employer. 

Kids’ Favorite Product: Pink Jellycat Bunny

That bunny has become a part of my family. Wherever my daughter goes, bunny must be with her!

Name: Jessica Breslin

Title: Assistant General Manager, Williston

I started shopping at Healthy Living when my family moved to Vermont in 2020. I fell in love with the store and knew it was the place that I wanted to work! I’ve been with the company now for over a year and a half. I started out in Customer Service and just recently accepted a promotion to Assistant General Manager. Being a mom has definitely made me a better leader. 

I’m so grateful to work with a team of people dedicated to supporting everyone in our store, guests and staff alike. It makes it easier to be away from my kids when I can go to a job that I love. 

Kids’ Favorite Product: Made Good Soft Baked Mini Cookies 

My kids just love these mini cookies!

Name: Amanda Bradley

Title: Wellness Category Manager

I’ve truly grown up with this company—I started as a 20-year-old looking for her place in the world and have found that and much more. A company that shared my values, lifelong friends, great mentors, and a career! I got married and became a mom all while working here, and I’m truly grateful for my HL village and the support they’ve provided.

Working here has shaped who I am as a parent and how I make decisions on what’s right for myself and my family. Starting here as young as I did paved the way for a healthier lifestyle, shined a light on things I hadn’t really had to think about before, and truly taught me the importance of paying attention to what we are putting on and, in our bodies, well before I had my son.

I make healthy eating a priority and have since day one, and now I have a 4.5-year-old who asks for Brussels sprouts! We love knowing where our food comes from and cooking that food together. HL makes it easy.

Kids’ Favorite Product: Weleda Baby 2-in-1 Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash

Only bath product we’ve ever used. We LOVE it!

 I told you they were inspiring stories! Getting to know our friendly, passionate staff and watch them blossom is one of the things I cherish most about Healthy Living. When you’re doing something you love, surrounded by the warmest coworkers who are like family (and some are literally family!), every day feels like Mother’s Day.