Behind the Biz: Ramona Family Naturals

Still sitting in their original space at 642 Main St., Ramona Family Naturals is the only health-food specialty store in town.

The shop has had plans to move into Ramona's former post office building at 6th and D Streets, but "red tape" has currently stalled the move.

Regardless, Ramona Family Naturals is the spot to get all of your healthy grocery needs. The store is family-owned and -operated and supplies Ramona locals with home goods, food and cleaning products that are natural, healthy and safe.

Going gluten-free? Ramona Family Naturals has it. Dying for raw dairy? They've got you covered. Have a need for health supplements? Stop on by.

The Bradley family is ready to serve your home with products and goods to fit an organic lifestyle. See what Robert and Victoria Bradley find challenging owning a biz in Ramona and get a peek of what it's like behind the health biz below.

Patch: What are some of the challenges you've faced? What have you learned from them?

Bradleys: Regulatory red tape. You simply cant build a business without a lot of bureaucratic red tape. We learned that if you take "NO" for an answer, you won't ever get anything done.

Patch: What distinguishes your business from others in the same industry?

Bradleys: Relationship and customer service. Because are a small store, we have the ability to get to know our customers. We know the products they like, we know the challenges they face with diet restrictions or choices which allow us to be able to direct them to the products they would like the most. 

Our customers constantly comment on the great "feel" or "vibe" of our store.  We don't attribute that to our building or products, but to our caring and helpful staff that cares about our customers. 

Patch: What's the best business advice you've been given, and what's your favorite advice to share?

Bradleys: We see our store/business as a ministry to educate people about healthy eating and lifestyle. In that context I heard a great quote that said, "No margin, no ministry". 

Patch: What changes, if any, would you like to see in the local business community?

Bradleys: Sensible rules and regulations. If you are trying to occupy an existing building you should not be required to do major (expensive) reconstruction to bring buildings to current codes as you would if you were building from ground up. 

Additionally, employees of agencies should not be more forth coming about exceptions, not making you become the expert and your water fees should not be based on your "type" of business but based on your consumption of water.