Abby's Helps Customers Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Years ago, a medical illustrator had a vision, 2,000 square feet to fill and a passion for helping people get healthy naturally. So, she diligently gathered a team, surrounding herself with people who lived a healthy lifestyle.

In 1997, Abby Sayler founded , offering vitamins and organic groceries.

Two short years later, she moved to 14374 N. Dale Mabry, where she has expanded twice and has been a thriving Carrollwood landmark for the last 13 years.

Patch sat down with Victor Karydis, Abby’s general manager, to see how Abbey’s has managed such longevity.

Patch: What makes Abby’s different from the competition?

Karydis: Our mission is to empower and educate the consumer about products. We are strict about the products we carry, the origins, the quality, firm on non-GMO (genetically-modified organism), organic whenever possible and to provide high quality at a fair price.

Patch: What types of products does Abby’s offer?

Karydis: We are a full-service store. We have organic produce, vitamins, supplements, health and beauty, bulk foods, some beer and wine, raw foods, and gluten-free. We also have deli with vegetarian, gluten free and raw foods.

Patch: If you had to pick, what is your favorite deli item?

Karydis: The spinach pie is my favorite.

Patch: Do your employees go through training or did you just luck out with incredibly knowledgeable staff?

Karydis: We do training, but our employees have a passion for the industry; they live the lifestyle.

Patch: I saw a sign up board up front. What are some of the types  of reoccuring monthly classes that Abby’s offer?

Karydis: We have Raw Foods, Vegetarian Cooking, Abby’s seminar monthly– all are free. All of our classes help educate and teach our
customers.

Patch: Do you do any special events?

Karydis: Actually, we have two main events coming up. On May 19 from 10 a.m. to 4.pm, we have our customer appreciation day. Customers can sample foods from different vendors and from our deli. They can get educated from different vendors and get samples of supplements and vitamins. We will be having a spinal dermal screening, blood screening analysis, a massage therapist, not to mention our raffles and
giveaways.

Patch:  Abby’s has been the one source for Carrollwood. How do you feel about Whole Foods coming in later this year?

Karydis: Whole Foods is much larger and their variety is different than ours.

More people will be aware of healthy choices and together, we can educate more people to stay healthier.

Patch: What do you like best about working for Abby’s?

Karydis: I know that I am making a difference in someone’s life. This is a rewarding industry. You can offer something to someone that can change their life forever.

To learn more about Abby’s Health and Nutrition, visit www.abbyshealthandnutrition.com.