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Established in 1989, Debra's Natural Gourmet is a natural products store located in West Concord, Mass. National television shows like “20/20” have featured Debra’s Natural Gourmet, and Inc. Magazine selected Debra’s Natural Gourmet as one of the five home-town powerhouse businesses.
Often asked to speak about food and its connection to health, Debra Stark, founder and CEO of Debra's Natural Groumet, is the author of three cookbooks, the last called "Blue Ribbon Edition; from our kitchen to yours."
Most recently, she launched "Eat Well Be Happy," a cooking show airing in 240 markets around the country, streaming on her store’s website and on the websites of independent natural product stores from coast to coast.
Delicious Living caught up with Debra to get an insider's view of life as a natural products mogul.
Delicious Living: What’s your life motto?
Debra Stark: What else but “Eat Well Be Happy!”? 
DL: If you could choose one person to share a kombucha with, who would it be and why?
DS: Ray Mong, a local farmer because he’s the salt of the earth and grows food.
DL: What is something that makes you smile?
DS: Having good friends sitting around my dining table. Laughter, discussion about politics, religion and sex!
DL: What do shoppers love about your store?
DS: That it smells like sugar and spice and all things nice. It reminds one of home, comfort, joy and best friends.
DL: What’s the most asked about product in your store?
DS: Hemp seeds. We reassure people that they should be eaten, not smoked!
DL: What has changed the most since you started Debra’s Natural Gourmet?
DS: The number of people coming through the doors with allergies has exploded.
DL: What’s the best part about owning a natural product store?
DS: Getting to know our customers, our staff, our vendors, our farmers.
DL: What is a staple of your own diet?
DS: The good fats – I try and eat an avocado each day. [I] love ‘em.
DL: If you could have only one healthy snack for the rest of your life, what would it be?
DS: Hmmm. Not worrying about calories? Pistachios by the pound.
