A spotlight on the best of our industry’s women: Interview with Tawnya Ritco
By Ellen Wheeler
CNHR is pleased to present “In Her Own Words,” a column that introduces you to outstanding female leaders and innovators in our natural health community each issue.
The column is led by Ellen Wheeler, vice president of partnerships for Alive Publishing Group and associate publisher of CNHR.
In this column, Ellen introduces you to Tawnya Ritco. Tawnya Ritco, RHN, is director of marketing at Health First Network. With over 20 years in natural health, she leads initiatives that empower independent retailers and strengthen healthier communities across Canada.
ELLEN: We have worked together since your time at Purica. Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to join Health First Network?
TAWNYA: Yes, that’s true, we have! Health First Network was already familiar to me, and I’d long admired their mission to support the grassroots of the natural health industry—the people and stores who educate customers, shape the industry, and truly inspire me. When an opportunity arose, it felt like the right fit to join the organization that champions these values.
ELLEN: What are some of the challenges of working for a not-for-profit organization?
TAWNYA: There are certainly challenges, although those are outweighed by meaningful opportunities. We operate with tighter budgets than for-profit companies, so every dollar must deliver value for our members. That means working with our vendor partners, getting creative with marketing, and focusing on projects that will make the biggest difference. Even if something could be lucrative, if it doesn’t align with our mission and values, we don’t pursue it.
Because we’re member-driven, decision making often involves multiple stakeholders and balancing diverse needs. What works for one store or region may not work for another. Timelines can be longer because of the important consultation process, and as a lean team, some of us wear multiple hats. That can be energizing, but it also calls for strong collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on the bigger picture.
We’re always looking for ways to maximize our resources and improve efficiencies to better support our members. At the heart of it, our work is about strengthening independent natural health retailers in their local communities. I’ve never met a more passionate group of people!
ELLEN: Marketing and vendor relations are both central to Health First’s model. How do these areas complement each other in creating value for members and vendor partners?
TAWNYA: At Health First, our strength comes from working together. We often describe our network as a three-legged stool: our members, our vendor partners, and our team at Health First. Each one is essential, and it’s the collective strength of all three that allows us to be stronger together. By collaborating closely, marketing and vendor relations help create opportunities that support members, give vendors meaningful visibility, and bring the network together through shared initiatives. That collective strength not only creates value today but also helps build a stronger future for independent natural health retailers across Canada.
ELLEN: You are a remote employee living in a different province from head office—what are some of the challenges and benefits of this type of role?
TAWNYA: Working remotely is second nature for me now, though it did take a little time to adapt to the time difference and adjust my morning routine. The benefits include saved time on commuting and fewer daily distractions. The challenge is making sure work–life boundaries stay intact, so I have a dedicated workspace and a few habits that help me “switch off” at the end of the day.
While there isn’t an office in the West, being based in Vancouver feels like a natural fit for a national organization. Having said that, I do love any chance to meet in person—those face-to-face moments really strengthen relationships.
ELLEN: How do you manage business travel and being a mom?
TAWNYA: I start with open conversations about where I’m going and what I’ll be doing so my daughter feels involved. She’s almost nine now, so she really understands. We’ve always had an invisible heart string between us, no matter where we are—whether I’m at work, she’s at school, or I’m away.
Before I leave, I prep little notes for her and bring along a special stuffy she gave me, sending her a photo of it when I arrive. We exchange short videos and pictures daily to stay connected. When I’m away, I focus on being present where I am, and when I return, I make time for something special together. I’ll admit … I’ve brought home a few airport stuffies over the years—we’re slowly streamlining that collection!
ELLEN: What has inspired you to stay in the natural health industry over the years?
TAWNYA: My journey into natural health started very personally, managing my own blood sugar and finding proactive ways to support my health. Around the same time, my family was also navigating health challenges, and my parents were very engaged in the industry and supportive. It wasn’t just a career choice; it felt more like a calling.
Becoming a registered holistic nutritionist gave me the tools to deepen my knowledge, but what’s kept me here is the heart of the industry itself. I’ve seen how mindful choices can transform lives, and I’m constantly inspired by the passionate, curious, and committed people I meet. It’s a community where learning never stops, and where we’re all working toward the same goal: better health for everyone.