Learning before leading: Sandra Wiest navigates ownership of The Healthy Bug as an industry newcomer
By Taryl Stelmaschuk and Vibha Shukla
The Healthy Bug, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been the heart of its thriving natural health community for more than 20 years. But after owning the store for more than two decades, founder Lou Liberatore decided it was time for the store to enter a new era with a new owner. Enter Sandra Wiest.
Opportunity knocks
When Sandra bought The Healthy Bug in 2024, she had no experience in the natural health industry; in fact, she came from a corporate background. But what she did have was a dream of owning her own business. “I had a strong desire to work for myself. Back in 2010, my husband and I had started the process of purchasing a similar business.” Though that opportunity didn’t pan out, Sandra explains, “the interest never really went away.”
So, when Lou was ready to hand off The Healthy Bug, Sandra jumped at the opportunity, fully aware that she had big shoes to fill. “It was his baby, his passion, a store he had built over 20 years of sweat equity.” Luckily for Lou, Sandra was just as enthusiastic from the start. “Honestly, I fell in love with ‘The Bug’ on day one.”
A hands-on approach
Aware of her newcomer status, Lou and Sandra agreed on a novel approach to make the transfer as smooth as possible. “For the six months prior, I worked at The Healthy Bug, basically pro bono. It allowed me to be involved in all aspects of the business [and] build relationships with the staff, customers, and vendors long before actually getting the keys.”
This extended handover period offered major benefits. Lou helped Sandra establish a bond with the staff and the tight-knit community and develop a deep understanding of The Healthy Bug’s operations—from inventory and product knowledge to bookkeeping and long-term planning. “When you purchase a business, the discussion is about assets, inventory, goodwill, etc.” But with Lou’s focus on long-term support and community building, Sandra learned so much more.
When Sandra eventually took over, she found that she had another invaluable asset. “For us, the true value came in the staff,” she shares. “I was blessed to have inherited a staff with so much knowledge—I have never met three more passionate and dedicated women. They come to work every day focused on making their community healthier and happier.” The Healthy Bug’s staff played a crucial role in making the transition to ownership smoother and far less daunting for Sandra. “I have learned so much,” she notes. “Annette, Laura, and Summer each bring a vast wealth of knowledge, along with their own unique perspectives and strengths. I am truly grateful for them." (While Annette has since moved on from The Healthy Bug, her contributions were greatly valued. Rayne has since joined the team and has been a welcome addition.)
Now that two years have passed, Sandra still credits her team for The Healthy Bug’s continuing success. “I think there is a fantastic balance with our team—we lean on each other, support each other, and I think that anyone walking through the door can feel that supportive, nurturing vibe. And that only adds to the overall experience in positive ways.”
Slow and steady
When taking over a business, it can be tempting to make immediate changes. By the time Sandra took over the ownership of The Healthy Bug, it already had a strong foundation and legacy. Though there was no dire need for a shake-up, Sandra still wanted to make it her own.
To navigate this delicate balance, she followed a steady and measured course. “The first year was about seeking to understand before implementing a whole lot of change. [I wanted] to protect the store’s identity, be respectful of what Lou and the staff had built, and at the same time, try to bring in new customers. That takes time, information, and patience.”
One key area that was important to Sandra? Ensuring that her team had room to grow and flourish. “I have always tried to be a servant leader. [I’m always thinking] how can I help my staff and our customers.” Sandra knew that investing in her staff’s growth would be essential to taking The Healthy Bug to the next level. “The first step is to understand each team member’s individual personalities and then help them use those strengths, while also working on areas where they may be less experienced. Part of my role is helping them develop stronger business acumen. I think leadership is maybe not the right term for me, I like mentorship better.”
Sandra has implemented other changes, too. Drawing inspiration from its values, The Healthy Bug fosters a supportive and inclusive environment by hosting events that draw in community members, such as their weekly Senior’s Day and Mad Monday sale events.
Rolling with the punches
Though the support and guidance from Lou and The Healthy Bug’s team never wavered, Sandra still had to navigate a steep learning curve. For one, operating out of Nova Scotia posed unique challenges. While there are suppliers and distribution channels across Canada, a majority of them are concentrated in the west, leaving the East Coast retailers feeling somewhat isolated and working within fragmented supply network. “Sometimes it feels like we are on a supply chain island here in Nova Scotia,” Sandra explained. This challenge is even more pronounced during busy periods, when they are preparing for monthly events, restocking fast-moving products, or sourcing specific items that customers are looking for. “It definitely influences how you operate.” For an independent retailer like Sandra, thinking strategically and being more intentional with inventory management is vital since “Every dollar matters and you don’t want a lot of money tied up in inventory that’s ‘on the road,’” she explains.
This geographic disadvantage has reinforced Sandra’s commitment to building stronger relationships with her customers. “When they come in for something that’s not in stock, you both depend on that relationship and it really comes down to trust—they know we’ll get it in, and we know that they’ll be patient.”
For Sandra, the support around her is essential in facing hiccups head-on. “That’s the keyword: community!
“It’s not easy every day; there can be many challenges, some even have you questioning your decisions.” Her passion for natural health also gets her through. And when in doubt, Sandra can always look towards the thing that matters most to her: helping people live healthier lives. “You have those days where you get feedback from someone you’ve helped and the impact that was made, and all the negative things just drop away.”
Building bridges
Beyond her local support system, Sandra has another community that helps bridge the gap to her island: The Health First Network (HFN). “This is a unique industry. So many supportive people, people willing to mentor,” says Sandra. “Right from the very start, [I] felt that [HFN] was invested in [my] success.”
HFN’s tools have been pivotal in The Healthy Bug’s latest chapter. “From the AGM and the mentor program to warehouse product availability and beyond, you feel that you have someone in your corner.” HFN also introduced Sandra to other key players in the Canadian natural health industry. “It’s amazing the connections that are here and how all these health and wellness businesses support each other. This aspect makes [running a business] a lot less intimidating. I am sure many, if not all, in the network feel that same way. You can’t put a price on connections.”
While natural health retailers are working to build sustainable businesses and support their employees and customers, Sandra notes that this industry is “bigger than that,” with a deeper sense of shared purpose, something that is felt not only among business owners, but also by customers themselves.
From newcomer to seasoned entrepreneur
As an industry outsider, taking the plunge to purchase The Healthy Bug felt like a massive undertaking for Sandra. Now, two years on, she feels that she has found her footing. And for anyone else looking to follow her path, she has some sage advice. “Spend as much time as you can in the store, learn the systems, gain as much product knowledge as you can, build relationships with the staff and the customers. Be a sponge.” In her view, becoming a store owner is more than just taking on a business; it’s also about investing in yourself, your passion, and your future.
The time spent shadowing Lou in the business gave Sandra insights that she doesn’t believe she would have gleaned any other way. “Any time and sweat equity invested upfront pays off huge when becoming an owner-operator,” she reflects.
If you ask Sandra what the biggest asset she, or any other natural health rookie, could have, she’ll tell you that it’s sincere enthusiasm. “Helping people with personal challenges is amazing, and there’s no doubt that if that’s what gets you up every morning, it can overcome limited experience. You can learn the products; you can’t learn passion or purpose.”
Sandra feels truly blessed to own The Healthy Bug and to be part of her customers’ health and wellness journey. As she looks to the future, she is excited to continue growing alongside the community. “We are really looking forward to seeing what comes next for the Healthy Bug.”