About Us

About Us: Nourishing Communities Through Health, Sustainability, and Resilience at Nourish Natural Grocery

At Nourish Natural Grocery, we're more than a mail-order natural grocery store—we're a lifeline for health and wellness, especially in remote and rural areas where access to fresh, organic foods can be a challenge. Founded on the principles of sustainability, community support, and nutritional equity, our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality natural products that promote physical and mental well-being. From our roots in Alaska's rugged landscapes to our nationwide mail-order service, we're committed to addressing food insecurity, enhancing public health, and building resilient food systems. In this post, we'll share our story, our team's journey, and how we're making a difference in healthcare, rural development, mental health, remote food systems, and beyond.

Our Founder's Journey: From Alaska's Shores to Entrepreneurial Impact

Nourish Natural Grocery was born from the vision of our owner and founder, Kyla Westcott, whose entrepreneurship journey is deeply rooted in a lifelong commitment to rural development, nursing, healthcare, and food security. Growing up in Alaska, Kyla experienced firsthand the stark challenges of limited access to fresh, nourishing foods in remote communities. These isolated areas often face harsh weather, logistical barriers, and economic constraints that exacerbate food insecurity, leading to diets heavy in processed goods and light on essential nutrients. This personal insight ignited her passion for improving health outcomes through better nutrition, resiliency, and community empowerment.

Kyla's professional background is as diverse as it is impactful. She began in commercial fisheries in Alaska, where she learned the intricacies of sustainable sourcing and the vital role of local economies in supporting rural livelihoods. This hands-on experience in the seafood industry extended to roles within international seafood supply chains. 

Her work in healthcare has been equally transformative. As a registered nurse, Kyla has held leadership roles in rural Alaska's healthcare systems, directly addressing food insecurity and community wellness. She's witnessed the profound impact of poor nutrition on patient health—contributing to chronic conditions, weakened immune systems, and even mental health struggles like depression and anxiety linked to nutrient deficiencies. In these settings, she advocated for integrative approaches that combine medical care with nutritional support, recognizing that resilient food systems are key to public health. Even as she builds Nourish, Kyla retains her employment as a registered nurse, ensuring her entrepreneurial efforts complement her ongoing dedication to healing and prevention.

For years, Kyla dreamed of opening a natural grocery store to bridge these health and nutrition availability gaps. Becoming an entrepreneur allowed her to extend her impact beyond the bedside, creating a business that provides affordable, accessible, nourishing foods while giving back to her community. A cornerstone of this vision is mail-order service, tailored for remote populations and underserved rural areas where she's seen and experienced food insecurities firsthand. By delivering organic produce, regenerative products, and minimally processed goods directly to doorsteps, we're supporting public health initiatives, reducing barriers to mental health through better nutrition, and fostering resiliency in food systems that withstand climate challenges and supply disruptions.

Meet Our General Manager: Bringing Operational Excellence to the Table

Leading our day-to-day operations is General Manager Josh Bolderson, whose wealth of diverse retail experience ensures Nourish runs smoothly and efficiently. Growing up immersed in the world of retail through his grandparents' beverage stores and a family-owned locksmith and security business, Josh developed an early appreciation for independent operations, customer engagement, and the rhythms of small-business life. His experience provides invaluable knowledge about inventory management,  that align seamlessly with a natural grocery store focused on quality, trust, and community.

Josh's commitment to operational efficiency, supporting local enterprises, and personal passion for health and wellness, aligns seamlessly with our values. He's passionate about creating a secure and welcoming space for customers seeking affordable, organic, and locally-sourced products, while optimizing our mail-order logistics to reach even the most remote areas. Together with Kyla, Josh is dedicated to building resilient supply chains that prioritize rural development and combat food insecurity.

Our Broader Commitment: Tackling Key Challenges Head-On

At Nourish, our work extends into critical areas like healthcare, where we promote foods that support preventive care and recovery. We focus on rural development by partnering with local farmers and fisheries, boosting economies and creating jobs in underserved regions. Resiliency is woven into our operations through sustainable practices that adapt to environmental changes, such as sourcing from regenerative farms that enhance soil health and biodiversity.

Mental health is a priority too— we curate products rich in omega-3s from sustainable commercial fisheries, antioxidants, and whole foods that can help stabilize mood and reduce inflammation. In remote and rural food systems, our mail-order model addresses logistical hurdles, ensuring consistent access to nutrition that combats food insecurity and supports public health. By emphasizing commercial fisheries, we honor Alaska's heritage while promoting eco-friendly sourcing that protects marine ecosystems for future generations.

Looking Forward: Join Us in Building a Healthier World

Nourish Natural Grocery isn't just a store; it's a movement toward equitable, sustainable living. Founded by Kyla's unyielding drive and bolstered by Josh's expertise, we're here to nourish bodies, minds, and communities. Whether you're in a bustling city or a remote Alaskan village, our mail-order service brings wellness to your door. Thank you for being part of our story—together, we're creating lasting change in health, resiliency, and beyond. Stay connected for more insights into our journey!