Community at Interdependence Natural Foods

Suzy Bean has a degree in experiential education and ecopsychology from Prescott College. She has a love for the southwest, the earth, and enjoys all opportunities for healing and human connection. Her professional work centers around health and organic food, and she owns Interdependence Natural Foods in Sedona, AZ. Interdependence Foods offers a wide selection of natural remedies, local and organic foods, and cleanly-crafted body care products.

Interdependence Foods has been part of the Sedona community for many years. What inspired you to take over the business, and what made you feel it was the right next chapter for you?
I had been looking for my calling and had a bit of a “duh” moment one day. I had worked on farms and in health food stores, and always been a part of something like a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, but it hadn’t occurred to me yet that I wanted to have a sweet little shop of my own. I didn’t have any business experience or start up funds at the time, but told the Universe I thought I would be a great candidate should the opportunity come available, and would do it well. Within 6 months, long-time health food store Rinzai’s Market was for sale, and I received an inheritance from my uncle that was enough to just about cover the down payment. I had the moral support from family and those around me, and Sedona rolled out the red carpet! My housemates and I still call the spot on the ceiling I was looking at when I made my initial prayer the God-Spot.

Sedona attracts people from all over the world who are interested in health, wellness, and conscious living. What does wellness mean to you personally, and how does that influence the way you run the business?
I have learned that wellness is a journey of listening to and following one’s spirit, and often the spirit communicates through the body having needs. By supporting our amazing vessels in their needs, without mental interference or superimposing an external voice of authority, the more we can heal on all levels. While I consider myself a health nerd, and enjoy that role, I really love delivering the message to customers that their bodies are their own best authority. Sometimes it’s the first time they have ever considered that fact, or been asked what their body feels (or knows) about something, be it a food or a supplement (or a person, or a decision, etc). People reinhabiting their bodies, I consider step one on the wellness journey.

Building a local business takes commitment and community support. What have been some of the most meaningful lessons or surprises you’ve experienced as a business owner in Sedona?
I know as a customer of other businesses myself, when I’m deciding where to go for lunch, or to buy a gift for someone, or to take a class, I go where feels best to go. And I crave good people, integrity, and the feeling that care has gone into what I’m there for. So having a team of uplifting individuals is key, and putting love into those individuals and all interactions in our space is key. We also sell products that are organic in practices (whether they are certified or not), seed-oil and additive free, and local whenever possible.

Website: www.interdependencefoods.com
FB: Interdependence Foods
Insta: Interdependence_Foods

A favorite product: Rozendal Vinegars, brought to us by the Amman family’s vineyard in South Africa. Kurt and his wife Lynette live here in Sedona part-time, and bring back these aged, raw red wine vinegars that their family biodynamically grows. There are 4 flavors, two infused with herbs, and 2 infused with flowers. They are sweet like a balsamic, and medicinally alkalizing to the body. You can drink them, put them on a salad or warm meal, or even on vanilla ice cream!

I chose to support the Sedona Yoga Festival because the individuals that put it on and the people who are attracted to it are generally people who care deeply about life. Yogis go into the body, navigate to Spirit, and move according to life’s inspiration.