Our History
Nick Beers, Emily Crawford, and Jeff Garner (left to right)
Written by: Emily Crawford, Holistic Nurse Coach
When I think about natural health and herbal medicine, I think about the stories of how herbs came to be. About culture or traditions where people have used herbs for centuries. Passed down from their elders how to heal their bodies with plants from the earth. The story of Garner’s Natural Life reminds me of this.
The story begins with a young Robin Garner selling organic bread and supplements out of his 750-foot trailer in 1969. Candace Garner joined the family business when Robin and her married in 1978. The store began as a large store including wellness section, bakery, produce and restaurant/deli.
After their father, Robin Garner, passed in 2007 sons Jeff, David and Matt stepped up to help Candace with running the store. Any store can sell vitamins but what sets Garner’s apart from other retail locations is the beauty, passion, and education that goes in to each store. That transition started with Candace Garner. The creative and beautiful décor in each of the Garner’s stores comes from her vision. To have a store that feels good to shop in. From the many Himalayan salt lamps, earthy yet modern decoration to the smiling faces of knowledgeable employees ready to help in any way; this is why customers shop here.
Customer service and education have always been staples at the family owned stores. With many of the employees being Certified Natural Health Professionals, herbalists, or certified in other natural medicines, including a Holistic Nurse Coach. Knowing the research behind products, having personal experience and staying up to date with new information provided from the many nutritional representatives we work hand and hand with. We take education as a priority. When customers are looking for something to better their health you truly need the best.
After many requests by customers at our Forest Drive location, our fourth store opened in Lexington, SC on June 3, 2019. We have the largest selection of bulk herbs in the state, second only to the Garner’s Greenville location. Our goal is to carry the finest products available including organic and non-GMO products. And to harbor relationships with the growers of many of our products including kratom. It is very important to us to pass down this quality to our customers and to help educate our customers that not all supplements made are held to such high standards. We are so excited to be serving the health and wellness needs of people in the West Columbia/ Lexington area. We look forward to meeting each and every one of you.
