Lynne Hamilton, a 29-year nurse and longtime smoker knew that smoking was bad, but when a new ingredient was added and made her ill, she knew it was time for a change.

“The nurse side of me said, ‘There’s got to be a better alternative,'” Hamilton said. 

She found that alternative in electronic cigarettes, believed by some to be a healthier option to traditional cigarettes.

Satisfied that she was making a move in the right direction, she and longtime friend Brenda Mayo decided to open a store that provided not only products to improve to body, but the mind as well. They opened Seeds of Wellness on October 10, 2010 in ArtsTown Plaza, near the Avon Lake Post Office.

“It’s more the totality than just physical well being,” Mayo said.

The two-pronged approach of physical and spiritual is felt throughout the store. 

“We want to promote total well being,” Hamilton said. “It’s not just for the body, but the body and soul.”

The store’s products include items for physical and spiritual well being to help with smoking, stress reduction and relaxation. Included are aromatherapy products including incense and hand-poured candles, natural body products and music CDs from Somerset Entertainment meant to relax and rejuvenate. New to the store are whole leaf teas. Aromatherapy products are supplied by Sacred Path of Orwell, Ohio. 

"Aromatherapy is for spirituality and mental focus," Mayo said. 

Many of the hand-crafted sculptures and items are from Ohio and the store carries a full line of Premium brand electronic cigarettes. 

“We try to add new products every month,” Mayo said.

Mayo said the store’s set up is meant to invite and relax. Visitors are greeted to the smell of aromatic candles and a rocking chair near the entrance invites those visiting the store to just sit and chat.

“We want an atmosphere that’s relaxing,” Mayo said. “There’s no feeling of having to get in and out quickly.”

The business’s website allows for potential and existing customers to sign up for a newsletter that first announces new items and events. One such upcoming event is a return visit of a clairvoyant later this summer.

Seeds of Wellness, located at 33501 Lake Road, is open Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.