Hi everyone! I am Suman Cheema, the proud owner of The Natural Supermarket, and I’m so excited to finally introduce myself and share my journey with you. The past few months have been quite a whirlwind, filled with major life changes and the birth of this incredible business that I’m truly passionate about. It’s been a journey of growth, challenge, and a lot of self-discovery.
A few months ago, life threw me an unexpected curveball when I was made redundant from my role as an accountant. At the time, it felt like the rug was pulled from under my feet. I’d been in accounting for years, and though it was a stable career, I was never truly passionate about it. So when I suddenly found myself without a job, I was at a major crossroads. I had two options: go back to the corporate world or explore something new that would allow me more freedom and flexibility.
I’m a busy mum of two beautiful girls, and one thing I knew for certain was that I didn’t want to sacrifice time with them. My girls are growing up so fast, and I wanted to be more present in their lives. I also knew I couldn’t bring myself to return to a full-time job in accounting. That lifestyle wouldn’t give me the flexibility I needed to be the mum I wanted to be—raising my daughters how I envisioned, being there for them after school, and being present for the little moments that matter most.
So, there I was—trying to figure out my next move. On one hand, I didn’t want to give up work entirely. I’ve always valued my independence and the sense of purpose that comes with having a career. On the other hand, I was desperate for a path that would allow me to prioritize my family without losing that independence. What was I to do?
My Passion for Health and Wellness
Over the past few years, I’d developed a strong passion for health and wellness, which really began when my eldest daughter started suffering from eczema. Like any concerned parent, I wanted to find solutions that didn’t involve harsh medical treatments or steroid creams. I dove deep into researching natural remedies, looking for alternatives that wouldn’t aggravate her sensitive skin.
That was when I truly began to understand how many toxins and harmful ingredients are hidden in the products we use every day. From food to skincare to cleaning products, it was overwhelming to realize how many processed, unnatural, and harmful substances were in the products we were regularly exposed to. It sparked a desire in me to live a healthier lifestyle, both for myself and my family.
But as I embarked on this journey, I quickly realized how hard it was to find clean, toxin-free products all in one place. I spent countless hours shopping at different stores, reading labels, and ordering from multiple websites to find healthy, natural alternatives to the everyday items we use. It was frustrating and time-consuming. Why wasn’t there a convenient one-stop shop for people like me who wanted to live healthier, toxin-free lives?
The Lightbulb Moment
Then came the lightbulb moment. Just a few weeks after being made redundant, it hit me: what if I created the solution I was searching for? What if I could build a store where people could find all the healthy, toxin-free products they needed, without the hassle of running around or spending hours researching? That was the seed that planted the idea of The Natural Supermarket.
I decided to take the plunge and create my own business—a one-stop shop that would make it easier for people to access healthy alternatives in every aspect of their lives. I wanted to offer products that were not only good for our bodies but also for the environment. From food and drinks to skincare and household items, my goal was to curate a selection of high-quality, natural products that people could trust.
The Reality of Starting a Business
Let me tell you, becoming a business owner is a huge leap from working in the corporate world. At first, the idea seemed glamorous—being my own boss, setting my own hours, and doing something I was genuinely passionate about. But the reality hit fast! Running a business is no walk in the park. In many ways, it has required longer hours and bigger sacrifices than I ever imagined.
From setting up the website, sourcing the best products, to marketing and customer service—it’s been an all-consuming process. But every challenge has been worth it. Knowing that I’m helping others lead healthier lives and providing solutions that I once struggled to find brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
Balancing Work and Family
Balancing work and family is still a daily challenge, but the beauty of owning my own business is the flexibility it gives me. I can schedule my day around school pickups, family time, and the demands of motherhood. It’s not easy, and sometimes it feels like a juggling act, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
I’ve learned that the path to success is rarely linear, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. My daughters are my biggest inspiration, and I want them to see that it’s possible to pursue your dreams while also being there for the people you love. That balance is what I strive for every day, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create a business that aligns with my values.
Looking Forward
The Natural Supermarket is still in its early stages, and I’m so excited about where this journey will take me next. I’m passionate about helping others lead healthier lives and making it easier for families to access the products they need to live well. I believe in what we’re doing, and I’m so grateful for the growing community that has supported us so far.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Whether you’re a busy parent like me, someone looking to make healthier choices, or simply curious about what we have to offer—I’m so glad you’re here. Stay tuned for more updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights as I continue to navigate this new chapter of my life.
Here’s to living healthier, happier lives—together!