FRIENDS OF CAMBIE: HEALTH HUT

We love sharing some of the friends of Cambie with you and are very excited about the next feature. You might recognize the guest of our latest Q&A session from one of her two shop locations. We recently had the privilege of catching up with Tara Miller, holistic nutritionist and founder of Health Hut—a micro Muskoka staple with a thoughtfully curated inventory of all natural, toxin-free beauty and lifestyle goods—at its Toronto post in the quaint Harbord Village neighbourhood in Toronto. 

Get to know Tara, her two beautiful spaces, and some of her shared wisdom below!

A beautiful dark storefront greets you at Health Hut's 171 Harbord Street location in Toronto.

What is your name?
Tara Miller

What is your shop/business and where can it be found?  
Health Hut began in Muskoka at 3658 Highway 118 West, and now has a second location in Toronto at 171 Harbord Street.

Owner Tara Miller in Health Hut's Toronto location. 

At what point did you know you wanted to start this venture?  
After finishing school for holistic nutrition, I knew I wanted to start my own business. I also knew I did not want to sacrifice my summers spent at the cottage, so I decided to do both!

What influences your business from day-to-day?
The growing interest and excitement around natural health and beauty. The increase in consumer awareness and (amazing!) natural lines since I started over 5 years ago is wild. I am definitely affected by the changing industry and can see that reflected in the products on my shelves.

How would you describe the type of person that passes through these doors each day?  
Excited and either already super knowledgable or very interested to learn about the benefits of a natural lifestyle. Also, kind. Everyone is always so friendly!
 

Where do you turn for inspiration?  
I get inspired by like minded young entrepreneurs who are doing amazing things. When you work mostly alone, (and what seems like all the time!), it is comforting and motivating to know there are other people going through what you are - and doing such a great job at it!  

What do you love about your neighbourhood?  
In Muskoka, I love the casual, cottagey vibe and being so close to the water. Also, because I have been there for 6 summers now, I have such great customer relationships. It feels so nice when all the familiar faces walk through the door. Harbord Street is perfect for me as it is close to major streets like Bloor and College, however has such a quaint, neighbourhood feel. So many of the shops have been around forever and the residents are extremely loyal and supportive of the small businesses. The street has some really amazing restaurants, too.
 

How is your time spent while away from it?  
You can usually find me cooking dinner with a glass of wine and then reading or watching Netflix. I also love walking around the city, listening to live music and working on the house my husband and I bought last summer that was built in 1880 - that is a big project ;).

Heading up to Muskoka? Keep your eyes peeled for Health Hut's cottage country spot at 3685 Highway 118 West in port Carling. 

The shop, once an old ice-cream hut neglected on the side of the road in Muskoka, was given new life. 

What is one detail of your spaces that you appreciate the most?
Being surrounded by all my favourite things, made by amazing people.

What is your favourite thing about your job?  
Everything. I love the way I spend my days. Whether its sourcing products, chatting with makers, offering recommendations to customers, even the mundane stuff like cleaning and accounting - I would not change a thing!

Holistic and natural health and beauty items line every wall. Space is valuable in this tiny shop, so every inch is used as effectively as possible.

Any advice for someone just starting out? 
Don't give up. If someone told me 5 years ago I would be doing what I am doing now, I would never have believed them. And I hope I can say the same thing again, 5 years from now. 

Thank you for such insightful words Tara! Did you know that you can find a selection of our blankets and rugs at her two locations? For more information on Health Hut, please visit healthhutboutique.com and follow @shophealthhut on Instagram, and to learn more about Tara and her holistic nutritionist services, visit taramillernutrition.com or follow her on Instagram @taramariemiller for beautiful meal inspirations and health tips!