M&J Gourmet Gift Shop has recently expanded its offerings to include a health and wellness section. The shop's owner, Kirstin Nice, has a strong background in that

M&J Gourmet Gift Shop owner, Kirstin Nice, displays the new  selection of health and wellness products the store now carries. The store took on may of the products one offered at Faraday's Natural Foods.

area, having earned a health coach certification and holding a degree in science. Her knowledge about her products is a refreshing change from the world of retail and stands testament to her dedication to serving her customers and the greater community. "Customer service is a passion of mine," she says. "I like to serve others – that's just a part of my heart and how I'm built".

            On June 9, M&J Gourmet reached its third anniversary, marking 3 years of commitment to quality local products and personalized customer service, especially regarding the shop's new section. "One of the most important things for me is remembering that I am part of this community – not only do I need the community's support, but I am here to serve the community," says Kirstin of her plans for the future of M&J. "That's my goal and my focus. I want people to walk into the store and feel blessed and feel welcome."

            Nice, who currently resides in Perkiomenville with her husband and two sons, came from a career of nearly 12 years in the corporate world to open M&J Gourmet in June 2015, taking over the Pennsburg facility upon the closing of Gardner's Candy Shop. The shop was named in honor and her family and loved ones.

            Before opening M&J, Nice says, "I wasn't quite sure where to go, but I knew that following my passion would be in the future." She gradually began to reorient the shop's focus, adding to the candies that were already sold at Gardner's and bringing her own enthusiasm for the high quality, clean, local foods that she loves to introduce a wider variety of products, including jams, honeys, dips, and other specialty goods. The hardest part of starting her business, Nice says, is knowing which products to keep and which to cut, and learning from time and experience what it is that your customers want. Stemming from this task, a great source of pride for M&J is their made-to-order gift baskets, which can be shipped anywhere across the country.

            M&J has one full-time employee apart from Nice, and they enlist the help of seasonal employees during busier times of the year, including all of December, Valentine's Day, and Easter. The store is located at 1267 Quakertown Avenue, Pennsburg, in the Shady Nook Shopping Center and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10AM-6PM, Saturdays from 10AM-4PM, and Sundays from 10AM-2PM.