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FAIRFIELD – Laura Atwood and Christina Freeman are two former educators who have gone into business together as co-owners of Sip & Glo Nutrition Bar on the east side of the Fairfield square.
The two purchased the business formerly known as Empowered Nutrition in March. They were both big fans of the Herbalife products sold there, such as its protein shakes, and they saw an opportunity to continue its success while incorporating their own ideas. They liked that the shakes contained no sugar and yet were nutritious and delicious.
The shakes are often consumed as a meal replacement, and are popular among athletes who are looking for something that will give them strength and energy but with few calories. Atwood and Freeman said Herbalife also has a lot of products with probiotics, which are good for digestion and immune support. They offer a variety of teas and foods like protein balls and puppy chow.
“We want to give people healthy options,” Atwood said.
“It’s not like stopping at a gas station and getting junk,” Freeman said. “A protein ball is great because it’s better than a candy bar or even a granola bar.”
Sip & Glo is open seven days a week and tries to nab customers both before and after work, since it’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
The business has had as many as 12 employees at one time, though that number changes as some have returned to college since the summer.
Atwood was born and raised in Fairfield, and while Freeman is not from here, her husband is, and the couple have lived in the area together for the past 20 years. Atwood and Freeman said they bought this business together because they wanted to be their own boss, and they felt they would make good business partners since they’re very like-minded.
“The minute you walk in the door, whoever is working that day, you’re greeted,” Freeman said. “It’s a positive, fun environment. You can get your boost, but it’s all about the experience and making it positive and uplifting.”
It’s been fun for the pair so far, and they’ve participated in some special events already. For the after-prom party last school year, Atwood and Freeman stayed up late to serve students until 2 a.m. They also had a booth downtown when RAGBRAI came through Fairfield in late July.
Sip & Glo does free deliveries to any business in Fairfield, which Atwood and Freeman started because they know how hectic a lunch break can be.
“We know there’s barely time for a lunch because your day gets away from you quickly,” Freeman said. “Sometimes you just need a pick-me-up, so we do deliveries Monday through Friday. A lot of people are thankful for that. We know how you can crash when you haven’t had a chance to eat anything, but with a shake or a tea, you have a straw so you can drink it as you keep moving.”
The two said they landed on the name “Sip & Glo” after bouncing around a number of names, and that combination of words was the one that stood out from the pack. They said they’re planning to add something special to the business, and that customers should stay tuned for an upcoming announcement.
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
