“I’ve spent 40 years reading labels,” said Shenendoah Cute, owner of locally owned health food shop, Local Mojo. “It all started there.” Stocked full of organic produce, recycled, locally made art, and homemade goods, Local Mojo is a one-stop gift and health food shop that you’re sure to visit time and time again. “I grew up with my mom having celiac disease, so we had to make sure that we knew the exact ingredients of whatever went into our pantry,” said Cute. “That’s where my passion for reading labels stemmed from.”
When describing the shop, most people would say its ½ health food, ½ local handmade goods, making it easy to do a quick health food run while picking up gifts for the upcoming holiday. Cute is overwhelmed and honored by the local support and activity since she opened just a few short months ago, ordering cases by the week of popular items people just can’t seem to get enough of. “The nut butters, oils, local honey, teas and kombucha are huge,” said Cute. During the busy summer months, she was ordering 11-12 cases a week of kombucha for people looking to indulge in a natural energy drink during their beach vacation. “There are so many things that people go elsewhere to buy that they could buy locally,” said Cute.
Local Mojo’s location helps too, being in the new “up and coming” area in town, which is in between 30th-40th, where new popular shops are popping up and giving Ocean City locals and visitors a taste of something new. “It’s been great! As scared as I was to open, the businesses around have really taken me under their wing,” said Cute. “Ish, Barn 34 and OC Wasabi have all been amazing at sending people over to check out the shop, they’re all well established businesses so it’s awesome to have their guidance.”
Local Mojo features work by 15 local artists including Tumbleweed & Eddie’s Natural Dog Treats from Selbyville, DE, Michele’s Granola from Fenwick, DE, Berlin artist Bonnie Preziosi, Real Raw Organics from Ocean City, MD and so much more. “I started with 10 local artists and since then I haven’t had to seek any new ones,” said Cute. “I love that there is a story behind everything that’s sold here.”
This is just the beginning for Local Mojo. “Eventually I would love to start a farmer’s market, and begin a whole share co-op,” said Cute, who attends the North Ocean City Farmers Market during the summer months. And with the cutest personal garden on the side of the building, we can bet the dream will become a reality. “There’s so much room for growth,” said Cute.
Local Mojo’s FB: www.facebook.com/localmojooc
Instagram Handle: oclocalmojo
