Mastel’s Health Foods Store: A Legacy of Health and Community
Jul 01, 2024 12:00AM ● By Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
Mastel's Health Foods is a local, independently owned health food store offering a variety of supplements, organic food and personal care products with a rich history spanning decades. Founded in 1968 by John Mastel, the store has evolved from a humble health food shop into a cornerstone of holistic well-being in the Twin Cities with the vision and dedication of its current owners, Alina Hornfeldt and Lauren Gaffney.
Alina Hornfeldt joined Mastel’s in 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience in retail, a bright personality and a passion for community health. Initially, she started part-time, transitioning from a stay-at-home mom and student, but that was short-lived. Her role quickly expanded to full-time as her retail acumen and dedication breathed new life into the store’s operations. With an eye for detail and a background in customer service management and corporate retail, she was equipped with assets needed to make a significant impact.
Lauren Gaffney has been with Mastel’s since 2002, growing in leadership roles from sales associate to main purchaser to general manager. Her journey with Mastel’s has been marked by a deep commitment to the store’s mission and a keen understanding of the health and wellness industry. Gaffney’s years of expertise in purchasing and attending trade shows ensured that the store remained stocked with the highest quality products, meeting the evolving needs of their clientele.
Hornfeldt and Gaffney note that a big part of the store’s culture is about putting people first. “I think this industry attracts a lot of people that are service oriented and get a lot of fulfillment from helping others,” Hornfeldt explains. “So we spend a lot of our time with the people that work here. Everybody at their core, I think, has this same value and mission for helping people. I don’t ever want to take that for granted.”
“We have a customer service piece that goes above and beyond,” Gaffney adds. “What we hear a lot is that there’s just not a lot of places that even answer the phone anymore. When someone calls us, a real live person answers the phone every time.” Whether a customer is checking to see if their favorite non-dairy yogurt is back in stock, or they are seeking guidance on supplement options to support their digestive health, the conversation they can have with a Mastel’s employee is greatly appreciated and far different that shopping in a big box store or buying from a massive online retailer.
The pandemic highlighted the essential role that Mastel’s plays in the community. With people focusing more on their health, the store became a vital resource. “We can’t let anything happen to this place,” Hornfeldt and Gaffney agreed, driven by a shared commitment to the store’s legacy and its impact on the community. This period of uncertainty solidified their resolve to keep Mastel’s thriving.
Today, Mastel’s is more than just a health food store; it is a hub of community engagement and support. Hornfeldt and Gaffney have expanded their roles, becoming active members of local business organizations and chambers of commerce. Reflecting on their journey, both women express gratitude for the opportunity to serve others, grow friendships and deepen a shared vision for a healthier, more connected community. “Our gaze has broadened now to see ourselves as both business owners and as members of the community,” Hornfeldt shares.
Mastel’s is committed to serving everyone in the community, from infants to centenarians. “We a wide range of products, from vitamins and supplements to organic foods and eco-friendly household items, catering to the diverse needs of its customers,” says Hornfeldt. They offer natural and non-toxic personal care items as well, such as clean deodorants and pure essential oils. Their dedication to comprehensive offerings and providing education about nutrition and wellness to customers ensures that everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from their holistic approach.
One of the distinguishing features of Mastel’s is its extensive product range. The store prides itself on offering high-quality vitamins and supplements that support various health needs. From immune boosters to digestive aids, their selection is curated to promote overall well-being. Additionally, Mastel’s stocks a variety of organic and natural foods, including gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring that customers with specific dietary preferences can find what they need.
Some best sellers include minerals like magnesium supplements and electrolyte products that support hydration. “I think we’re chronically mineral deficient,” Gaffney shares. “It doesn’t matter how healthy you eat. You cannot physically consume the amount of minerals that you need without supplementation.” Research does indeed highlight that our food system produces food in soil that is more and more depleted with each growing cycle, underscoring the need for regenerative agriculture practices to be taken very seriously. High-quality supplements are a way people can make a choice to help to support nutritional needs.
Eco-friendly products for the household are another unique part of Mastel’s offerings. Recognizing the growing need for environmental sustainability, the store provides products that help customers reduce their ecological footprint. From biodegradable cleaning supplies to locally-made beeswax candles, Mastel’s is committed to supporting a greener lifestyle.
The duo’s commitment to education is another cornerstone of Mastel’s success. They host national educators from the brands offered at Mastel’s for staff training and workshops on various health topics. They also welcome customers to ask questions and empower them to learn more about their health and nutrition, empowering the community with knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. “We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” Gaffney says.
Looking to the future, Hornfeldt and Gaffney envision continued growth and innovation for Mastel’s. They plan to expand their product offerings, introduce new services, and deepen their community involvement. “Our goal is to keep evolving and finding new ways to serve our community better,” Gaffney notes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Mastel’s will remain a trusted resource for generations to come.
Mastel’s is a community space built on a foundation of health, trust and service. Hornfeldt and Gaffney’s dedication has preserved this legacy and has also set the stage for a vibrant future for generations to come. Their journey inspires others to embrace community, prioritize health and recognize the profound impact of local businesses on the well-being of their neighborhoods.
Location: 1526 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul. To learn more, visit Mastels.com or call 651-690-1692.
Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN publishes Natural Awakenings Magazine in Twin Cities and Milwaukee. She studied business, leadership and nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a passion for holistic and integrative wellness.
Alina Hornfeldt
Lauren Gaffney has been with Mastel’s since 2002, growing in leadership roles from sales associate to main purchaser to general manager. Her journey with Mastel’s has been marked by a deep commitment to the store’s mission and a keen understanding of the health and wellness industry. Gaffney’s years of expertise in purchasing and attending trade shows ensured that the store remained stocked with the highest quality products, meeting the evolving needs of their clientele.
Putting People First
Lauren Gaffney
“We have a customer service piece that goes above and beyond,” Gaffney adds. “What we hear a lot is that there’s just not a lot of places that even answer the phone anymore. When someone calls us, a real live person answers the phone every time.” Whether a customer is checking to see if their favorite non-dairy yogurt is back in stock, or they are seeking guidance on supplement options to support their digestive health, the conversation they can have with a Mastel’s employee is greatly appreciated and far different that shopping in a big box store or buying from a massive online retailer.
The pandemic highlighted the essential role that Mastel’s plays in the community. With people focusing more on their health, the store became a vital resource. “We can’t let anything happen to this place,” Hornfeldt and Gaffney agreed, driven by a shared commitment to the store’s legacy and its impact on the community. This period of uncertainty solidified their resolve to keep Mastel’s thriving.
More than a Natural Health Food Store
Today, Mastel’s is more than just a health food store; it is a hub of community engagement and support. Hornfeldt and Gaffney have expanded their roles, becoming active members of local business organizations and chambers of commerce. Reflecting on their journey, both women express gratitude for the opportunity to serve others, grow friendships and deepen a shared vision for a healthier, more connected community. “Our gaze has broadened now to see ourselves as both business owners and as members of the community,” Hornfeldt shares.
Health for All Ages
Mastel’s is committed to serving everyone in the community, from infants to centenarians. “We a wide range of products, from vitamins and supplements to organic foods and eco-friendly household items, catering to the diverse needs of its customers,” says Hornfeldt. They offer natural and non-toxic personal care items as well, such as clean deodorants and pure essential oils. Their dedication to comprehensive offerings and providing education about nutrition and wellness to customers ensures that everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from their holistic approach.
Vitamins, Supplements and Organic Food Options
One of the distinguishing features of Mastel’s is its extensive product range. The store prides itself on offering high-quality vitamins and supplements that support various health needs. From immune boosters to digestive aids, their selection is curated to promote overall well-being. Additionally, Mastel’s stocks a variety of organic and natural foods, including gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring that customers with specific dietary preferences can find what they need.
Some best sellers include minerals like magnesium supplements and electrolyte products that support hydration. “I think we’re chronically mineral deficient,” Gaffney shares. “It doesn’t matter how healthy you eat. You cannot physically consume the amount of minerals that you need without supplementation.” Research does indeed highlight that our food system produces food in soil that is more and more depleted with each growing cycle, underscoring the need for regenerative agriculture practices to be taken very seriously. High-quality supplements are a way people can make a choice to help to support nutritional needs.
Eco-Friendly Household Items
Eco-friendly products for the household are another unique part of Mastel’s offerings. Recognizing the growing need for environmental sustainability, the store provides products that help customers reduce their ecological footprint. From biodegradable cleaning supplies to locally-made beeswax candles, Mastel’s is committed to supporting a greener lifestyle.
Education and Expansion
The duo’s commitment to education is another cornerstone of Mastel’s success. They host national educators from the brands offered at Mastel’s for staff training and workshops on various health topics. They also welcome customers to ask questions and empower them to learn more about their health and nutrition, empowering the community with knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives. “We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” Gaffney says.
Looking to the future, Hornfeldt and Gaffney envision continued growth and innovation for Mastel’s. They plan to expand their product offerings, introduce new services, and deepen their community involvement. “Our goal is to keep evolving and finding new ways to serve our community better,” Gaffney notes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Mastel’s will remain a trusted resource for generations to come.
Mastel’s is a community space built on a foundation of health, trust and service. Hornfeldt and Gaffney’s dedication has preserved this legacy and has also set the stage for a vibrant future for generations to come. Their journey inspires others to embrace community, prioritize health and recognize the profound impact of local businesses on the well-being of their neighborhoods.
Location: 1526 St. Clair Avenue, St. Paul. To learn more, visit Mastels.com or call 651-690-1692.
Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN publishes Natural Awakenings Magazine in Twin Cities and Milwaukee. She studied business, leadership and nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a passion for holistic and integrative wellness.
