It’s a community hub and an oasis for many Flint residents, who appreciate its owner’s refreshing commitment to create a friendly, welcoming environment for all.
While the Healthy Dollar store offers the typical range of dollar store merchandise, it also embodies the warm, open spirit that has characterized Flint for decades.
You may enter its doors as a stranger, but owner, Kathy Jackson, a second-generation native, makes certain that you leave a friend.
“People like to come into the building and say, ‘Holla!’” says Jackson, using the everyday slang term that doubles as a greeting and farewell.
As she looks forward to celebrating five years in Flint this fall, it’s been Jackson’s pleasure to have customers “holla” at her, especially when shopping the fresh produce isle, or buying one of Healthy Dollar’s made-to-order, signature smoothies. These are some of the things that help set her operation apart from the typical dollar store.
After returning to her hometown from stints at various news outlets, including work in California, where she saw 99-cent stores that sold fresh fruit and vegetables, Jackson was inspired.
“I was always enamored with dollar stores,” she says. “I noticed Flint had a lot of empty space downtown, so I decided to buy a building.”
Healthy Dollar Store Owner Kathy Jackson’s made-to-order, signature smoothies set her store apart from other dollar store operations.
In her years operating Healthy Dollar Holla! she’s stocked convenience store fare that’s uncommon, at least, by Midwestern standards. Fresh blueberries, mangos, avocados, strawberries, bananas, spinach, onions, and pineapple can be found just as easily as canned goods. The fruit also provides Jackson with ingredients for popular blended smoothies. Strawberry banana is most popular, but she recommends mixes that include avocado.
Her customers represent a healthy mix of students and community residents, as Healthy Dollar is conveniently located on the bus line.
“I’m surrounded by U of M, MSU, and Kettering,” Jackson says. “Most of my traffic is people in the neighborhood.”
The opportunity to return home and provide a service to the community she loves has provided Jackson significant satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Her health options are just a “holla” away.
A Smooth Approach: Meet Healthy Dollar Store Owner Kathy Jackson added by TheHUB on
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