SPOTLIGHT ON NEW BUSINESS: Former teacher now educates people about health, nutrition - The Prescott Daily Courier

PRESCOTT VALLEY - A former history teacher and varsity volleyball coach at Prescott High School has netted a growth opportunity by opening the first Complete Nutrition franchise in northern Arizona.

Melissa Jackson said she underwent six months of training on sports nutrition, general nutrition and weight loss, as well as becoming certified with the International Sports Sciences Association as a specialist in fitness nutrition, before opening her shop in the Prescott Valley Crossroads shopping center at 5672 E. Highway 69, Suite 140.

"The industry is fascinating when it comes to nutrition and how much your body is deficient in daily activities and performance," said Jackson, who is part-owner of the Prescott Valley store, which opened Dec. 5.

Complete Nutrition sells a variety of products, including vitamins and supplements for weight loss, stress, heart health, and aging; cleansing and detoxification products; and nutrition bars.

Ninety-five percent of the products come with the Complete Nutrition label, she said.

Jackson stressed that Complete Nutrition is more than a store.

"We are very much consultation-based," she said. "We customize the product based on customer needs."

Customers include mountain bikers seeking stamina improvement, overweight people, tired parents and retirees seeking an energy boost, Jackson said.

Jackson recounted that products she sold to a couple in their mid-60s boosted their sex drives. "They came in six days later and said, 'We feel like 16 again.' It was so great - smiles on their faces."

One happy customer, Onalee Lemert, dropped by Complete Nutrition Thursday before moving that day from Prescott to Las Vegas.

Lemert said she bought diet pills that helped her lose nearly 21 pounds in six weeks.

"They help you lose weight. They give you energy," she said.

Lemert received a hug and words of encouragement from Jackson.

"I'm so proud of you," Jackson said.

Jackson said she plans to open another Complete Nutrition store in Flagstaff in three to five months. Based in Omaha, Neb., Complete Nutrition started in 2004 and has grown to 163 stores.

The Prescott Valley Complete Nutrition will host a book-signing by local nutrition author Randy Karp from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Complete Nutrition is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 776-0360, or log onto completenutrition.com.

Have you opened a new business that is not a home occupation? Email khedler@prescottaz.com.