In 1996, Karen Walker was delighted at the prospect of simultaneously realizing a lifelong dream and turning a lifetime hobby into a career when she purchased Sunshine Discount Vitamins, in Naples. The nutritional supplement store that has continued to succeed as an independent business for more than 20 years carries top brands at discounted prices for everything from health to skincare for people and pets.

A major portion of Walker’s success as an independent distributor can be attributed to the combination of a degree in home economics from East Tennessee State University, previous employment in Tampa health food stores and six years as a representative for Twinlab supplements, as well as the educational seminars and trade shows she attended.

In addition, her continued passion for natural food and supplement industry research helps her provide an essential part of keeping customers happy—the knowledge to answer the many questions that customers ask about any of the 16,000 products offered at the store.

“I need to know about not only the vitamins, minerals and super foods that are packaged in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquids, but I also have to be familiar with the varying milligrams they come in,” says Walker. “Additionally, it’s a necessity to learn about all new products and stay ahead of any big marketing buzz that drives customers to our store. Being good at what I do, having years of experience in this changing field and offering discounted quality brands is what has kept customers returning year aft er year.”

Walker has been studying vitamins and minerals since she was a teenager. “I’m 76 years old and proud of it,” she enthuses. “It feels good to be a role model for individuals that get to see what 76 can look and feel like if they do as I have done—take vitamins and live a healthy lifestyle.”

Sunshine Discount Vitamins is located at 2608 Tamiami Tr. N., in Naples. For more information, call 239-436-6659 or visit Vitamin-Discounts.com.