W. Elk Nutrition’s motto means focus on positivity

Published 5:07 pm Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Beth Oluwadare is the new co-owner of W. Elk Nutrition, a business that’s been in town for three years now, two under a different owner. Oluwadare and her mother, Robin Matherly, and sister Scarlett Gouge have high hopes for the business, especially since their offerings provide Elizabethton with healthy alternatives.

“I originally grew up here,” Oluwadare said. “Then I moved to Georgia and there I started working in nutrition clubs. I felt a difference in my health and how I felt drinking those teas.

“When I had the opportunity to come back here and bring that knowledge with me, I wanted to give back to this community and help out with healthy drinks.”

Oluwadare and her partners cheekily call themselves “healthy bartenders” with a motto of “POSITI-tea” with their teas.

“I researched a lot and saw that Tennessee was one of the top 10 to 20 states known for depression,” she said. “Around here [in Elizabethton] there is so much going on and I thought maybe we could make the world a little bit more positive. That’s what I want to do [with this business].”

W. Elk Nutrition is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Not only do we provide nutritional teas, but we provide call ins and soon, we’ll have delivery as well,” she added.

Oluwadare said their biggest sellers so far are the speciality teas and meal-replacement drinks, most of which include 24 grams of protein and fruits and vegetables. “They have a lot of hydration in them, so they are good for both adults and kids,” she said.

One example is the “Dirty Myrtle” specialty tea. It’s said to be good for energy, mental clarity and focus with its black tea, green tea and Oolong tea for energy and a metabolism boost; Ginseng and Guarana teas for focus and mental alertness; vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12 and C; and it’s Stevia sweetened. This tea is said to also help with digestion. It has 44 calories, 7g total carbs, 1g of sugar, zero fat, 160mg of caffeine and 7.5g of protein. Customers can add more or less as they see fit.

Oluwadare said that a grand re-opening on the near horizon will include games and inflatables for children. “We are a family friendly business,” she said. “And we want our customers to know their entire family is welcomed here. We invite everyone, even the children, to come in and visit with us and maybe get on one of our programs.”

For more information, call 423-213-5492 or visit their Facebook business page at facebook.com/welknutrition.