(Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of articles about members of the 2024 Laine Business Accelerator cohort.)
OLEAN — “If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, your prospects won’t either.”
Frank Boettger, renowned author of a series of best-selling self-help books, may have been explaining the philosophy and strategy of Janae Kosior, owner of Olean’s Wellness Store, 407 North Union Street .
Kosior is very knowledgeable about the benefits of this business and its products and is living proof that he believes in what he is selling.
“I worked for Vic Vena Jr. (the previous owner of the business) for 10 years and started using certain products in 2021. Those products helped me save over 120 pounds over the years. I was and still am a believer in the benefits that supplements can have on people.
According to Kosiol, Vena saw her drive and ambition for the product and approached her one day with a proposal.
“Last summer (2023), he contacted me and asked if I would like to take over the business,” she said. “I was a little taken aback. To be honest, it took me several months to fully consider this move before deciding to accept it.”
Not only did she decide to buy the business, which started years ago with a few shelves at Vic Vena’s (Vic Jr.’s father) pharmacy on West State Street, but she also decided to start her own business. began to reconsider how to lead it.
“I thought it might not be in the best location,” she said. “This store was located between two auto companies on West State Street. Parking was an issue, but the site itself was previously an office. More foot traffic and better parking. I thought it was necessary.”
So she moved Orleans Wellness Store to its current location a few months ago.
“It went well,” she said. “We have street parking and a side lot where people can park. We’re very happy with this move.”
Orleans Wellness Store, as its name suggests, carries a wide range of products designed to improve personal health.
“The supplement space is really taking off right now,” she said. “The medical industry is a big part of people’s lives. Our best-selling products are from 1st Phorm, which makes everything from protein powders to post-workout drinks, energy drinks and vitamins. In addition to supplement products, Stick products are also becoming more popular.”
Kosior said the demographics of his business reflect the community.
“We have virtually everyone in the store, including young people,” she said. “What’s reassuring is that when people come in and ask questions, we can knowledgeably answer them and guide them to the right products. Also, Mr. Vena (Sr.) and Mr. Vena (Jr.) are very helpful. I was lucky that it was given to me.”
A chance meeting with Jim Stitt Sr., Cutco’s former president and CEO, on a golf course inspired her to apply to join this year’s Laine Business Accelerator cohort.
“It was the Golf with the Bonnies golf tournament, and he told me about the accelerator and said I should apply,” she said. “To be honest, I didn’t even know about accelerators at that point. I had no intention of becoming a business owner before, but I realized that since I had a store, I could certainly use some help. So I applied and was accepted.”
Kociol said he hopes to gain guidance from LBA and his mentors and peers to help chart a path to future growth for the business.
“I just want to continue to grow the business and continue to build relationships with the community,” she said. “The community is huge at the Accelerator, and we talk about it all the time. We all want to help build a community where our businesses can thrive and are safe and secure.”
What keeps her moving forward in business?
“I’m passionate about the product,” she said. “Ultimately, that’s what made me decide to do this.”
And that same passion and belief are also important to her business success.
