Our Story

Mickey Wojnarowski and Brendalee Morgan began their journey into health and wellness on different paths, but both are passionate about their mission to promote health, sustainability and community well-being.  Mickey had the privilege of working for a small, family-run business that operated on a foundation of kindness, strong ethics and family.  It was through this experience that he gained the framework for sustainable business in a small community – a framework where community always comes before commerce.  Moving West, Mickey found himself immersed in the organic produce business that eventually led to a highly successful organic market.   Brendalee was moving up the ladder for a corporate health food store while simultaneously completing formal wellness education, healing in a clinical setting and sharing her passion for belly dancing by teaching and performing.  Her dedication to helping others was meant for more – more than a clinical setting was able to offer.  After a fateful connection at a tradeshow Brenda Lee and Mickey met and began their life together.   While successfully running a vitamin shop and vegetarian café together, the couple decided life was to take them in a different direction.  They were ready to realize their dream of living off the land and chose Nakusp as their home. 

Throughout their transition to Nakusp, Mickey faced a life-threatening health challenge – he needed a liver transplant.  In a profound act of love and selflessness, Brendalee made a decision that would define their story.  She offered a part of her liver to save Mickey’s life.  Following a successful transplant and a period of recovery, Mickey and Brendalee received news that brought even more joy into their lives.  They were expecting a child, and soon after, their daughter, Cypress entered the world.  Mickey and Brendalee embraced the challenge of juggling parenthood and entrepreneurship with the same determination that carried them through the toughest moments of their journey. 

Each product in the store is personally researched, allowing a shopping experience where the community doesn’t have to read labels, but has the freedom to shop knowing that every item is curated with the utmost care and attention focusing on clean, local products.  Each team member is extensively trained in health, wellness, and the products HomeGrown carries.  It’s with this knowledge and experience that every shopping experience is as if you were talking to a trusted friend.

Their commitment to local business and sustainability can be likened to an infinite loop where Homegrown can provide a thriving, interconnected ecosystem of sustainability.  At the heart of this loop lies the raw product, a bountiful selection of locally sourced materials provided by HomeGrown.  The magic happens when the customer takes these raw ingredients and transforms them into a product – everything from bath products to herbal remedies and artisanal snacks.  These carefully crafted products are then brought back to HomeGrown and made available to shoppers, closing the loop and creating a sustainable business cycle that enriches the community and supports local makers and producers.

Her extensive qualifications and deep commitment to health and well-being have made her an invaluable asset to the community.  With a passion for science, her qualifications range from Wholistic Therapist, Master Herbalist, Iridologist, Nutritionist and more.  Through HomeGown Brendalee has the privilege of reaching a broad spectrum of  individuals in the community providing the opportunity to truly make a difference in people’s lives – both their physical and emotional well-being.  Her dedication to wellness is a testament to the values of HomeGrown and its mission to promote health, sustainability and community wellness.