Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Boyum
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Business has always been a part of my life for long as I can remember. My first idea was when I was in the 4th grade. I would go to the local library and check out business books, take notes and make “vision boards”. I have always had the entreprenuerial itch. I worked in restaurants through high school and college. I always knew that I wanted to own a restaurant. After living and working in Minneapolis for 8 years, I decided to relocate back to my hometown of Battle Lake. This is where I met my husband and started a family..as well as a “few’ businesses. We opened Stella’s Bistro & WIne Bar in 2007. This was a big risk in a town of 800 people but I had a vision and knew it would work. It quickly became a must-see destination and go to for locals and tourists. We started a clothing and gift store next door a few years later called Izziebee. We later added Smackin’ Cakes, a cupcake, cookie dough, coffee shop in this space. As if we didnt have enough going on, we saw an opportunity to renovate a long time staple in the commmunity. The local watering hole across the street was for sale and had been sitting empty for over a year. We decided to bring the building and the business back to like. The Rusty Nail opened in February 2016. Fast forward a few years, I saw another opportunity with a building next to The Rusty Nail, It was another renovation project. As you can see, part of our goal was to make our little town a destination and beautify the buildings. Neverwinter CLothing + Gifts was born. Our town was lacking retail options at the time and I had started a wholesale clothing business the year prior and decided a brick and mortar location would be a great addition to Battle Lake. We worked crazy hours and very hard over the next couple years and decided in 2020 that we would sell our two restaurants. It was bittersweet but knew it was time for a change. My husband started farming-his life long dream and I focused on my clothing businesses. My mind does not sit idle for too long, as I then purchased another building on main street. It was probably the biggest project we had taken on to date. WE opened Neverbetter Market + Wellness in 2023. It offers grain bowls, salads, wraps, paninis, acai bowls, smoothies and more. It is more of a fast casual atmosphere. On the second level we offer fitness classes, an event space, massage therapist + esthitician. The business is ever evolving and changing as we are learning what works best for the area. In April, SaraSodas will join Neverbetter. It is our take on the dirty soda craze.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning and operating a business is never a smooth road. WE have definitely had our share of struggles and challenges along the way but we just keep moving forward. I am not afraid of change or if something isn’t working, to make a change to fit the needs of our customers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Neverbetter Market + Wellness?
I mentioned some of the offerings of Neverbetter in the earlier questions, but I love the feel of our space. I love that we offer healthy + fresh quick options to our customers.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband is my partner in life and business. He has been along every step of the way. He is the background and doesnt get a lot of credit, but is an intregal part of every business we have created. My children also have worked and sacrificed through the years. They have learned an incredible work ethic and have also had major roles in making our businesses what they are/were. My family is also been so supportive. They step in at any time they are needed, whether it was for child care, washing dishes, serving tables…they have been there. We couldnt have done any of this with out them!
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