Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Wynn, Degenhardt, Allen, Cox
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/28/2020
Neillsville-New Local Shop “Nature’s Intentions” (2020)
Local Shop aims to get Back to Nature
Dakota Wynn (center) is shown with employees Brandon Allen and Jessie Cox at her store “Nature’s Intentions”. The store has cannabidiol (CBD) products and other natural health products. Ryan Spoehr/Clark County Press
By Valorie Brecht
In a society where many of the products used are chock-full of chemicals and preservatives, a local business owner is trying to present a healthier alternative. Dakota Wynn has opened a new store where Cannabis Cultivators of Clark County (CCCC) was located.
“I called it ‘Nature’s Intentions’ because I’m trying to keep it as natural as possible and keep it as nature intended,” Wynn said.
Wynn’s parents, Darin and Flo Degenhardt, opened CCCC in downtown Neillsville in August 2018. They offered several cannabidiol (CBD) products made with natural ingredients, including beeswax, soy wax, essential oils and various natural herbs. They also carried gummies, oil, topicals and smokable flower. Those items have been shown to potentially benefit and aid many ailments, including relieving aches and pains, reducing anxiety and depression, and aiding in sleep, Wynn said, among other uses. Wynn will continue to sell CCCC’s products, but also much more.
“Nature’s Intentions” will feature goat milk laundry soap, body wash and shampoo bars; bath salts; homemade potpourri and sachets; homemade fudges and caramels; local maple syrup; elderberry tonic and other natural medicines; fire starters; incense; and epoxy resin jewelry; to name a few items. Many of the products are from other small businesses.
“It’s my mission to do the small business thing. To help others out. I have seen the difficulties in starting a new business while watching my parents with theirs. I know the struggles, so I wanted to make it less of a struggle for as many as I can.”
Wynn opened her store on Sept. 1. She keeps busy as a mother of two and full-time accountant but is excited about this new adventure.
“I’ve had this goal of trying to bring in more natural products,” she said.
Wynn, who is from Greenwood, said that growing up, her family always had a garden and grew their own vegetables. So, knowing where their food came from was always important.
However, in the past few years she became more interested in seeking out natural products. Part of that is because a few of her family members have had health concerns. Like many others, her parents have had their share of medical issues. They have ben trying to take the natural route, starting with what they put on and in their bodies. That got Wynn wondering about the products human beings consume or use and how many negative effects they could be having on the body. She and her Mom began reading the ingredient labels on food items, and health and beauty products and were alarmed by what they found out. As an example, everyday shampoos that one can get at the grocery store often have harmful chemicals. Said Wynn.
A lot of these chemicals are shown over time to cause cancer and cause other side effects,” she said.
She said it’s been a gradual transition to trying to be healthier and more conscientious about the products she is using.
“No one is 100-percent perfect,” she said. “But we’re just trying to help people be a little healthier. A little bit of change can make a huge difference down the road.”
Wynn has big plans for the store. One of the things she wants to do is add an organic food section. While local supermarkets may have some organic items, they don’t necessarily have a wide selection, Wynn said, so that’s a gap she’s looking to fill. She also is working with vendors to potentially sell coffee and homemade pickled items. She plans to have a few décor items as well. However, the main focus will be on natural items.
She also plans to eventually set up an online store so people will be able to purchase many of the items online and have them delivered directly to their home.
Wynn has also been hosting a food drive during October. For every non-perishable, non-expired food item that a customer brings in, he or she will receive a loyalty point, with a limit of five per visit. The points can go toward discounts on products. The food items will be donated to the Clark County Area Food pantry and Resource Center.
Wynn has two staff members, Brandon Allen and Jessie Cox. For more information on Nature’s Intentions, visit the business’ Facebook page or stop in the store at 514 Hewett Street.
“It’s about helping people and bringing back what nature’s already given us,” Wynn said.
The Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce has planned a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony to officially welcome the business into the community. That will take place at Nature’s Intentions this Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m.
