By JOHN BARTIMOLE Special to Olean Times Herald
Nov 2, 2024
2024 Laine Business Accelerator cohort.)
OLEAN — “If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, neither will your prospect.”
Famed author of a series of best-selling self-help books, Frank Bettger, could have
been describing the philosophy and strategy of Janae Kosciol, owner of Olean’s
Wellness Store at 407 N. Union St.
Kosciol is no stranger to the business or to the benefits of its products — and she is
living proof that she believes in what she’s selling.
“I had worked for Vic Vena Jr. (the business’s previous owner) for 10 years, and I
started using specific products in 2021. With the help of those products, over the
years, I was able to lose 120 pounds. I was and am a believer in what supplements
can do for people.”
Kosciol said that Vena saw her drive and ambition for the products and approached
her one day with a suggestion.
“Last summer (2023), he approached me and asked me if I wanted to take over the
business,” she said. “I was a bit taken aback, and to be honest, it took me a few
months to fully consider the move before deciding to accept.”
Not only did she decide to purchase the business — which had started years ago
with a few shelves in Vic Vena (Vic Jr.’s dad) Pharmacy on West State Street — she
began reimagining how she would guide it.
“I thought it wasn’t located in the best spot,” she said. “The storefront was set
between two automotive businesses on West State Street. Parking was an issue,
the site itself used to be an office. I thought we needed more foot traffic and better
parking.”
So she moved Olean’s Wellness Store to its current location several months ago.
“It’s worked out well,” she said. “There’s on-street parking and a side lot where
people can park. I’m very pleased with the move.”
Olean’s Wellness Store, as its name implies, carries a wide-ranging variety of
products designed to enhance an individual’s health.
“The supplement side is really taking off now,” she said. “The health industry is a
big factor in people’s lives. Our top sellers are products from 1st Phorm, which
makes everything from protein powders to post-workout drinks to energy and
drinks and vitamins. In addition to our supplement products, our holistic products
are also growing in popularity.”
Kosciol said the demographics of her business are a reflection of the community.
“We have a variety of virtually everybody coming into the store, even younger
people,” she said. “What’s encouraging is that when people come in and ask
questions, we can answer them knowledgeably and direct them to a proper
product. I’ve also been fortunate that Mr. Vena (Sr.) and Mr. Vena (Jr.) have been
very helpful.”
A chance meeting with Jim Stitt Sr., former president and CEO of Cutco, on the
golf course prompted her to apply for inclusion in this year’s Laine Business
Accelerator cohort.
“It was at 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 the Accelerator at that point. Though in the past I had no plans to be a
business owner, I realized that since I had the store, I certainly could use some
help. So, I applied and was accepted.”
Kosciol said she hopes to get guidance from the LBA and its mentors and cohort to
help plan a path to future growth for the business.
“I just want to keep the business growing and to continue building relationships
with the community,” she said. “Community is huge in the Accelerator, and we talk
about it all the time. We all want our businesses to prosper and to help build a safe
and secure community.”
What keeps driving her forward with the business?
“I have passion for the products,” she said. “That, in the end, was what convinced
me to do this.”
And that same passion and belief is also crucial to her business success
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