Introduction: A decade ago, Cori Deans received a life-changing diagnosis from her doctors, who informed her that she would likely need medication for the rest of her life to manage her Crohn’s disease. Instead of accepting this fate, Cori embarked on a journey to improve her health through food. In the process, she not only transformed her own life but also built a thriving business that is rapidly expanding across the East Coast.
The Birth of Small Town Cultures: Cori’s entrepreneurial journey began when she decided to take control of her health. Dissatisfied with the conventional medical approach that included a restrictive diet, immunosuppressant medications, antibiotics, and steroids, she sought alternatives. Her quest led her to a book titled “Patient Heal Thyself,” which offered a different perspective.
The Healing Power of Food: Intrigued by the book’s message, Cori adopted a new approach to her health. She transitioned to a diet rich in nutrient-dense whole foods and healthy fats, incorporated a variety of fermented foods, and made a conscious effort to reduce stress in her life. The results were astonishing. She noticed a significant improvement in her condition, and her symptoms began to vanish.
Cori’s realization was profound: many autoimmune diseases could potentially be linked to the consumption of processed and “dead” foods. Moreover, the depletion of beneficial bacteria in our soil affected the quality of our vegetables. In contrast, fermented foods were teeming with life and beneficial bacteria, making them a natural choice for improving gut health.
The Fermented Food Revolution: Cori’s personal experience with fermented foods, like sauerkraut and kombucha, inspired her to delve deeper into their potential benefits. She discovered that many commercial products were pasteurized, which reduced their health benefits. Determined to provide people with the full spectrum of advantages that fermented foods could offer, Cori began making her own sauerkraut.
The Small Batch Approach: Small Town Cultures was born out of Cori’s passion for fermentation and her desire to share the benefits of probiotic-rich foods with others. Her commitment to producing small batches of high-quality fermented products ensured that customers received the maximum health benefits. Unlike mass-produced items that were often stripped of their nutritional value through pasteurization, Cori’s products retained their vitality.
From Small Town to National Success: What began as a small-town venture in the picturesque Adirondacks quickly gained momentum. Small Town Cultures’ reputation for offering vibrant, living foods that could transform people’s health spread far and wide. Cori’s dedication to her craft, along with the growing awareness of the importance of gut health, propelled her business forward.
Expanding Horizons: As Small Town Cultures continued to gain popularity, Cori’s ambitions grew. Her mission to improve people’s lives through fermented foods expanded beyond the confines of her quaint hometown. Today, Small Town Cultures is rapidly expanding across the East Coast, making its probiotic-rich products accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion: Cori Deans’ journey from a Crohn’s disease diagnosis to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of food and determination. Her business, Small Town Cultures, not only provides delicious and health-enhancing fermented foods but also serves as an inspiring example of how one individual’s pursuit of wellness can lead to positive change on a larger scale. As Cori’s brand continues to grow, so does the awareness of the profound impact that living, fermented foods can have on our health and well-being.
