A Peoria businesswoman knows all about expanding her work through social media, and she’s hoping it’ll help change the way people look at nutrition.
Amanda Deavila is the founder of The Healthy Hive in Peoria. It’s currently a mobile business, specializing in nutrition-packed shakes and teas. According to Deavila, the business is based on the demand of the community.
“So wherever the community invites us, that’s where we go,” Deavila said.
Deavila creates all of the recipes herself. The drinks are based off of Herbalife supplemental products and she crafts the different menu items without disturbing the supplements’ nutritional value.
“I use these products every day,” Deavila said. “I get to share these products that I already love and use myself with the community.”
She said she enjoys showing people a different way of incorporating nutrition into their lives, other than, say, eating a salad. The Healthy Hive also instructs clients on how to use these products at home, to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle.
The Healthy Hive reaches the community primarily through pop-up events. They have partnered with local businesses like Sculpt Mode Fitness, Plank Pilates, Soul Side Healing and other fitness and wellness instructors in the area to bring drinks and supplements to those interested in wellness.
When the idea of opening a nutrition business popped up, she said she saw the potential for a market here in Peoria.
“I thought, ‘Ok, Peoria has nothing like this, let’s bring it there,’” Deavila said. “I want to bring these products to Peoria and invite people to join in this, you know, healthier option of nutrition.”
A native of the Chicago suburbs, Deavila only moved to Peoria this May. She started the Healthy Hive’s Instagram in April, posting sneak peeks and previews of future drinks and events for her growing following.
While they have explored options of mobile trailers and physical locations to set up shop, nothing quite fits the growing business’s needs.
“I honestly run my business through social media,” said Deavila, whose Instagram, @thehealthyhive.peoria, has nearly 900 followers.
She’s looking to expand beyond the Peoria area, to surrounding towns like Washington.
Deavila knows a large part of her success comes from the way Peoria businesses help each other.
She’s reached out to other small businesses and connected with those who shared a similar brand to the Healthy Hive.
“A big thing that has really empowered small businesses is joining with other small businesses,” Deavila said.
She said they are able to grow and reach more clients when they pair up with others.
In terms of coming to Bradley, Deavila said she’s willing to expand and work with organizations on campus.
“You know, I’d love to come to Bradley,” Deavila said.
