Celebrating 30 years of honest advice, organic products and a community-first approach to wellness Real Health Keeping It Natural in Coleraine
“Yes, customers are more informed now,” says Emma. “But often, they come in overwhelmed or unsure. That’s where we come in, to help them find exactly what’s right for their needs.” Staying up-to-date with trends is part of the job. “Sometimes things go viral on the likes of TikTok, but they’re not always right for everyone,” Emma said. “We take the time to ask questions and find out what is right for our customers, it’s never one- size-fits-all here.” Real Health’s passion and genuine care for their customers has been recognised with multiple awards over the years. “It’s lovely to receive that kind of acknowledgement,” says Emma, “but at the end of the day, it’s the trust our customers place in us that means the most.” As the store enters its fourth decade, both Emma and Ivor remain focused on what has always mattered most — offering honest advice, carefully selected natural products, and a welcoming space where people feel listened to. Emma adds, “We’re so proud of what we’ve built here, but even more grateful for the community that’s supported us along the way. Whether someone’s been coming in for 30 years or it’s their very first visit, we want them to feel confident they’re in safe hands.” So while the health industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain — in the heart of Coleraine, Real Health is still doing what it does best: offering real care, real knowledge and real solutions, one customer at a time.
WHEN IVOR BOLTON opened the doors to Real Health in 1995, natural remedies were far from mainstream. With no retail experience but an evident passion for clean living, he and his wife set out to offer the people of Coleraine an alternative to synthetic, chemical-heavy products. “We had two young kids and were looking for natural solutions to support their health,” Ivor says. “The more we learned, the more we felt other families could benefit too. So we took the plunge.” Three decades later, Real Health has become a pillar of the local community. From organic food to supplements and skincare, every product on the shelves is hand-selected for quality and purity. “If it’s not something we’d use ourselves, it doesn’t make the cut,” says Ivor. His daughter, Emma Gill, joined the business in 2020, leaving behind a teaching career in England. “The timing felt right for me and for the shop,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be part of the next chapter.” Since the early days, the world of health retail has changed dramatically, especially with the rise of the internet. “Back in the ‘90s, if a customer asked a question, Mum and Dad would sometimes drive to Belfast to find a book with the answer,” explained Emma. “Now, people walk in already having done their research online.” But far from being replaced, Real Health’s personal, expert-led service has only become more valuable.
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