If you walk into Vim N’ Vigor, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of Hawaiian music and a sense of ‘Ohana’ that’s been cultivated for decades. This isn’t just a health food store; it’s a second-generation family legacy built on passion, education, and community.

The Original Health Influencer

The story begins with founder Jules Kozuki. Originally from Maui, Jules moved to Oahu with a dream to educate and improve the health of its residents. He started in 1967 by going door-to-door selling a papaya paste, eventually opening one of the first health food stores in Hawaii.

Long before podcasts were a way of life, Jules was a true pioneer, hosting a live radio show focused on health and supplements that ran for over 50 years.

A Spontaneous “Yes”

That passion for health and community now rests with the next generation. Jules’s daughter, Mary (aka Fudge), who was living in San Francisco, got a call from her sister Keriann. Her parents were thinking of retiring, and she grew sad at the thought of “no ‘Vim n’ Vigor’ anymore”. She spontaneously said “yes” to taking over.

That was 20 years ago, and she calls it a blessing. She loves it when generations of customers come in and share stories about her parents she never would have known.

Today, her role is simple: “You name it, I do it!”. That includes sales, cashiering, ordering, merchandising, and even making smoothies and sandwiches. The store perfectly blends its historical structure—like the juice bar and one-on-one service—with modern interests like a bio-hacking center and local Made in Hawaii products.

The core value remains the same: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you”. They approach each customer like family, aiming to make them leave feeling a little happier.

A Personal Probiotic Rescue

Vim N’ Vigor loves Japanese products, so Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, with its unique Pre, Pro, and Post-biotic formula, was a natural fit. It’s a product they can “recommend with confidence”. They see customers return for a full box after just a 2-cap sample, finding relief for everything from sour stomachs to intestinal issues.

But the owner’s favorite testimonial is her own.

“I was at the Anaheim convention and my stomach was on edge for the first day and couldn’t eat any of the samples!” she shares. “On the second day I ran into your booth and Diane O’Connor, your rep, told me to bite into 2 gelcaps and suck out the probiotics. Within 15 minutes my stomach settled, and I was able to eat everything in sight :)”.

The “Youthful Glow” Secret

While the probiotics are a hit, her personal favorites are a tie between the Magoroku skin cream and the Collagen. “Why?” she asks. “Because now that I’m 51 my natural ‘youthful glow’ is gone. My skin was becoming dull and so dry”.

After just one week of using both products, she could tell a difference. “My skin is as soft as a baby’s butt,” she laughs. “Customers always ask me what I use because I have nice skin :)”.

From its door-to-door papaya paste origins to its modern-day bio-hacking center, Vim N’ Vigor is a place that proves wellness is about family, fun, and a few great products. And if you stop by, don’t forget to try one of the “best functional smoothies on the island!”.