Opal Nutrition brings health options downtown

By Everett Brazil, III
The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — Talby McClure has a passion for healthy living, including working out in the gym and using healthy shakes and teas. She is now sharing that love with Newkirk with Opal Nutrition, and welcomes the community to stop in for healthy drink choices.

McClure opened her business Monday, April 26, and has already seen a great turnout.

“It’s been excellent. We had a ton of people come in to see what was going in. A lot of people were happy to see a nutrition shop in Newkirk,” she said. “It was great to see the support of the community.”

McClure is originally from Ponca City, but has lived in Newkirk the past eight years, and also works at Blackwell Dental Center.

She started seeking opportunities to live a healthier lifestyle, and began working out at a gym in Ponca City. The idea of a health store came when Diamond Nutrition opened next to the gym.

“I was just looking for a better way to feel better; I wanted to find something beneficial, and I fell in love with Diamond Herbal Life products,” she said.

McClure originally had no real interest in running her own business, but saw an opportunity to open a similar store, and chose Newkirk due to less competition.

“There are three nutrition stores in Ponca City, and I live in Newkirk, I have two children in the school system, and I love small towns, so this is the best area, and to be on Main Street is awesome,” she said.

Opal Nutrition focuses primarily on Herbal Life products, including herbal teas, with 21 varieties mixed with aloe water, which is healthy for the digestive system, she said. They also provide herbal shakes and protein bars, and offer weight loss challenges.

As a Newkirk resident and business owner, McClure is taking Opal Nutrition out of the store and into the community for special events during the year to help Newkirk live healthier.

“I’m going to be part of Charlie Adams Day,” she said. “I’m always open to new ideas from the community, and I’m always willing to help out the best I can.”

As a new business on Main Street, she brings a fresh offering to a district that continues to grow and beautify.

“I love it. I think it is great to see a new and unique offering in the community,” said Newkirk Main Street Director Alyssa McCleery. “The taste is fantastic. I really hope the community supports them.”

For those wanting to support them, the facility will be pen 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday. As a health store, patrons are asked to social distance.

As for McClure, she feels right at home in the community, and looks forward to serving her patrons for many years.

“The community is very welcoming,” she said. “I love how it comes together to make a new business in Newkirk, and I can’t wait to see what my first year is like in the community of Newkirk.”