Soulshine Market on Main Street in Pine Bush celebrated its sixth year in business this past March. Yes, March, the same month that brough Covid-19 to New York and put many businesses on Pause. Although Soulshine Market could still operate as an essential business as they sell groceries, owners Keith and Valerie Hindley were immediately impacted by delays and incomplete orders from their suppliers. Even the health-food store could not find toilet paper.

Husband and wife each take a seat for this interview in front of shelves lined with bulk herbs in large glass jars, and to the unfamiliar, the names sound like they could be ingredients used to cast spells in Harry Potter.

“In the beginning,” Keith shares, “we could not keep flour, sugar, or immune system products like elderberry or Vitamin-C in stock. We eventually closed completely the last week in March. Sales were dropping.”

Valerie added, “Our orders would arrive with about ¼ of the things we ordered.”

Recently, the Hindley’s started opening the store again on Saturdays and as the rules soften in the state and locally, it is likely they will begin to increase their operating hours.

“Doug (Drossell) is doing a great job promoting the Farmers Market and small businesses,” Keith continued, “and we are tied into that – our customers can come in and shop or pick up special orders.”

“We’ve noticed the foot traffic recently isn’t back yet to what it was before everything shut down,” notes Valerie.

Regular store inventory or PC (Pre-Covid) included bulk herbs, beans and grains, supplements, fresh produce, gluten free and vegan foods, and natural specialty items not available in traditional supermarkets.

“We also carry some health and beauty items and one of our lines is from a local company,” Valerie continues, “other local products we normally have are honey, maple syrup, CBD flower, produce and kombucha.”

Keith said, “One of the most common misconceptions is about what we carry. It’s regular food that can be a part of everybody’s lifestyle. It’s cleaner food. I was a regular customer here before we bought the business and when I was running marathons would buy nutritional yeast, vegan products and fresh produce. When I found it was for sale, I just knew it was the right move for us.”

Although their landlord has been very understanding during these strained financial times, Keith does maintain a full-time job elsewhere to help keep both his family and the business going until inventory can be better stocked and the store can be open more regularly.

In addition to offering prepared foods, the Soulshine Market was hosting Open Mic nights prior to the shut-down.

“Oh, we had quite a range of music,” said Keith, “Old Celtic music, Folk, Bluegrass, Rock and some really great Country singers as well as some poetry and spoken word. It brought people from all over.”

Although the Hindely’s cannot just pick a date on the calendar to say they will be fully open, Valerie says, “It is time to get back to it. We need more inventory, but the suppliers are getting better so I can say it is getting closer.”

For shoppers who know what they are looking for or need, try calling (845) 744-6006 to place a special order and keep checking the Soulshine Markets social media accounts for more information as they increase their hours of operation or just stop in on a Saturday.

They are hoping to restock the toilet paper shelves soon.