herlife | spotlightolivethethegroveolive oil companyby ann e. butenasphotography bymichelle lockwoodIf you would have told Natalie Jaeger’s mom years ago that herdaughter would one day own a very successful business in the foodindustry, she probably would have laughed. Not that she doubtedher daughter’s ability to accomplish great things, but to see her do thatin an arena that involved cooking, well, she probably never would haveimagined it.Natalie can hardly believe it herself, and from the looks of things,there are probably some days she just has to pinch herself. This engagingand spirited entrepreneur has definitely taken the local marketplaceby storm, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, eventhough her earlier years would never have forecasted such growth in thisparticular arena. “As a teenager, the last place you would find me wouldbe in the kitchen cooking,” she laughed.However, after she graduated from college and found herself in themyriad of self-discovery that many 20-somethings enjoy, she relocatedfrom Chicago to the Twin Cities area in 2008 and one month latergot married. It was during that time she quit her job in real estate andfound herself unemployed for about a year. She had to find somethingto fill her days, so she began to cook. It wasn’t long before this curiousinterest turned into full-blown passion, and she loved to scour cookbooksfor recipes, create in the kitchen and expand upon her growing set ofculinary skills making everything from scratch.“During that time, I learned a lot about different flavors, what tastedgood, what didn’t. It was all very experimental,” she recalled. “I cookedevery single night and had the most fun doing it.”About a year later, Natalie took her knowledge from herbackground in real estate and did what every purposeful businesswoman should do. She devised a detailed business plan and followedthe philosophy that location is everything. In October 2009, she openedthe doors to her amazing store, The Olive Grove Olive Oil Company,conveniently located off I-494 and I-35E on the corner of 110 and DoddRoad at 720 Main Street in Mendota Heights.“When I decided to do this, I put together a 25-page business planand never looked back,” she noted. “This has been the best thing Ihave ever done. I have a phenomenal store with an amazing staff, all ofwhom are actually former customers who are just as passionate about ourproducts and services as I am.”As soon as you walk through the front door, you are welcomed by avery elegant and beautiful ambiance that is equally warm and inviting.It’s a place that begs you to come in, explore, and experience bountifulflavors and fresh new ideas to spark your culinary imagination. It isdefinitely not a one-time visit. You have been warned that it can behighly addictive.Among the many products offered at The Olive Grove include itsdelectable assortment of extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars,Italian pasta, gourmet mustards, stuffed olives, as well as a sampling ofgourmet crackers and spreads. They also carry a variety of gift items, suchas dipping bowls, bread boards, cruets and more. From the novice cook24 <strong>HER</strong><strong>LIFE</strong>MAGAZINE.COM
to the experienced chef, there is something here for everyone.“We are lucky to work with suppliers who bring oils and balsamicvinegars from all over the world on a monthly basis, ensuring thefreshest products,” said Natalie. “The integrity of the freshness isso well-maintained that it is as if you are getting them right off theMediterranean press. That’s how fresh they are.”Natalie purchases the products in bulk and transfers them tostainless steel containers to preserve the flavors and to maintain theirfreshness. Storing them in this way also preserves all of the healthbenefits of the products. “As olive oil is exposed to heat, light or air, itbegins to break down,” explained Natalie.Customers are provided with freshly-poured bottles which can bereused, and when they come in to the store to refill them, they receive$1.00 off the price of a refill.The Olive Grove also hosts private parties after hours in whichNatalie gives a presentation on various products and their healthbenefits.“These items differ immensely in terms of quality and tastecompared to what you might find in a grocery store,” she commented.“In these classes, we teach our guests how to use them, what to use,and when to use them. We also have food to sample and enjoy with theproducts. It’s a great time for all.”Of course, anytime you come into the store, you are always invitedto sample all of the oils, balsamics and mustards. It’s a veritable treatfor the taste buds, and, as Natalie explained, even if you are not anaccomplished cook, it’s amazing what a bit of oil or balsamic can do toan ordinary dish.“These products just taste amazing!” she beamed. ■For more information, visit The Olive Grove online attheolivegroveoliveoil.com or call them at 651-686-4710.<strong>HER</strong><strong>LIFE</strong>MAGAZINE.COM 25