By Robert Saunders
For HDMedia
A new family-owned business is bringing a dose of healthy energy and spiritual encouragement to the local community. FaithFuel Energy and Wellness celebrated its official opening and ribbon-cutting on July 13, marking the beginning of a venture built on family dedication and community support.
The shop, located at 4122 MacCorkle Ave. in Kanawha City, specializes in wholesome energy drinks, loaded teas and protein-packed alternatives to standard beverage fare. For owner Joanna Hardwick, the business is the realization of a shared dream alongside her 20-year-old daughter, Brooklyn Cox, who will serve as the shop’s manager.
The spark for FaithFuel came last year when Hardwick visited Nitro Energy and Wellness in Nitro. There, she struck up a friendship with owner Kristen Ross. Ross encouraged Hardwick to take the plunge and open her own location. Unlike chain franchises, FaithFuel is entirely independent, though it utilizes similar high-quality wellness products.
“She’s the one that encouraged and inspired us to do this,” Hardwick said of Ross.
The build-out of the physical storefront was a family affair. Hardwick and her husband, Dale, fully funded the startup without relying on outside grants or financing. Meanwhile, their son handled most of the construction, and their son-in-law, who owns a local business, also stepped in to complete the space.
FaithFuel’s menu focuses on “clean” authentic energy rather than the synthetic ingredients and high sugars found in typical canned energy drinks. The shop’s signature loaded teas are made with a sugar-free green tea base and other healthy additives such as vitamin B-12 to give people a boost of energy throughout the day. The custom teas have names such as Pink Flamingo, Messy Bun and Mango Tango.
Beyond teas, the menu features protein shakes, sugar-free whipped drinks, hydration drinks and protein iced coffee. The shop also stocks protein chips and bars, with plans to introduce other products, such as protein balls and acai bowls, in the near future.
While the beverages are designed to fuel the body, the store’s core mission is to lift the spirit. Both Hardwick and her daughter are Sunday school teachers, and they intend to run FaithFuel with those same values of service and uplifting fellowship. She added that she believes the world needs a lot more “positive vibe” and they want to help spread joy and kindness.
“We want to treat everyone like family and give back to the community,” Hardwick said.
The July 13 ribbon-cutting drew a crowd of local leaders and business owners, including Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, Kanawha County Commission President Ben Salango, mayoral liaison Audrey Conn and Shannon Pauley, director of outreach and engagement for Charleston Urban Works. Pauley and the Charleston Urban Works team assisted with the last-minute logistics of the launch, while helping to spread the word to the broader Charleston and Kanawha City community.
While Hardwick continues her 27-year career in housing and development, she will be at the shop in the mornings before handing daily operations over to her daughter.
FaithFuel will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop will be closed on Sundays. For more information, follow the FaithFuel Energy and Wellness Facebook page.
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