Ellie Wheeler never envisioned herself as a small business owner. There was never a doubt in her mind, though that she wanted to help others. Her new downtown Charlotte business, NuLife Nutrition allows her to do both.

A recent Ferris State University grad, Ellie was poised to start work for the Department of Human Services, putting her degree in social work to good use. A part time job at a nutritional shake shop in her hometown of Marshall, however, opened her eyes to new opportunities. That’s when she realized she could use her degree in a different way, and still make an impact in people’s lives.

NuLife Nutrition, which opened Jan. 15 at 141A S. Cochran Avenue, offers customers a wide-selection of energizing teas, meal-replacing protein packed shakes, and coffees. Each shake contains 24 grams of protein, 21 vitamins and minerals, and no added sugar all at only 200-250 calories. Ellie said she recommends the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake shake or the Buckeye (peanut butter and chocolate). There are more than 80 different shake flavors, including breakfast flavors, cookies, cakes, and pie flavors, candy bar flavors, coffee lover flavors, snack flavors and fruity tooty flavors.

At the same time, NuLife is more than a shake shop. Ellie said her role for many customers is that of wellness coach.

“My approach is all about personal development,” Ellie said. “I want people to fall in love with themselves.”

Many customers will be intrigued by the weight loss potential associated with the selection of protein, and energy drinks. Ellie said customers are provided the opportunity to receive a full one-on-one consultation to discuss physical, mental/emotional, and long-term goals. Customers can even establish a beginning weight, body fat percentage, water percentage, muscle mass, and metabolic age, and chart their progress utilizing NuLife Nutrition’s private scale in the back of the shop. A free online wellness evaluation is also available at ewheeler.goherbalife.com.

“I absolutely love helping people, being their biggest supporter or a listening ear,” Ellie said. “I was always that person that told myself, ‘I can’t do this.’ I know how to meet them at their level, make sure they aren’t intimidated, and meet their goal.”

NuLife Nutrition is holding a grand opening celebration Saturday, Jan. 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. NuLife Nutrition is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.