GODFREY, IL – Nourished Revival has been chosen for recognition as the August 2025 Small Business of the Month by the RiverBend Growth Association.
A remote business now in its third year and owned by Abigail Parker, she says the moment that changed everything in her world was when she first learned of the word “aspartame” and its impact on one’s health.
“I was 21 when my grandpa passed away with Alzheimer’s. It was heartbreaking,” Parker shares. “Later, I learned that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, has been linked to cognitive decline, and that Alzheimer’s is sometimes called ‘type 3 diabetes.’ That’s when I realized food is so much more than just calories.
“At the time, I was constantly craving sugar and eating mostly sweets and carbs,” she explains further. “I realized that what I was eating may not be a problem right now, but it was up to me to take care of my future self. I started to see food differently, as not having to take a list of medications, not needing help getting out of a chair, being able to travel. I learned how to eat in a way that worked for my body, not just what diet culture told me was ‘healthy.’ The sugar cravings faded. I had more energy than ever before. And for the first time, I truly loved my body.”
Parker made the move from working in healthcare, “the place to help people” she notes pointedly, to launching Nourished Revival.
“But the more I learned, I saw the biggest impact on your health is the habits you do every day, like eating. It shouldn’t be overwhelming. Your health isn’t something you have to worry about when there’s a problem; you get to feel your best right now,” Parker says further.
In October 2024, Parker completed a dedicated stress and hormones certification that now adds to her nutrition certification and allows for deeper client guidance by helping them understand their hormone levels and how that impacts their overall health while also educating clients on how to naturally bring their hormone levels into balance. “I help you understand how to eat to actually support your body,” she says.
“I pride myself on meeting all of my clients where they are.” Parker adds. “This means 2 things. One: I believe everyone is different. What works for your sister might not work for you. That’s why there are so many different diets and things to try out there. I want you to understand what your own needs are. When you do what you need, that’s when you get lasting results.
“And two: I work with your schedule and skills. There’s only so much time in the day, and you get to decide how your time is best spent. And not everyone likes to cook – I would never tell someone who eats out most days of the week to start cooking every day. Progress is made step-by-step.”
Parker says that one of the opportunities that comes from owning and operating her one-person remote business is that she has the chance to think about new ways she can help others understand and be empowered about taking control of their own health through healthy eating made simple.
“I’m always honored to be asked to speak or participate at events,” she notes, “and am excited about new opportunities already this year, including launching the Let’s Talk Nourishment podcast. Something else very special is when people I know ask to work with me. There’s a different kind of trust being able to open up to someone who is in the same chamber as you, or goes to the same church as you, as opposed to someone you don’t see on a regular basis.”
And while Parker might be the only employee at Nourished Revival, her business is built upon community. “I’ve done consulting at Rosewood Chiropractic Clinic for additional whole health support. I’ve partnered for classes at Heather’s Zen Den. I’ve been asked to teach classes at Party on Broadway, Roxana Public Library, and Wood River Public Library,” she points out.
In fact, being involved in the community and supporting local is a priority for her and Nourished Revival. The firm hosts a fundraiser each year on its anniversary date with all proceeds benefitting a local nonprofit. Parker also volunteers for the Riverbend Family Ministries Christmas event and as a Salvation Army bell ringer. She serves as an RBGA Ambassador and on the LeadHership Seminar Committee.
If that weren’t enough to support community service as a priority for Nourished Revival, Parker has also hosted a variety of free talks on topics related to nutrition at multiple outlets in the area such as Bethalto Public Library and Rachel & Co. Coffee House. She’s presented at various wellness events and businesses, published multiple writings through Riverbender.com and provided free health assessments at area events.
“I’ve done consulting at Rosewood Chiropractic Clinic for additional whole health support. I’ve partnered for classes at Heather’s Zen Den. I’ve been asked to teach classes at Party on Broadway, Roxana Public Library and Wood River Public Library,” Parker adds in.
Two major accomplishments have come to life in Parker’s second year of business as well: She was named as one of The Telegraph’s 2024 Professionals Under 40 and in the top three in the health coach category for the 2024 Riverbend and Madison County Best of the Best.
“My greatest challenge is simply letting people know I’m here and how much I can help,” says Parker. “Running a virtual business, especially a nutrition business, is not common.
“I like to think of Nourished Revival as something on the shelf at the store that you didn’t know you needed, until they moved everything around and you happened to see it one day,” she adds further. “You know you should take care of yourself, but it can feel like you’ve already tried everything, or it won’t work for you. The reality is, having an outside perspective is sometimes all you need to make progress.”
For more information about Nourished Revival, reach out to Parker at (217) 851-7447 or visit online at http://www.nourishedrevival.com/. You can also send an email to abigail@nourishedrevival.com.
The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information about the Growth Association, visit www.growthassociation.com or call (618) 467-2280.
RBGA’s Small Business of the Month Committee recognizes a different member business each month for its outstanding efforts and leadership in the community. Committee members include Brenda Eardley, Vicki Hake, Lacey Isringhausen, Amy Roady, Martha Schultz, Erin Spain, and Alexis Weller.
To learn more about membership in the RiverBend Growth Association and the Small Business of the Month recognition, visit the RBGA website or call their Godfrey office.