ROCKLAND — Affinity Nutrition, a new nutritional business, opened Friday, Jan. 22 in the Rockland Plaza, edged between Hannaford and Planet Fitness in the space formerly occupied by Green with Envy Hair Salon. The owners aim to provide nourishment to Rockland and the greater Midcoast community. 

The business is owned by Jessica Ripley, of Washington, and Lisa Ladd, of Owls Head, both longtime Midcoast residents with a myriad of business experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. 

Affinity Nutrition offers Herbalife energy teas and nutrition shakes, products geared, according to Ripley and Ladd, to boost energy for daily life, provide hydration to support a healthy, active lifestyle.

“Satisfy your hunger and stay energized with the power of protein,” they said. “Herbalife shakes boost your protein intake for a nutritious snack or meal replacement.” 

Ripley and Ladd opted to open a storefront selling nutritional shakes and teas at the behest of longtime friend Anna Curtis, the owner of 201 Nutrition in Skowhegan and Elm City Nutrition in Waterville, who helped them embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.

“Anna encouraged us to open Affinity Nutrition in the Midcoast, knowing it will be a big success,” said Ripley and Ladd. 

There are more than 30 zero-sugar energy tea flavors on the menu, such as Affinity Sunrise (peach, raspberry, orange, mango flavoring), and more than 45 protein shake flavors, such as vanilla caramel latte. A trio of protein bars (brownie batter, chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies ‘n cream) and iced coffee (caramel, vanilla, hazelnut) are also on the menu. 

“Whether for work, play or personal fitness, Rockland’s residents and visitors are active people,” said Ripley and Ladd. “Affinity Nutrition’s products nourish your body, so you can achieve optimum health.” 

Business hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 8 am. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. 

Ripley and Ladd are appreciative of the support and assistance from AR Carpentry, Reeds Plumbing & Heating, Curtis, Jesse LeBlanc of 201 Nutrition and 207 Nutrition, and Cindy and Brady Whetzel of Foreside Nutrition.