Cancer Journey, Get Healthy, Step Out

Finding Community, Health, and Homemade Fermented Ketchup

I sat on a comfy couch in a room filled with bright colors and streaming sunshine, talking to two women I’ve admired for more than 20 years. They were my daughter’s daycare providers — Lori Segar and Michelle Mullin, co-owners of The Children’s Clubhouse daycare in Simsbury and Granby. My daughter Alice thrived there as a young child. Now, they’ve added a bold new venture to their story: The Lucky Gut.
I was there to find out what, exactly, The Lucky Gut is.

Two Women, Two Paths to Wellness
The idea began with Michelle’s desire for a kitchen — one dedicated to making healthy food from scratch. But for Lori, it needed to be something more.


Both women had transformed their lives through health and wellness, but through very different paths. Michelle’s journey started with her children. Both had allergies, but her son’s were severe, and doctors weren’t giving her the answers she needed. She turned to the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) protocol — and the results were remarkable. He outgrew nearly all of his allergies, except eggs. Michelle’s own debilitating migraines disappeared too. Today, she no longer follows GAPS strictly, but prioritizes whole foods whenever possible. She also became a certified clinical herbalist — and yes, she makes her own homemade fermented ketchup.


Lori’s path began with a car accident that left her badly injured. After completing her physical therapy, she was told: this is as good as it gets — accept the pain, accept the limited mobility. As a single mom of four, that simply wasn’t an option. She started working out and weight training, and eventually became a prize-winning powerlifter. She has since added health coach to her resume.
Two very different stories but each knowing that the body is capable of far more than we realize.

More Than a Kitchen
Lori and Michelle wanted the kitchen but they also wanted to build community. They wanted to spotlight local companies and entrepreneurs. They wanted a gathering place for their adult children — and for neighbors, friends, and anyone curious about living and eating well.

What You’ll Find There
I go to The Lucky Gut for the kombucha from their healthy drink bar which offers nutritional drinks including teas, mocktails, kombucha and smoothies. Then, I sink into that big comfy couch in the sunny side room and catch up with my friend. On my way out, I grab a few bento boxes — ready-made individual meals you can take home. Or heat up the meal and enjoy it right there. Simply ask for plate and use the microwave. The offerings go well beyond that, though: classes, gatherings, local product spotlights, and more. Are you a local business or entrepreneur with a product or service that you think is a good fit for The Lucky Gut? Contact them! They would love to hear from you.

Check out the upcoming classes. Their selection offers something for everyone from yoga to egg painting or self defense classes. The cooking classes include options to “Make and Take” to bring dinner home or “Cook and Dine” if you’d rather linger and make new friends. There are also meal prep classes. Michelle is even teaching a class on herbalism. The idea is to teach healthy habits that can easily be incorporated into everyday life.

Supporting a Cause

Diane’s Helping Hands, a local Ovarian Cancer Support group, is gathering at The Lucky Gut for an afternoon of creativity and community. Thank you to The Lucky Gut for hosting!

Together we’ll be:
* Making no-sew blankets
* Creating encouraging cards
* Assembling hope and comfort kits for cancer patients

I was a recipient of a no-sew blanket once, and it was a warm and wonderful reminder that I was not alone on my journey.

No experience needed — just bring your heart to help!

📅 Sunday, April 26, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This is a drop in event.

10% of market sales made during the event will be donated to Diane’s Helping Hands, so be sure to tell your family and friends to stop by for a smoothie, a draft kombucha or even dinner from the grab & go section!

The Lucky Gut is located in Simsbury, CT. Check out their website, and social media – Facebook and Instagram.

Simsbury is lucky to have them!

Finding the ability to build and support community through healthy choices.

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