KBD Cafe and Juice Bar owner Sam Douglass said after visiting Ararat regularly, she noticed the town was lacking healthy food options.

"I always like to have an option to eat healthy, and I found that Ararat was missing that," she said.

"What we are trying to do is give people a healthier option. We still have chips but they are air-fried."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ms Douglass, who is a nutritional and mental wellness coach, said business had been "very busy" since opening.

"People can expect amazing service and great food from chef Lana. She makes all of the cakes and ready-to-go meals from scratch," she said.

"Nutrition and health are all about eating things in moderation ... 95 per cent of our food is homemade and we are working on being able to cater for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan."

Ms Douglass said the biggest challenge was getting equipment for the KBD Fitness Studio amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During the first lockdown everyone was buying gym equipment and it was selling out nationally. So that has been the hardest thing to get," she said.

"The gym is open but we are waiting for a couple of pieces of equipment. I am starting my classes as of next week.

"I have owned gyms for about six years. I had a gym in Tasmania and one in Red Cliffs and now this one here. In Red Cliffs, I still have clients which my niece looks after for me."

MORE NEWS: Historic Grampians farm up for sale with its very own jail

Ms Douglass said she hopes to open another business in a country town within the next five years.

"I have always had a focus on regional areas, having grown up in the country myself," she said.

"My point of difference and my business model is about creating a highly engaged community atmosphere.

"So it has a family feel, rather than a commercial gym where you workout and then go home.

"Mental health is my number one priority with my clients. I have had experience with mental health first hand.

"I had a really good friend commit suicide 10 years ago, that is where my passion is driven from."

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.