We had the good fortune of connecting with Shamika Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shamika, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?

3. “What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with”?

– That you need to follow an established pattern in your field to become successful. I purposely pushed against that, and rejected the narrative of “this” is what an herbalist or someone into alternative health has to look like, sound like, or possess in order to be seen as legitimate.  You don’t have to be like everybody else, you can operate outside of the box and do things in a way that aligns with your God given uniqueness, this is how innovation occurs and how we push our crafts forward. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

4. “Risk Taking: how do you think about risk? What role has taking risk played in your life/career?

– I’m all for taking risks, but I’m very strategic and intentional with my risk. Risk is good but recklessness is not. I took a chance deciding to change my career path, and leave school right before graduating to go after my dream, and it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Take the risk, don’t be afraid, but be calculated and have a plan. Count up the cost.

5. What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

– Being consistent. Consistency and being able to adapt. Things don’t always go according to plan, and you may have to adjust sometimes in order to get where you want to be. I’ve been willing to explore, and that’s been helpful. Also, giving myself grace, understanding that success is not always linear, and that success is a process. Accepting that reality has helped me endure the different challenges that have presented themselves. Work/life balance has really been helpful too. Early on all I did was work, and when you’re just starting out, you absolutely may have to do that, but making the time to pour back into myself, and nurture myself in areas apart from my business, helps to keep me fresh and inspired for my business.

6. “What are you inspired by”?

– I’m inspired by life, the fullness of it all and all that it is. Discovery inspires me, being able to see life from a completely different perspective than I was once was. God inspires me. Nature inspires me, and witnessing how everything connects. Becoming a better me and all that means inspires me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Initially I just wanted to provide natural products that were affordable to our community. I really didn’t envision things becoming as big as they are now. I noticed that many times healthier alternatives to common products we use, are considerably more expensive than the typical items people are used to, and this acts as a barrier that keeps people using toxic products that can be harmful to themselves, and their loved ones. I wanted to change that, and from there it led to us offering not only products, but online and in person education. I believe that our integrity, transparency, love and passions for the overall wellness of all is what sets the brand apart. This journey has not been easy but it’s is worthwhile to know that I am impacting the lives of many for generations to come through my work. I have learned through my years of experience that consistency is key, love is universal and well open many doors. Yet hard work, respect perseverance, discipline and dedication will take you all the way. This to me is the essence of life!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them in a natural experience. Visiting local parks, preserves, trails and hiking experiences. We would eat locally to support our community and also visit our local wineries as well as distilleries.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout my grandmother Quindolyn Rice because she introduced me into the plants and a wholistic way of living. My team because without them I would not be where I am today. My supporters because without them I wouldn’t be able to the impact I am today.

Website: https://www.essencesherbs.com/

Instagram: Essencetheherbalist

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