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

Hi Cheryl, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Before I worked for myself, I had a 9-5. During my time there, I would utilize my breaks to work on my branding, I would read books about herbalism and childbirth to improve my knowledge, I would make calls to certain people in the community in order to get my foot in the door to certain places etc. If It wasn’t during breaks it would be during my down time. People at work would laugh at me and make jokes about how hard I would work. When I wasn’t at work I was still working on making products here and there, studying and taking online workshops. Anything that would get me further. It wasn’t until I started actually taking clients as their doula and herbalist that it was even harder for me to work a full time job. One day my client called me in labor and my employer was hesitant on allowing me to leave early, it was a slow Friday work day and I remember thinking it should be easy to leave because we’re fully staffed and it was extremely slow. However I called my mom almost in tears from frustration of possibly missing a birth. I asked my mom for her advice. “Should I leave and just go? Should I just walk out? My client needs me! What should I do?!” With all these questions my mom reminded me about how her and many others in my life had told me to take that leap of faith and quit my job. I was too afraid of quitting my 9-5, not receiving my consistent paychecks in order to fully take control of my business. To be able to be available for MY clients and not someone else’s. The decision to finally leave that was a very hard one and the months to come after it were even harder as well and sometimes made me regret my decision however the storm didn’t last too long after much prayer, fasting and reflecting, opportunities that I worked on during those breaks paid off. However I’ll never forget what it took because it motivates me to go even harder.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Herbal Compass is an umbrella company that features an apothecary, Doula services and childbirth education. As we believe in power of healing through nature it only makes since that we combine our love for a more holistic approach to wellness with our belief in safe and informed birthing. The herbal compass was first an apothecary that sells natural hair and skin care items and also sells supplements and teas for wellness. I ventured into birth work because of my passion for the wellbeing of women and how important it is to feel healthy, well and supported during pregnancy and postpartum. Now I am aiming to not only be present in birthing/laboring spaces but making sure that if I can’t be there I can still inform those on how to be informed and well during this time. I am genuine about what I do and just really want to make sure that anyone that comes across me and needs my services or needs healing of any sort gets that whether its from me directly or me sharing my resources for them to use.

At the start of the business , it was never about the money as I was doing things for little to nothing. Even teaching women at shelters about proper labor and birth rights. Proud of the results I was seeing and the effects it had on people was the reward.

How did I keep going? My drive and motivation is because of my faith and knowing that what I am doing was a result of The Most High guiding my path and allowing me to work in the purpose he had given me. It makes me want to go even harder and make him proud of me. I am extremely proud and excited about the growth of my business and the opportunities that have come forth. I pray for growth and wisdom for myself and my business because I know that both of those things will affect how many people I can have a positive impact on and how many people I can help using my hands or the knowledge I have acquired. I can’t wait to see what else my business has in store and I grateful that I had people around me to never allow me to give up. I wouldn’t be here now if I listened to myself. Thank you mom, my wonderful and supportive siblings who were also unpaid employees :), thank you Ahbad, Neka, Taharah, Terresa, Tiffany and Jocquelene and many more for supporting me in my decision to make my business a priority and taking that leap of faith. I’ll never forget the impact you all have had in my decision making. Reminding me that The Most High (AHAYAH) makes no mistakes!

It’s not easy being self employed managing your own business, it’s not easy keeping up with finances and keeping consistent with work but the work you put in will show like a light through your business. I lose a lot of sleep, work a lot of hours, spend less time with friends and family most days but I can say that balance is the key. I am working and striving for more balance and making sure to make certain things in my life a priority. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, no matter how hard it gets, that I need to make sure that I keep The Most High first and my mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing a priority. I just want the world to know that I take my business seriously and I strive to help people heal no matter who they are. I pray my story motivates someone to take that leap of faith and do the work they were meant to do. Don’t take your gifts/talents for granted!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would eat breakfast at Hangover Easy, one of the best breakfast spots in town. Maybe grab a coffee at, Black Coffee. I would grab drinks at my favorite wine and jazz bar, Nostalgia. I would have dinner at Mi cozumel, a very upbeat Mexican food spot that has great food and entertainment, the Eagle or Soul Secrets downtown cincy. I would hang out by the river downtown cincy and maybe take a boat ride. We’d definitely take some hikes in various spots including but not limited to, Ault park, Devou park, Glenwood gardens ( that has a beautiful view of the sunrise) and Bender Mountain. The Fountain Square, depending on the day, has salsa on the square every Thursday starting in May, Reggae on Wednesdays and various other events.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ahbad’s Lawn Care Services (ALCS)

This person is a black owned business owner who is doing great things in the community. He is also employing people who need the experience or just has families who need support. He’s teaching and giving opportunities

513.497.6556

Website: www.theherbalcompass.com

Instagram: theherbalcompass1

Facebook: theherbalcompass1

Other: tiktok – Theherbalcompass

Image Credits
Futureinspirationz – Ahch Chopp

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.