Meet Joanette Gude | Certified Herbalist

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

Hi Joanette, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is ensuring I take care of my health first! I have regular annual doctor’s visits so I can know my health numbers and how my body is responding to the environment. I also ensure my spiritual wellbeing is a priority. This is important because traditionally herbal medicine practices have always included a spiritual component be that prayer or clearing negative energies. So I ensure my physical, emotional and spiritual are in shape. I recently included personal training in my routine and have been able to create new remedies based on that tract of health care. Staying healthy and using my own remedies to me are the success of my brand!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a certified herbalist through Cornell University’s Medicinal Plants Certificate program in addition to many other titles. However, this one has been in me for a long time. When I was 10 I dreamed of becoming a pharmacist because the one we had consulted with customers every visit and made you feel part of a community. My life ended up taking many different turns throughout the years but the calling never left.

I began growing herbs in 2009 in the backyard of my townhouse. I had a small 4’x4′ bricked garden where I ended up growing 10 different herbs! I began to take note of their smells and textures and became curious about them in regards to teas. That is where my journey along this path began. Any time I had a cough or sniffle I would pick an herb, make a tea, and feel better. I realized I was healing myself! I began sharing teas and other herbal creations with close family and friends and they started feeling better too!

So now, here I am, spreading my love of herbs and knowledge as an herbal pharmacist. many of the herbs come from my private garden, JAH.K.C, which holds 30 herbs and vegetables during the summer growing season. I focus on a specific set of herbs based on my community’s needs. JAH.K.C is chemical and pesticide free. I use natural, edible methods to fertilize and protect my garden. Otherwise, the rest of my products are sourced from local farms and businesses and are 100% organic. All teas, steams, and soaks are handmade with love and in good spirit upon order.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Spartanburg, South Carolina. I was born here but I went to college and lived in Charlotte for almost 20 years. I migrated back home when I became a mother and this is where baldflower apothecary was born. Visiting our city is starting to get exciting as we are experiencing a lot of growth! I am excited about the new restaurants and stores opening as I live downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my daughter and my mother as they are my biggest supporters and have been involved in baldflower apothecary since day one! We work as a team to achieve this goal.

Website: www.baldflowerapothecaryllc.com

Instagram: @baldflowerapothecary

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