Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsabe Coston.
Hi Betsabe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico. I am the youngest of four. I was raised by a single mom who works really hard to provide for all of us. I came to America when I graduated Highschool in 2005, looking for career growth opportunities. I did not know the language and didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, my oldest sister and my brother-in-law lived here in Texas and offered for me to stay in their home while I figured out what to do, I came across a nanny job that I ended up doing for about two years. I cleaned houses and I was a waitress. All while still trying to learn the language. I was very fortunate to come across my best friend Dominique Brown because She did not know Spanish and I didn’t know English so it was perfect because I was forced to learn the language within six months.
After nine months of working hard, I was able to afford my own car, my own apartment and start paying my bills. I decided to start studying because my mom told me a woman needs to have a career and be able to support herself. While studying, I met my now ex-husband. To be very honest with you, I felt very lonely in this country. I had left my friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, my language my culture. I had left behind who I was and had to start from zero. So when I met my ex-husband, we connected due to sharing the same feelings. Three months passed by and We got married. We didn’t take the time to know each other properly before getting pregnant. Within a month of marriage, I was pregnant with my firstborn. Sadly, I started noticing something was off with my now husband. He started alienating me, being aggressive, and just not what I expected.
In 2013, I had quit my job to study full time and finish my nursing degree. I had already been working full-time, studying part0-time, all while being a mom. By that time, I had already started making my own Herbal Based Products since my daughter had a terrible case of eczema and nothing would work. I had consulted my mother, who has an extensive knowledge of herbs, and she helped me figure out the perfect formula to make my first dry skin ointment which, by the way worked wonders. We come from a family of merchants. So naturally, I decided to start selling my products. I had a whole plan in mind & I was excited about it too. But the Universe had other plans.
Four years into marriage, two kids later, and many instances of physical family violence. My ex-husband received a bipolar and schizophrenia diagnosis. Sadly, he did not accept the diagnosis and he decided not o take medication for it. I know people say you should have left the first time, but it is NOT easy; believe me, I am a feisty woman but it messed me up mentally so much that I did not know what to do. Nevertheless, two months after I had quit my job, and one month before the end of the semester, it happened again but this time worst than the other times and I decided this was no life for the children or for myself. Without a penny in my pocket. I left. All my dreams to make products and sell them and one day open a shop were thrown out the window; that was the last thing in my mind. Thankfully, the owners of the pre-school I took my children to are so kind. They offered me a job at the pre-school. I was working crazy hours while trying to finish the semester, take care of the kids all alone since their father was unable to see them until he took some classes.
I had to quit studying nursing cause I had to get a full-time job again as a phlebotomist and later a Senior sales Representative with a laboratory. But I didn’t give up. I refused to not have my own Natural skincare business at some point in life. I was able to finish my associate’s degree in Science at Collin College and transferred to Texas Women’s University and switched majors to Business Management, minoring in Management. I was studying Online while being a single mom, working a demanding Full-time job & trying to heal from all the trauma.
In 2015, I met my now husband Andrew Coston whom, as people say, was sent from heaven. He was patient with me and the kids understanding the traumatic experience we lived through. We have been married for almost four years now. After a throughout discussion with Drew, we decided it was best to just to work part-time so that I could be with the kids and, if I wanted just get a part-time job. So in 2018, I quit my job. It was nerve-racking cause I had been the breadwinner for so long now.
The 2020 Pandemic happened and I had to stay home home-schooling the children. I realized something that year; There was a need in the world to bring back natural healing. People started taking more interest in natural products. I had already started studying herbs in-depth and how to make balms, candles, bath salts, scrubs, etc. It was now or never. I quit my job and I started making products in bulk. I created a Facebook page, Instagram, and I started promoting my business and finding farmers market opportunities to sell and promote my products. I don’t know how but it happened it finally happened I opened my own Natural skincare product Vita Verde Botanicals. I am a member of millhouse McKinney, a member of the chamber of commerce in McKinney, I am a certified Reiki practitioner and I am loving it.
In a way, working with my herbs, oils and Reiki brings me peace. I have grown so much spiritually. Thanks to therapy, the love of my husband and children, Reiki and my craft, the wounds are healing. I work very hard everyday to make sure people can feel the love and care I put into my products when they use them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitively has not been easy. I am a stay-at-home mom, so my work schedule revolves around the children. Product making has been interesting. It may seem easy to mix this or mix that together and bam, you get an amazing scrub or balm but it is not at all. I have spent long days and weeks trying to figure out the perfect recipes for all my products all while taking kids to extracurricular activities, managing the house and finances.
After some markets and positive feedback, I decided to put my sales experience and skills to use, so I grabbed a box with my products, dressed up and I went to Downtown McKinney and knock on some business’ Doors to see who wanted to have my products on their shelves. I had good days and bad ones some nice people and some not so nice I tell you. Thankfully Native & The Groovy Coop believed in my products and liked them so they have them on their shelves. Lola’s Farmers Market in Melissa were the first ones to buy my products in bulk and for that, I am very thankful. I have had up and downs like any other business. Sometimes I get discouraged but then remember what it took to get here I balance my chakras, meditate, give thanks for what I have, manifest prosperity and I’m good.
Adding the metaphysical part of my craft to my business was very difficult too. I was nervous and fearful that people wouldn’t buy my products and would judge me. But just like anything else I do, I pushed my fear aside and decided to add my sage, palo santo and crystal bundles, black salts, manifestation candles, manifestation herbs, soaps & oils and to my surprise many people like them and buy them. There is a big community out there of healers that I was oblivious of.
When it comes to Reiki, it has been hard introducing it to the public. It is not a well-known technique in the area and therefore not much awareness. Reiki is a Japanese technique that creates deep relaxation in our body, allowing it to heal itself. But believe me when I tell you, it works and it is amazing! I offer a 30 min free Reiki sessions for women to try out and see if it something they want to do. My Reiki Studio is in my home I have a very pleasant and relaxing place where I do my Reiki sessions and because of that some women are not totally comfortable with it, which I totally get.
I thank Promo lab in McKinney too for encouraging me to go outside my comfort zone and get out there and introduce my products in the area and of course to help me with my promotional products. I thank the people that have partnered with me to create boxes like AV designs in McKinney, The Millhouse for allowing me to have a space to share my knowledge and a portion of my business in their space. I hustle every single day.
We’ve been impressed with Vita Verde Botanicals, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Vita Verde Botanicals is a family-owned and operated business in McKinney, TX, specialized in all-natural handcrafted herbal-based products designed to promote wellbeing for the mind, body and soul. Some of our products include Candles made with beeswax & Essential oils, Hands and Lips Balms, Body & Face Scrubs, Bath Salts, Massage oils, Soaps to name a few.
We are known for handcrafting all of our products with nothing but herbal-based all-natural ingredients and Essential oils in our products at a good cost. But we are particularly known for our Aromatherapy Candles and Manifestation Candles. Both are made with Beeswax, Essential Oils, wooden crackling wick and dry herbs on top. They look so beautiful, smell amazing and burn clean, last for up to 40 hours.
For the Aromatherapy Candles, I blend the Essential Oils according to the benefit I want to create based on herbal medicine and aromatherapy research. For example Stress Relief Candle does not only have Lavender Essential Oil; it is a blend of Marjoram, Sage, lavender and ylang yalng.
When it comes to the manifestation candles, I create unique scents by blending different Essential oils & Herbs according to their spiritual properties; for example “Manifest love” is a beeswax candle that has a blend of patchouli, vanilla, cinnamon, sandalwood, rose and other essential oils that attract love and at the very top of the candle I add a blend of herbs that will eventually blend into the beeswax.
We also offer Women’s Only Reiki services. Reiki is a simple, gentle, hands-on energy technique that promotes mental & physical healing through deep relaxation. It is a form of alternative healing, also known as energy healing. Reiki supports the body to access the ability to heal itself. Reiki can complement any medical or psychological care clients may be receiving.
Here is how it works: Reiki treatments usually last one hour. The client lies down on the treatment table, fully clothed. The practitioner rests their hands in a series of non-intrusive hand positions. energy flows through practitioner’s hands. The treatment helps to promote deep relaxation and natural healing. During treatment, client may feel very relaxed and may fall asleep. Treatment is carried out in silence, though practitioners usually play relaxing music. Practitioner will let client know when treatment has come to an end. Reiki Practitioner respects all conversations and client’s information private.
To schedule an appointment or buy our products, people can find us online at www.vitaverdebotanicals.com or at www.vitaverdebotanicals.Etsy.com. We sell individual products and wholesale for those with stores that want to have our products on their shelves. People can follow us on Instagram and Facebook @vitaverdebotanicals
I am proud of my brand because it represents freedom, love, spirituality, perseverance & closure in my life. I am happy to show the world who I am through my products and to share the knowledge that was passed on to me from my ancestors and their use of natural ingredients in their daily lives. A lot of my knowledge does come from my mom who learnt the medicinal properties of herbs from her grandma.
My hope is that this story can empower those who are going through a rough time to not give up on their dreams. I want them to know that no one and no circumstance can shatter their dreams. They have the power within themselves to do what they dream of. Everyone is scared sometimes but those who decide not to let fear rule their lives are the ones who make it. Don’t give up it is never too late to achieve your dreams and never stop dreaming.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is at times a necessary evil; Sometimes, you just have to go for it. But one of the things my husband has taught me well is that before taking any risks, research and make an informed move. So I would say we keep it well-balanced.
As far as business goes, I haven’t taken a major risk as of yet. We are gathering the necessary information to take a major step for this business but we will keep our customers posted if and when we decide to make a move.
Pricing:
- Reiki services: $50 for 1 hr session
- Aromatherapy & Manifestation Candles $14
- 2 oz Hand and Lip, Beard, Stress Relief balms $10
- Soaps 2 for $8 or one for $5
- Bath Salts, Sugar Scrub, Salt and Sulfur Scrub 4 Oz $5 8 Oz $10
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@vitaverdebotanicals.com
- Website: www.vitaverdebotanicals.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vitaverdebotanicals
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vitaverdebotanicals
