Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqui Daniels.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jacqui. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my long journey into herbalism after the modern day medical model continued to fail to address me as a whole and treat me as a person, and not just my symptoms. I was at the dr over and over for the same thing. I took on medication which then caused other problems so then I would need another medication and on and on.
I began to do my own research which lead me take my first herb, uva ursi. Boom! Magic! It didn’t just treat my symptoms but healed the root cause. From there, I had to know it all. I was a sponge. My life, since then, has been to learn as much as I possibly can. To treat people as a whole, to hear their stories, to empower others to heal themselves as a whole. I have had the honor and privilege to learn from so many amazing healers and meet/get to know so many plant allies.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Herbalism in the states has many red tapes to work around because of the laws and regulations. It makes it very hard to learn from reputable sources because there is no degree program or certificate program so anyone can technically call themselves an herbalist and teach another. So just starting out and trying to figure out how I can learn this craft led me to be scammed out of a bunch of money right off the bat. I later moved to NY where I went to Arbor Vitae School of Traditional Herbalism, where I learned from some of the best and most reputable healers and managed an herbal apothecary and clinic. I wanted to then move back to Dallas and open my own clinic or apothecary in an area that could really benefit from it. The resources and community here have been a challenge to find though. I also find that being small, a woman, and in a field that is constantly under question or scrutiny, that it is a constant game of having to prove yourself to others as well.
Please tell us about Nettle Guru Herbs.
I began Nettle Guru Herbs as an outlet for sharing my passion in an attempt to build my business slowly into something larger. A way to being sharing information even though I don’t have a storefront. At the moment, I share recipes, blog about anything herbal, and pedal my goods. I would say that at this point, I specialize in botanical hand-etched glass and herbal body care. Honestly, I am most proud of the fact that Nettle Guru Herbs is even a thing. That I finally started something, even if it is small. Just to start and continue is a huge effort. What sets me apart from others is that I don’t think anyone else in the states is doing custom hand etched botanical glass. It is a very random niche. In terms of the products I make and the info I share, it is all made with the intention of the whole person in mind. The things I make are not created purely for profit.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Definitely spending summers with my Grandmother. She always lived in the middle of nowhere in NM or AZ. I was born in a very small town in NM and really have a soft spot in my heart for the beauty of the desert. She always took my cousin and I on the best adventures to caverns, abandoned mine towns, taking us to do large amounts of fireworks, etc. It wasn’t just the adventures. She was the warmest, most loving person I have ever know, and she helped encourage me to become the person I am today. She allowed people to be just who they want to be and dream as big as they wanted without judgment.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://nettleguruherbs.com
- Email: nettleguruherbs@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nettle_guru/
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