Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Athena Short, Co-Founder of Psanctuary Church, located in Louisville, KY, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
The Mission of Psanctuary is to shepherd a non-denominational, international faith-based community that centers around the instrumental sacrament of sacred (psilocybin-containing) mushrooms for personal, communal, and global healing.
Psanctuary, a 508(c)(1)(A) faith-based organization, is a Constitutional Church. It is our sincere belief that the consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is a communion that brings us closer to what is commonly called God. We understand this concept as pure consciousness, which permeates all being. This pure consciousness is, we believe, the Ineffable Source of Creation and the origin of health and well-being. Psanctuary is a grounded, nature-centered, non-dogmatic, non-hierarchical faith-based organization.
Our faith in sacred mushrooms stems from pre-historical use by our ancestors and the personal experiences of our modern members. It is our belief that psilocybin-containing mushrooms are one of the greatest sacraments that Nature offers, raising our awareness so that we can access a direct connection to the Source of Life.
Our community consists of families and individuals from all walks of life and is open to individuals from any faith or background. We are an inclusive community recognizing only one race of humans and one life force that manifests in a multitude of forms and appearances.
Tell us about yourself
My spiritual practice with sacred mushrooms began in early 2018 when I was given the opportunity to work with a mushroom retreat center in Jamaica. Through that work, I was able to commune with sacred mushrooms for the first time. Those first experiences really solidified the work I was doing, and I knew immediately this was where and what I was supposed to be doing. Being a support to others who choose to work with sacred mushrooms is my greatest honor. My motivation comes from trusting the mission and vision of the community we are building at Psanctuary. It's truly beautiful to witness.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a co-founder of Psanctuary, a non-profit, faith-based organization, the biggest accomplishment I've seen is our community. The people who are joining us are incredible and inspiring.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is finding work/life balance. Although, with Psanctuary, the goal is to have this community integrated into our lives, so that makes it a bit easier in the grand scheme.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what it is you are doing.
- Know how to set boundaries around your work.
- Surround yourself with those who are just as passionate as you are.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
At our online Sunday services, each week, we read a poem called The Litany of Gratitude, and there is a line in the poem that repeats. I feel it most resonates with what sacred mushrooms have taught me, and it goes, "We live in all things, all things live in us" I try to take this with me in my daily life.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.psanctuary.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psanctuary
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psanctuarychurch/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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