Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kassaundra Lynn, Founder of Rooted Remedies, located in Eugene, OR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Rooted Remedies is a community apothecary based in Eugene, OR. Our products are formulated by bridging the scientific and traditional methods with the intention of helping our customers gain a sense of autonomy over their health and wellness. With an emphasis on ethically wildcrafted plants, our goal is to (re)kindle a relationship with the local flora and shine a light on the interconnectedness and empowerment of working with the local ecology. Those that find us and become loyal customers are usually already on their path toward holistic wellness and want to learn more about herbalism and deepen their relationship with the medicinal aspects of plants.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Kassaundra. I founded Rooted Remedies in 2020 after a decade of studying and working with plants, both independently and from teachers. Spending time and connecting with nature has always been important to me, even as a child. When I learned about the medicinal qualities of plants as a young adult, I dove into studying and experimenting with the plants I found in my backyard and neighborhood. Through experimenting with myself and friends/family, I gained a sense of empowerment in my health and wellness - an area I had a lot of struggles in and experienced various ailments such as digestive problems, allergies, and anxiety. Being able to share that with others and receive amazing feedback on how the plants are impacting my customers' lives is what keeps my going and motivated to continue growing this business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a tough question. I've had a lot of accomplishments in a short time with this business. I would say my biggest accomplishments as a business owner are my persistence and ability to adapt and grow in a way that meets the needs of my customers and community while remaining true to the core values and mission of the business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is consistently being out of my 'comfort' zone in order to continue to grow as a business owner and create a more successful business. As a business owner, I wear all of the hats in running the business, and I am constantly meeting new qualities and skills that do not come naturally to me but need to be honed so I can adapt and pivot the business in a way that best serves the community.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't be afraid to start small and slowly build up. A solid foundation is vital to the integrity and sustainability of your business. When I started Rooted Remedies in November 2020, I used $200 of my own money to make a micro-batch of a few different remedies. My first market in Nov. 2020 was at a tiny gym tucked away in a neighborhood in SE Portland. All I had was a 2'x4' table, and I only sold about $50 worth of products. I could have easily called it a wash and given up, but I stayed with it and, little by little, built up Rooted Remedies to what it is now, with a solid customer base both locally and nationally and a newly opened brick-and-mortar.
  2. Experiment with the intention of finding clarity on your goal. The first idea is not always going to work out. Over 10 years, I experimented with a few different niches in herbalism and used different business names - none of them stuck. It wasn't until I got really clear with myself on what I was trying to accomplish that Rooted Remedies came to be and has continued to flourish.
  3. Have fun and find community. It's so easy to get caught up in the grind of running your own business. It can be easy to forget your 'why' and feel like it's all a chore. Surrounding yourself with other small business owners not only helps with the isolation that can happen while running your own business, but it also creates a sense of unity and can help you feel like you're not in it alone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rootedremedies.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootedremedies.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedremedies.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooted-remedies/

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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