We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Oker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Approximately 9 years ago, physicians advised that I had weeks if not max, two years to live. I was very ill and at that time, the physicians were spot on. It was in this moment of darkness that Ayurveda found me and saved my life. In return, I decided to study this ancient form of medicine and become an Ayurvedic Practitioner. I didn’t want to just help myself, I wanted to be able to help my family and others. While this healing was profound, it was personal and was comprised of several moments over a period of time that didn’t inspire me to open up a practice. The true moment that completely changed the trajectory of my career and my life was when I was called to share Ayurveda with another.

Prior to graduation from my studies, I was contacted by an individual with sudden onset MS. Within two weeks she found herself in a wheelchair unable to care for herself, relying upon her 17 year old son to assist with showering and trips to the bathroom. She was a strong, independent woman who was willing to do anything necessary to beat her diagnosis and mitigate the masses in her brain. As most of us with chronic illness, she was terrified that her illness would consume her ability to work as well as her finances. She was overcome with guilt for the burden she was placing upon her family. I immediately referred her to individuals who I considered to be more qualified than me. She refused, indicating she felt a connection with me and only wanted to work with me. I countered and pushed her to change her mind, but I was unsuccessful. I reluctantly agreed to work with her and she began to adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle and an Ayurvedic protocol for MS. I held my breath as she diligently followed every recommendation with military precision.

Within a few weeks time, I received a video text message of her wheeling herself down a hallway and into her living room. She stopped her chair, stood up and walked to the camera as she spun around. This moment changed me forever. I was in awe of her progress and the impact Ayurveda had upon her life and mine. I look back and am amazed by how that moment was for her, but simultaneously that moment defined me.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I spent the majority of my life crushed by chronic illness, only finding grace through the practice and study of an ancient medical system known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda helped me walk away from my diagnoses and gave me a level of health that allows me to enjoy and to participate in life.

At Wildcraft Ayurveda, we have been blessed to help individuals with MS, Crohn’s, Infertility, Impotence, Cancer, Sarcoidosis, Endometriosis, Chronic Pain, Constipation and Hypertension. Ayurveda is a beautiful complimentary science, a holistic system of wellness designed to teach us how to live our lives without disease or suffering. Ayurveda believes that when an individual’s mind-body functions are in balance, the body’s natural intelligence will automatically drive wellness.

Our practice helps individuals seeking a balanced, more connected, productive, and fulfilling life. We specialize in delivering guidance without judgment. Wildcraft Ayurveda provides a nurturing space to experience holistic facials, massage, Ayurvedic treatments, and the ancient healing practices of Yoni Steaming and Shirodhara. Clients can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Ayurveda with our range of Ayurvedic skin care products crafted from time-honored recipes using natural, organic ingredients. We believe in treating the body as a whole.

Our products are designed to not only enhance your skin’s natural beauty but also promote overall well-being and inner balance. Clients can relief and support for common ailments with our range of herbal teas and supplements from our onsite Apothecary.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultations are offered in English or French.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Many books and concepts of philosophy have affected how I run my business. My undergraduate degree in Political Science and my masters in Organizational Development and Conflict management, with application of secular and Christian concepts, have shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. I continue to read on a regular basis and it is not unusual for me to read a book on a weekly basis while listening to podcasts daily.

There are several specific philosophical concepts that I draw upon.

First, Stoicism teaches resilience and adaptability, reminding business owners to focus on what is within one’s control and to accept what is not. This helps me remain calm under pressure, learn from my failures and maintain perseverance.

Second, the Socratic method of learning through questioning. As a business owner, we have to ask a lot of questions to best serve our clients and ourselves.

Third, from Buddhism, the four noble truths.
– Challenges and setbacks are inherent to the entrepreneurial journey.
– Find the root cause of the problem and create an action plan to not repeat that failure is key.
– Show up, put in the work and never give up; adopt accountability and a solution-focused mind set.
– Create an action plan that addresses your business challenges and continue to learn so that you can successfully apply a proper cadence for resolution.

Fourth, the concept of Anatta, an emphasis on the interconnectedness of beings. As an entrepreneur we are not independent of the market, our success is not achieved in isolation but through collaboration and mutual support. It is important to foster strong relationships with partners, clients and one’s community. We rise together as a team and I work hard to review every decision I make to determine how my actions will impact all stakeholders and clients. I strive to be non-possessive and to not have attachment, recognizing that I am a vehicle for Ayurveda. This guides me as a business owner to be more sustainable, ethical and mindful in business.

Last and most important, the concept of servant leadership. All that we do is for the service of others.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Without hesitation. I would just prefer to find this profession sooner in life!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildcraftayurveda.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/wildcraftayurveda
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091643239887
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jessicaoker
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WildCraftVeda
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildcraftayurveda

Image Credits
Jessica Oker