We recently connected with Chase Muhammad and have shared our conversation below.

Chase, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all started with my own healing journey. I’ve always been passionate about food and wellness, but my deep dive into herbalism and holistic health began when I was struggling with my own skin issues, hormone imbalances, and energy crashes. I remember being in and out of the doctors office, overwhelmed by all the products that claimed to be “the cure” but were packed with fillers and synthetic ingredients. That was my lightbulb moment—I realized there was a gap in the market for truly natural, high-quality, plant-based solutions that were both effective and accessible.

As a chef and herbalist, I knew I had the skills to create something better. I started experimenting in my own kitchen, blending teas, making my own skincare, and crafting herbal remedies that actually worked. When friends and family started coming to me for advice and asking to buy my products, I knew I was onto something. The excitement wasn’t just about selling a product—it was about helping people heal, the way I had healed myself.

The logic behind the business was simple: people are becoming more conscious about what they put in and on their bodies, but they don’t always know where to start. I wanted to bridge that gap by offering holistic solutions that were transparent, effective, and rooted in nature. No gimmicks, no unnecessary ingredients—just real, plant-based wellness.

I also saw an opportunity to educate and build a community. Too many people are struggling with health issues that could be improved with simple, natural lifestyle changes. Through my content, I wanted to empower people with knowledge while providing them with the tools to take control of their health.

What got me most excited was the idea of making holistic wellness practical and approachable. It’s not about perfection—it’s about small, sustainable shifts that create real transformation. That’s what my brand stands for, and that’s why I knew this was more than just a business—it was a mission.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Chase Muhammad, a plant-based chef, herbalist, and holistic lifestyle mentor based in Charlotte, NC. My journey into this field began with my own health struggles—dealing with skin issues, hormone imbalances, and gut challenges. Through plant-based nutrition and herbal remedies, I experienced firsthand how powerful natural healing can be, which led me to create Love, Chase Apothecary. I offer handcrafted herbal tea blends, natural skincare and holistic lifestyle coaching. I also work as a culinary instructor at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen and a personal chef for professional athletes. My mission is to provide high-quality, handcrafted products and holistic wellness solutions that support hormonal balance, skin health, gut health, stress relief, and overall well-being. What sets me apart is my unique blend of culinary expertise, herbalism, and holistic coaching, allowing me to create solutions that are both nourishing and healing. I’m passionate about education and empowerment, helping people take control of their health through sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you’re looking for natural remedies, plant-based meal support, or guidance on your wellness journey, I’m here to help make holistic health simple, effective, and accessible.

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

Some of the most influential resources that have shaped my entrepreneurial and management philosophy include “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, which completely shifted my mindset on wealth, ownership, and financial independence. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear reinforced the power of small, consistent actions in building a successful business and lifestyle.

Beyond books, I’ve been deeply inspired by local wellness activists and herbalists in the Charlotte community, who have shown me the importance of community-based healing and the impact of bringing holistic wellness to underserved areas. Herbal books have also played a huge role in my journey, deepening my understanding of plant-based healing and how to integrate it into my business.

Lastly, the neighbor next door—the everyday entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners—have been a huge source of inspiration. Seeing people around me turn their passion into thriving businesses, learning from their challenges and successes, and building a network of like-minded individuals has been invaluable in shaping my own path.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I sell primarily through my own website, shoplovechase.com, which is hosted on Squarespace. I chose Squarespace because it offers full control over branding, a clean and professional design, and an all-in-one solution for eCommerce, marketing, and content creation. Having my own site allows me to create a unique customer experience, build direct relationships with my audience, and avoid marketplace competition and high fees from third-party platforms.

The biggest pros of using Squarespace are the customization, ease of use, and built-in marketing tools like email campaigns and SEO optimization. It also integrates well with my social media, making it easy for followers to shop directly from my content. However, the cons include limited advanced eCommerce features compared to platforms like Shopify, and I have to drive my own traffic rather than relying on a marketplace’s built-in audience.

While I’ve considered selling on platforms like Etsy or Amazon for additional exposure, I prefer to focus on my own website first to maintain brand control and higher profit margins. Eventually, I may expand to third-party platforms for wholesale or broader reach, but for now, Squarespace gives me the flexibility and ownership I need to grow my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shoplovechase.com
• Instagram: @theofficial.lovechaee
• Linkedin: Chase Muhammad
• Other: Tik Tok: @theofficial.lovechase

Image Credits

@jayflybaby