Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dudas.

Hi Ashley , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Over a decade ago, I felt a nudge to explore Herbalism. At the time, I didn’t know anyone who was an herbalist or worked with herbs. I found it intriguing that this idea kept recurring in my mind. Eventually, I couldn’t ignore it any longer and decided to enroll in a short online course about making herbal medicine at home. I had been struggling with a persistent cough due to a cold and decided to create a herbal syrup using Thyme. To my surprise, not only was it delicious, but it also helped alleviate my cough. In that moment, I realized that Herbal Medicine truly resonated with me—it felt like coming home.

For the first time, I felt empowered to take charge of my health in a way that was both accessible and affordable. Shortly after, I began an Herbal Apprenticeship with Marysia Miernowska, which marked the beginning of a deeper connection with the Earth and with myself. I believe nurturing our relationship with the natural world is essential for all of us. When we acknowledge the support that surrounds us in nature, we find greater ease within ourselves and in the world.

Plants provide us with energetic, spiritual, and physical support, and cultivating a relationship with them is a profoundly impactful act.

I currently operate my own herbal company called Beata Botanicals, where I specialize in creating products, such as Flower Essences, conducting workshops, and offering personalized herbal consultations.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My personal journey with herbs was so transformative that starting my own business came naturally. The support of friends and family was invaluable; they witnessed my positive changes and encouraged me to share herbs and products with others. As I evolved, so did my business. I moved across states, traveled, loved, lost, and began anew, constantly adapting to sustain my business creatively.

There came a point when I felt a need for change. My previous herbal business, Deer Earth, no longer reflected who I had become. Although letting go was difficult, I knew it was time for something new to emerge. I even questioned whether I would continue in herbalism, but the plants called me back. I discovered a profound passion for the energetic medicine of plants and the nourishment provided by simple, abundant herbs.

Beáta Botanicals emerged as a tribute to my ancestors—those who felt a deep sense of belonging. ‘Beáta’ (pronounced bey-ah-ta), meaning ‘Blessed,’ serves as a poignant reminder of our capacity to shift consciousness, remember what a precious gift life is, and embrace life’s enchanting mysteries.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love working with the energetics of plants. I encourage others to not only look at herbs as “this is good for that” but to cultivate a relationship, ritual and reciprocity with the herbs. I empower others to tap into their own innate knowing through leading plant meditations and creating space for personal empowerment.

I have recently created a line of three Flower Essence Blends that are supportive and nourishing during particular life moments. I created THRESHOLD formula to help cultivate courage and flow through challenging moments, transitions and rights of passage. HELD was created as a protective and nurturing formula that offers a sense of connection to the unseen support around us and last but not least RADIANCE, is a formula for inviting joy and releasing burdens, reconnecting you with your heart, body and senses.

Flower Essences are energetic remedies that nurture and fortify our emotional and energetic states, facilitating processing and transformation. Crafted with intention, they are created by placing a flower in a glass bowl of water, allowing the sun to imbue the water with the unique energies of that flower. This infusion is then preserved with alcohol. If you are familiar with homeopathic remedies Flower Essences are similar in many ways.

I offer 1:1 Flower Essence Consultations virtually or in person. During a session we engage in inquiry and conversation to explore the support you are seeking emotionally and energetically. You can come with a specific intention in mind or we can explore together. Following our discussion I create a personalized Flower Essence formulation for you, comprising of 2-6 different Flower and Gem Essences. You’ll receive a detailed write-up containing information about each essence included in the formula.

Another offering that I am really excited about are Holistic Herbal Consultations. In a session we explore what aspects of your life/being/body are needing support right now. We will nourish these parts with plant allies that carry the specific energy to match your needs. You will leave with several ways to work with these allies. Holistic Herbal Consults are wonderful for people who are experiencing physical and/or emotional symptoms. We treat the root cause/whole being. Session includes a tea or tincture.

It is truly an honor to be a conduit between people. I am committed to facilitating the reconnection to innate wholeness, belonging, and healing that resides within each of us.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
When I first launched my herbal business, I was incredibly supported by my friends and co-workers. They encouraged me to share my journey and showed genuine interest in what I was doing. Some of these friends were inspired to study herbs themselves, which was deeply rewarding to witness.

I’ve also been fortunate to receive guidance from numerous teachers, both in the realm of plants and from fellow humans. My journey into Plant Spirit Medicine began in 2014 during an apprenticeship with Marysia Miernowska. Since then, I’ve had the privilege to learn from many exceptional mentors, including Sajah Popham, Amen Bell, and Liz Migliorelli. Their wisdom has profoundly enriched my understanding of herbalism and holistic healing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beatabotanicals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatabotanicals/