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

April, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I formed Yahola Herbal School due to the need to reconnect humans to the Earth through the use of wild herbs for food and medicine. We live in a period that scientists call the Earth’s 6th Massive Extinction. We are losing a tremendous amount of biodiversity daily. I knew that if people learned about wild herbs they would help protect them.

Using elderberry, a popular, widely known wild herb native to the United States, as an example, I knew people wanted to learn about wild herbs; it was just that they weren’t taught about wild herbs in school. Moreover, most people were taught not to engage with wild plants because they feared as being poisonous.

Many herbal schools focus on chamomile, calendula, rosemary, and lavender, herbs native to Europe and other countries. I formed a school that focuses predominantly on native and naturalized wild herbs.

April, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m April, a botanist, ethnobotanist, and herbalist, dedicated to teaching you the healing world of plants. I have devoted my life to healing the coevolved relationship between people and plants.For 25 years, I have been on an amazing botanical journey that has resulted in a two-year Horticulture Degree, Bachelor and Master of Science (emphasis in Botany), and a Traditional Herbalism Certificate. I have seen firsthand the effect of our growing disconnection to the earth. I fear the day when humans have to forage for food and medicine and all that is left is asphalt. My passion and desire to teach is spirit driven-it is my Dharma. I want to help create a paradigm shift in America where foraging and connecting with wild herbs is the norm!

Currently, I offer a the signature Wild Herb Program, the complete A to Z blueprint for identifying and connecting with wild herbs across the globe. Also, I offer an In Season Monthly Forage Membership that helps members go from disconnected, not foraging, to confidently foraging food, medicine, crafts, and more year-round.

I am also a mother to a strong cheetah named Annarose. I strive everyday to connect her to Mother earth and to keep her off the screen! Annarose and my Husband, Vasily are the greatest gifts in my life…and my strong, beautiful Mom!

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I have spent 25 years in the plant science field, I knew it was time for me to share and teach everything that I learned along my path. I applied to several Ph.D., programs. However, I did not receive responses from professors. So, I decided to start my own school-Yahola Herbal School. Also, I am working on a book-“A Guide to the Wild Herbs Along the Carolina Coast”.

My advice-pursue your passion fearlessly and rewrite the rules.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I focus on building a presence on Instagram and Facebook. Consistency is the key to building an audience. Also, don’t be scared to post what you feel in your heart. The posts that I am scared to publish ALWAYS do the best. Share your opinions fearlessly and you will find your tribe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yaholaherbalschool.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaholaherbschool/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YaholaHerbalSchool
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvi9PLm8qs3R2W4gzt-tAQA

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Sarah MacDonald