Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Dudas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A little over a decade ago I got an inner ping that was telling me to learn about herbs. I had no idea why, as I knew nothing about them, or anyone who worked with herbs. For several months herbs kept popping into my head, so I figured I should see what this was all about. I soon enrolled in my first herbal apprenticeship with The Gaia School of Healing in CA (now known as the School of the Sacred Wild) and there was no turning back. It truly felt like a homecoming, to myself and the earth. I am so happy that I followed my intuition. It led me to my calling and to receiving the magic and nourishment of the plant world.

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

I have been working with herbs for over a decade now and it has changed my life completely. Being in relationship and working with herbal medicine has helped me connect deeper to my body and the body of the earth. My hope is that everyone can experience the beauty and wholeness that it means to be a human of this glorious earth. I find the plants to be the most generous friends and teachers, guiding us back to our true nature. It is an honor to be a bridge between plants and people.

I have an online apothecary called Deer Earth, teach classes and offer herbal consultations/sessions. In many of my classes and sessions I encourage people to look at the plants energetically and as archetypes, reminding us of the parts of ourselves that we have been disconnected from but that exist within.

I work with clients in a holistic way, meaning we address the whole person, mind, body and spirit, as it is all connected. We find the perfect herbs that match where they are specifically needing support. There are many different reasons that people come to me for an herbal consult, the most common being physical symptoms such as physical pain, hormone/menstrual cycle issues, digestion, anxiety, sleep etc. Some people come because they are wanting to learn more about herbs and how to work with them. My favorite part about sessions are when people who haven’t worked with herbs before come and learn about what herbs would be nourishing for them and then they start seeing that plant everywhere in their daily life! Look outside your door and see what’s growing. Even in cities Dandelion and other herb friends grow through the cracks reaching out with their wonderful medicine.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe the most important factor for having success in your business is being 100% passionate about what you and why you do it. To believe in it with all your heart. Also wanting to be of service to the world. Being passionate about helping people connect to the earth and heal through the plants is what keeps me going. It has transformed my life and I want others to feel the nourishment that comes from the earth. The plants that I most often work with are common weeds that grow in abundance all over the world. Sharing accessible healing medicine is also very important to me. For me, I am successful even if I connect one person to the plants because I guarantee they will pass the knowledge on to someone else and the cycle continues.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being myself has been the most effective strategy in growing my clientele. There is always someone that will resonate with what you are doing and if you try to be for everyone it prob won’t work. You will find your people by being authentically you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deerearth.com
• Instagram: @deerearth