Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Celina Wasson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Celina, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
Starting my apothecary was never a well- plotted course, but rather a leap into the unknown. I had no roadmap or previous experience- just a pull towards something deeply rooted in nature, in healing, in finding a purpose beyond the familiar city life and computer screens of my past. In the forests of Colorado, I felt the quiet pull of something that awakened my spirit. I started Earth’s Elements Apothecary in 2020 with curiosity as my guide, figuring it out as I went, step by step.
The main steps I had to take were learning the art and science of herbal medicine, establishing my own space, and, perhaps most importantly, cultivating relationships within a community that shared my vision. I spent countless hours studying plants, experimenting with recipes, and bringing my products to people who valued natural healing. There were challenges at every turn: understanding the business side, managing inventory, and sometimes doubting myself. But each setback taught me resilience and patience.
Looking back, I would have told my younger self to pace the journey- to start with a clearer foundation of the apothecary’s purpose and to embrace patience, even in the excitement. Building a business from passion alone is exhilarating, but also exhausting, and I would have made space to nurture myself as much as the apothecary.
For anyone setting out on a similar path, I’d say this: listen closely to what truly pulls you. Be patient, find community, and don’t be afraid to fail- mistakes are just another part of learning. Starting an business isn’t a race but a journey, one deeply intertwined with life itself.
Celina, 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?
If you asked me about how I got into herbalism, and why I started my apothecary, I’d say it began with an unlikely love for the outdoors that I didn’t always have. Even as a Colorado native, I spent most of my early 20’s indoors, busy with the demands of a different life- managing a past podcasting business that kept me tethered to a screen, and a soul sucking retail job at a grocery store. But something inside me grew restless. I stepped away from it all, craving something real and something meaningful. I found that meaning on quiet trails, surrounded by trees and sunlight. There’s a grounding power in the mountains and forests that transformed me and led down a new path. With each step my anxieties and doubts fell away, leaving me open to something that felt both ancient and new; a connection to the Earth and it’s healing plants. This passion became my purpose, and with little more than curiosity and a desire to help others, I launched Earth’s Elements Apothecary in 2020. Today, I’m an Herbalist who’s rooted in the belief that nature offers powerful medicine and healing. My apothecary is my way of sharing that gift. It’s been a journey of learning and creating, driven by a love for helping others connect with the Earth and their own healing.
Through my herbal work, I help people find natural ways to to ease everyday stresses, reconnect to their bodies and support overall wellness. Many of my clients come to me with a desire to reconnect with their bodies and minds in a world that often leaves them feeling disconnected and drained. I use plant medicine as a tool to provide them with alternatives that are gentle, yet powerful, giving them connection and control over their own health journey. As an herbalist, I’m proud of helping people rediscover a sense of connection- to nature, to their own bodies, and to the quiet wisdom that lives within. Seeing my clients feel that shift, even if it’s subtle, is incredibly fulfilling. I love that the work that I do reminds people that healing doesn’t always have to come from something outside of themselves. There’s something beautiful about witnessing people open up to the natural rhythms of the Earth and recognize their place in it, finding spiritual grounding in the process. Each time I see someone connect with the plants or experience a small moment of healing or feeling aligned after using the herbs, I feel that I’ve done something meaningful.
The main things I want people to know about my apothecary is that its rooted in a love for the natural world, and its medicine. My business is here to help others find balance, calm, and a sense of wellbeing. I created this space to offer plant/ earth based solutions grounded in care and deep respect for nature. Whether you’re new to herbal medicine or looking to deepen your connection with natural healing, Earth’s Elements Apothecary is a place for everyone.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that reflects resilience in my herbal journey happened early on when I had just started Earth’s Elements Apothecary. I was filled with passion, but lacked formal experience, and every day creating my products was a test of trial and error. I remember creating a batch of herbal healing salves. I was excited to share them, only to realize the ratios were off, and the texture and consistency wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. I felt so defeated, wondering if would ever be able to bring my vision to life in a way that matched the purpose I felt so deeply. Instead of giving up, I went back to the basics, digging into some more research and recipes. Experimenting with patience, and using all the resources I had on hand. I spent nights refining my recipes and relearning what each plant had to offer. Eventually I created blends that reflected the balance and care I wanted to bring to people’s lives. It was a humbling lesson that growth takes time, and mastery isn’t about being perfect, but about persevering through every setback. Today that resilience shows up in every product I create.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In herbalism, the most helpful training blends both science and tradition. Having a foundation of plant biology, human anatomy, and the chemistry of herbal constituents is essential. Understanding how herbs work with the body gives you insight into creating safe, effective remedies. Classes beginning in herbalism can provide that foundation in helping you to identify plants, understand their properties, and know which combinations work best for specific needs. Just as important is learning from traditional knowledge, which often involves studying under experienced Herbalists and engaging with cultural wisdom on how plants have been used for centuries. I was lucky enough to study and work under Valerie Blankenship, an experienced Registered and Clinical Herbalist and mentor, for 2 1/2 years. The knowledge I gained from working at her apothecary was invaluable to my herbal journey, and connected me to like-minded individuals and other mentors and creators following the same path. Hands- on experience is vital too. Whether through apprenticeships, wildcrafting, gardening, or experimenting in the kitchen, there is no substitute for working directly with plants, observing their effects, and learning through process. Finally, being open to continual learning is the most important thing. Herbalism is as much a lifelong practice as it is a profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.earthselementsapothecary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coloredbynature_/?next=%2F
