We were lucky to catch up with Daelantae Marshall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Daelantae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I believe every day we wake up and choose to get out of bed we take risks. We take opportunities to advance ourselves despite the perils in front of us. One risk I have taken is moving from Ohio to Phoenix, Arizona, and continuing to operate my business throughout the covid pandemic. I didn’t realize taking that risk would be one of my most rewarding experiences. I was apprehensive and did not know what to expect it all felt as though it was what I had to do. I would call that an intelligent risk that I had taken. Fast forward to 3 years, and I am now operating my physical location with over 120 herbs in my collection. I am continually learning that some risks are practical for our development as people; help to build character. Had I not taken that risk I would not be assisting the world, supporting myself, or helping to advance as a society. Imagine you have an idea instead of going for it you fear that you are taking risks there would be many missed opportunities. Take that risk, don’t fear failure, and know you can always get back up and change your steps which can change your outcome.

Daelantae, 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?

Bio Balanced Organics came from a shared passion for Public Health and Health Education. As a kid growing up on the East side of Cleveland, Ohio. I witnessed a high percentage of my community suffering from diabetes, hypertension, organ failure due to stress-related illnesses, and other ailments correlated to poverty and nutrition. At that time, I was unaware of the meaning of a food desert and how food deserts are directly connected to impoverished living environments. It was not until my studies as an Anthropology Major, focusing on applied science at The University of Akron that I was able to gain knowledge on what exactly was happening in the community I lived in and loved. During my undergraduate studies, I suffered from severe migraines due to stress, and my lack of proper nutritional knowledge. After multiple tests, procedures, and medications that did not work, I turned to the internet for help. Experiencing a chronic illness such as migraines has helped me to transition into a plant-based lifestyle, eating healthier options and providing myself with the proper internal environment to be healthier; I am the fittest I have ever been. My business is correlated with creating a better life through wellness for all. I want potential consumers of my brand to know that everything we produce is for helping to optimize our health as a people. Working in Public Health and Human Services for over ten years: I have found a passion for serving others and providing them with the crucial tools to be healthy and triumphant in whatever they wish to achieve. Formulating herbal extracts and manufacturing tea blends are rewarding experiences since I can, directly and indirectly, help others.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson that I had to unlearn is that people do not have your best interest at heart. I was taught that in order to be successful I have to focus on my own abilities and create my own safe spaces. This is not entirely true; there may be people who want to prey on you and take advantage, I have been fortunate enough to learn that there are more people who want to see your success, who would like to help with your success, and if you create the space for them to provide you with the necessary tools, and be open to learning from others you will always have a way to form your team, your support system, and your risk will be a reward. After moving from my hometown and being forced to learn new people and experience new opportunities I realized that blocking out opportunities starts with our mental state. Development requires experiences and experiences require open-mindedness. I was able to unlearn this by using my discernment and working to build healthy relationships with people who interacted with my business. I learned in that process that there are more opportunities to receive guidance that is beneficial than those who are trying to take advantage of you. Take risks, build relationships, and always protect your assets.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story from my journey that illustrates my resistance would be fighting through the COVID-19 pandemic and continually pushing the boundaries of operating a business while lacking major resources and opportunities due to the shutdown. Sticking to my determination and finding ways to provide my services while still remaining healthy and lowering the risk to my clientele has been rewarding in teaching me that perseverance is a mindset, resilience is the capacity to overcome negatives and withstand and recover from unexpected changes/situations. I’d say in 2020 when I started off nervous and unsure what my business would become due to lack of opportunity I could’ve given up I could’ve stopped and decided to go another direction. Instead, I had chosen to go in the same direction and take on the wellness from the perspective of providing education to those who are like myself, looking for alternative ways to be healthy. Pushing the envelope has been a major aspect of my resilience. I went from creating in my living room to having a full-scale storefront in Phoenix, AZ 4 years after creating my business and spending two years in a pandemic shutdown.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.biobalancedorganics.com
• Instagram: biobalancedorganics
• Facebook: biobalancedorganics
• Youtube: Bio Balanced Organics
• Yelp: Bio Balanced Organics
• TikTok: @biobalancedorganics

Image Credits
Gaige The Photographer