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

Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you, right? Before I moved to Castle Rock, I had been working as a physical therapy assistant in my hometown in Northern Nevada. It had been a lifelong dream of mine and truly, it remains some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. From industrial rehabilitation, to geriatric care, to standard outpatient therapy, I loved helping others overcome pain and regain their strength.
It was a leap to move to another state, and even more so to decide to return to my first profession – massage therapy. The more nurturing healing felt right for where I was at in life. A big change is needed once in a while! It was a challenge at first to start my own practice, though it allowed me more freedom to do the things I love and to show up more fully as my authentic self in work. And then the pandemic hit, and I felt called to deepen my knowledge and ability to support others. Such a challenging time for everyone, but an invitation to look at what’s really important in life and make changes to make yours the best you can for the good of everyone. Time to take another risk!

At the end of 2018, I had experienced a brain injury that resulted in a lot of pain and nervous system imbalances. The effects of which led me to really look for ways to support my health in as many ways as possible. Tea turned out to be one of the most restorative, supportive, and simple ways to do that! So with the extra time given by the pandemic, I began to study herbs with Evolutionary Herbalism and The Herbal Academy. I would drive down to Manitou Springs to Anna’s Apothecary to get my supplies and delight in the process of trying all the different plants. And then the opportunity to expand within my business was given to me. Castle Rock needed it’s own source of these beauties! With health at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the risk of opening a new business felt absolutely necessary.

Wildmoon Alchemy just celebrated it’s one year anniversary and in August it will mark four years of having my own massage practice. I get to make people tea and give them a massage for a living. How cool is that?! The risks are always worth taking, especially when it’s work that lights your heart on fire. I am so grateful to do what I do and share it with our community. Thank you!

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

I’ve always known I wanted to be in the healthcare industry. When I was 12, I had my first round of physical therapy and fell in love right then. It was so cool to learn how to use exercises to heal my body without the need of harmful drugs or surgery. It inspired a lifelong passion for holistic care. Movement, relaxation, and nourishing foods seem to be the best foundation for radiant health and I love that I get to promote that through massage and cups of tea. In the massage room, I specialize in deep tissue, myofascial release, and injury management, with a sprinkle of Reiki through all of it. In the apothecary, we’re making up teas to support all systems in the body, as well as natural body care like bath salts and scrubs, tinctures, CBD, and a refill station of organic, all-natural home goods like soaps and detergent. The refill station is so special to me because it helps all of us reduce waste and support the health of the planet too! Doing things with mindfulness to the environment is a top priority as it really has an impact on everything else we’re doing. Living healthily is meant to be fun, relaxing, beautiful, and of course, in tune with nature.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Time and time again, I come back to the heart of the work. Beyond the numbers and the paperwork, what are you really doing it for? Serving one another and doing our best to uplift those around us is the most important thing. Take the necessary steps to be as good as you can be, through whatever training and education. you feel called to, and then just show up with an open heart. People are craving authentic connection and when you can give that, they support you full-heartedly too, and your business grows.

Any advice for managing a team?

Bringing on employees this year has been a learning process. Ultimately, I encourage everyone to bring in their own enthusiasm and ideas to do what they are best at and to be themselves, inviting them to take some ownership in the work without pressure. There’s a lot of potential with this little apothecary and I want them to be inspired to try new things, just as I did in creating the space. Yes, there are some mundane tasks like sweeping the floor and putting away shipments, but it can be a nurturing, restorative process that we all try to take joy in. I think having this mindset helps people feel more at ease and excited to show up each day. It’s not always fun or the most glamorous, but we all need to work, so may as well make it as fun and meaningful as possible!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wildmoonliving.com
• Instagram: wildmoon.alchemy
• Facebook: facebook.com/wildmoon.wellness

Image Credits
Scott Minshall