We were lucky to catch up with Koby Marsh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Koby, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I started this business to give hope for relief to those who may feel like giving up!

I’ve had 19 brain and spinal surgeries, one of which resulted in a stroke during the operation. This happened 10 years ago. I woke up paralyzed from the neck down. I had to relearn how to walk, hold a pencil, tie my shoes, etc. at the age of 21.

I turned to natural healing modalities when I had been severely harmed by modern medicine practices. Now, I do believe modern medicine has its place! However, I do not believe it should be the only option.

As a natural health consultant, I can advise my customers on some natural ways to help them on their healing journey.

At Grandaddy Willow, I create products to offer support to those who have lost hope and need that extra light.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As mentioned in the previous question, I’ve had a multitude of medically problems my entire life.

When I first started down the holistic path, I started with herbal teas. I took a tea that helped me with my migraines and another that helped with my insomnia.

The first product I ever created was a cream, now called, Light Through Darkess. It is a deep muscle pain relief cream. It works to reduce inflammation and helps calm down angry nerves. Packed with more than 15 carefully selected essential oils, there’s no surprise it’s my best-selling product. This cream went through many trial and error periods, but I eventually reached the recipe I use today.

I then sought formal education and became a certified natural healing consultant. I am currently working on an Herbalism certification to further my knowledge and ability to help customers.

At Grandaddy Willow, I work to find you help with whatever battle you are facing. Whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual, I will do everything I can to help. I have created many different custom products for customers who needed something I did not currently have. I want to help bring you hope and bring light back into your life.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Up until May of 2014, I was going to be an attorney. That had been ny career goal for about 7 years. Life, and God, had other plans.

In May of 2014 I went in for a brain surgery. I woke up paralyzed from the neck down. A rare type of stroke had occurred during the brain surgery. I had to relearn walking, writing, and everything else we take for granted daily. It also effected how my brain worked. I was no longer able to retain information at the drop of a hat. I had to learn new ways to study for college. I was a year away from graduating.

It became apparent the stroke had impacted the part of my brain that handles stress. After the stroke, I got very overwhelmed very easily. I had to come to the very real fact that there was no way I could handle law school.

I had no idea what I was going to do. I really didn’t find out what my true next stop was until 6 or 7 years later. God led me to this holistic path.

Despite my life changing completely 10 years ago in a nightmare event, I am grateful for where I am today. I’m grateful I can understand and relate to my customers battling chronic pain and illness. I’m happy I get to tell then they aren’t alone and they can make it through.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I create all body care, teas, and bath products in my shop. I had no idea how to find ingredients for manufacturing!

I started by getting most of my supplies at craft and hobby shops. When I started growing, I realized that wasn’t sufficient. I searched online and found the businesses that had the best reviews.

One thing I learned, never go cheap. You tend to get what you pay for. I use high quality all-natural, and, when available, organic ingredients in my products.

A couple of other small businesses in my area also shared where they got products from, which I am forever grateful for! Collaboration, not competition is another thing I’ve learned.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Grandaddywillow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandaddywillow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ug6BoEDojdAkbVX9/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grandaddywillow

  Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YSqEP7iTgjum4W5XA