Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Nivens.
Hi Dana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My path to herbalism began on a small organic farm outside of Asheville NC where I learned the ins and outs of growing good food. From here I worked for a number of non-profits, growing food for social justice initiatives in New Orleans and Athens, Ga. After the birth of my daughter, I had strong desire to learn all I could about natural medicine and so I began growing a handful of medicinal herbs on the farm I was managing. My passion for these plants snowballed into a full-on love affair. I enrolled in the Botanologos School of Herbal Studies and there spent a year with Master Herbalist Patricia Howell. With formal schooling under my belt, I took the leap and went for my dream, Heartsong Herbs.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Trying to start a small business with young children is challenging, to say the least. Juggling family and business has taught me a tremendous amount about time management and how to be present. It feels like my business grows in direct relation to the growth of my children, as they become more independent, I’m able to get more done. But I’ve learned not rush this growth because I now see how fast the baby years pass.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Heartsong Herbs we use regenerative growing practices (beyond organic) to produce beautifully vibrant herbs that we process fresh from the field to create a line of potent plant medicines. We are growing 95% of the herbs that we use and the other 5% are always organic and always US grown. There are lots of wellness bands out there but very few that are using fresh herbs. We spend much of our time focusing on optimal soil health because it directly affects human health. The stronger the soil, the stronger the plants, the stronger the people.
In addition to our tinctures, we have a large medicinal herb plant sale each spring where we grow over 50 varieties of herbs that do well in our climate. Pre-order for our seedlings begins in February on our website with pick up in April in Atlanta, Athens, And Clayton Ga.
What were you like growing up?
As a small child, I spent a lot of time digging holes in the dirt and listening to stories my grandfather would tell in our garden. As a teenager, I lost any desire to spend time in the garden but it was always there at my foundation and I quickly returned to it in my 20’s
Pricing:
- $26
Contact Info:
- Email: info@heartsongherbs.com
- Website: www.heartsongherbs.com
- Instagram: @heartsongherbs
- Facebook: @heartsongherbs
