We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Orleatha Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Orleatha below.
Orleatha, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I have learned to remember that my unique perspective and background are assets. While being the only one who looks like me in a room can be challenging, it has provided me with the opportunity to stand out and make a positive impact. I choose to embrace my individuality and use it as a source of strength on my journey to success.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My business partner Kelly and I have personally experienced the negative impact of traditional coffee on both our physical and mental health – especially after living through the pandemic. Like many, we were burnt out, anxious and nervous and coffee was one of the biggest players. We didn’t want to ditch our morning routine but jitters, anxiety and digestive issues said otherwise. We tried alternatives but they either had insomnia causing caffeine, “natural” flavors, or just tasted like dirt. We wanted to find a suitable replacement for coffee that would support our minds and bodies. With our background in biology and our extensive culinary expertise, we collaborated to develop a coffee alternative that had the richness and body we craved but without the awful side effects. Sip Herbals is a gut health supporting, caffeine free, herbal coffee alternative made for label readers. Sip is a pre-biotic tea made from just a few hole food ingredients: chicory root for gut support, dandelion root for liver support, and carob to deliver the smooth mouth feel of coffee.
We recently launched into Lazy Acres stores in Southern California and New Leaf Community Markets in Norther California.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
(1) Resilience:
Why it’s impactful: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. It’s crucial because everyone faces challenges in their journey, and the ability to persevere and learn from these experiences is invaluable.
Advice: To develop resilience, practice self-care, build a support network, and maintain a growth mindset. Focus on your mental and emotional well-being, seek support from friends and mentors, and view failures as opportunities for growth.
(2) Communication Skills:
Why they’re impactful: Effective communication is essential in personal and professional life. It helps in building relationships, conveying ideas, and achieving goals.
Advice: To improve communication skills, practice active listening, work on articulating your thoughts clearly, and adapt your communication style to your audience. Seek feedback from others and continuously refine your ability to convey your message. In school, we were taught how to read and write, but never how to listen. Keep that in mind on your journey to learning to be a better listener as it can be frustrating at first.
(3) Continuous Learning:
Why it’s impactful: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and learn is crucial. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and helps you seize new opportunities.
Advice: Cultivate a growth mindset by embracing challenges and viewing failures as learning experiences. Develop a habit of reading, taking courses, and seeking out new experiences. Stay curious and open to acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout your journey.
In addition to these three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge, it’s essential to stay true to your values, set clear goals, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers can also be instrumental in your journey.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage my stress and regain a sense of control. Here are some strategies and advice that help me when I’m feeling overwhelmed:
Pause and Breathe: Take a deep breath and pause for a moment. Breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and provide clarity in stressful situations.
Prioritize Tasks: I make a list of all the tasks and responsibilities that are causing me to feel overwhelmed. Then, I prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Then I focus on tackling one task at a time. If a task feels too big, I break it down into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the task seem less daunting and allows me to make progress gradually.
Set Realistic Goals: As a recovering perfectionist, I often set lofty goals and they can bring on anxiety. Now I make sure that my expectations and goals are realistic. Sometimes overwhelm stems from trying to do too much in too little time.
Delegate or Seek Help: I have been accused of trying to do it all and never asking for help. My accusers were right but not anymore. I am no longer afraid to delegate tasks or ask for assistance when possible. I know that I don’t have to do everything on my own.
Say No: I had to learn to say no to additional commitments when my plate was already as full as I liked. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and increased stress.
Remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and it’s important to address it proactively. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you in managing and reducing overwhelm, as everyone is unique in how they respond to stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sipherbals.com
- Instagram: @drinksipherbals
- Facebook: facebook.com/drinksipherbals
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinksipherbals/
- Twitter: @drinksipherbals
