We were lucky to catch up with Evie Carr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Evie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I’ve always been drawn to plant medicine and helping others to heal but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with it. I studied Western herbalism, Ayurveda, and other forms but could not really connect to the materials. It wasn’t until I moved back to Texas and started to see the variety of herbal plants growing in my backyard that I began to search for a teacher who focused on native plant and traditional medicine. Once I began (re)connecting with my roots, I found myself moving into traditional healing methods under the guidance of my teacher, Shi-Choo Marika Alvarado.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a traditional healer in Austin, TX. I am Apache, Alabama Coushatta, and Hispanic. Having been raised in a typical US household, I was taught that medicine came from drug stores and doctor’s offices. But I knew there was more out there and searched for alternative medicines and treatments. I learned aromatherapy and western herbalism but was still searching for the traditions of my ancestors. My great-grandmother was a Curandera and Tarot reader in Round Rock, TX. I did not have the opportunity to know her but heard of the work she did in her community, like offering teas, cleansings, and card readings. Her traditions did not get passed down through the family but I was fortunate to find a teacher once I moved back to Austin who specializes in traditional medicine and curanderismo. I have been studying with Shi-Choo Marika Alvarado, a Lipan Apache Medicine Woman, since 2017. I was her apprentice for three years and continue to work with her out of her clinic in East Austin. My focus is on body work, plant medicine, cleansings, and long distance healing work.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I have a long history with herbalism, natural plant medicine, and alternative healing. Additionally, I come from an administrative background that helps me balance out the work that I do. No matter your position, if you are starting your own business, you need to have a good foundation of what’s needed to support your work from a business management standpoint. Doing admin isn’t fun for a lot of people but if you know how to manage your funds, keep track of your spending, know what licensing and insurance you need, you’ll be much better off in your business.
There is so much online these days so finding information on business management is pretty easy. If that’s not your thing, at least spend the time to find people to help you get set up with a good bookkeeping system and be sure you have everything in place for doing business in your area. There are virtual assistants and bookkeepers who can work with you remotely and it’s a great and affordable way to get administrative help. Definitely take the time to set up your administrative side of your business.
Also, one of the most important things you can do it trust your gut. Your intuition does not lie. This is also one of the hardest things you will learn to do, as well. We are in an world where we are taught to second guess, doubt, fear, hide, and more. Finding your purpose, your connection to you – once you do that, don’t let anyone make you doubt it.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I am not the best marketer but when you are in business for yourself, you need clients and in order to get clients, you need to sell your product. You are the product. Even if you have a physical product, ultimately it’s you. We have to be okay putting ourselves out there, networking, posting on social media, finding connections through like-minded and like-hearted people. Doing this interview is part of that so thank you to Olivia and Bold Journey. And to Katy for referring me.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.eviecarr.com
Image Credits
Katy Troy
