We recently connected with Angie Pietraszewski and have shared our conversation below.
Angie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
For most of my life, I was suffering from numerous health issues of my own. By my mid 30’s, I felt my sickest ever. I struggled with liver issues, insomnia, depression, anxiety, addiction, borderline Type 2 diabetes, imbalanced hormones, chronic colds, and respiratory illnesses. I felt my sickest ever and thought there was no way out, nothing could help me, and I would forever be caught in this vicious cycle. I was at a point in my life where I had hit rock bottom and felt like I was failing in every area of my life. Previously a registered nurse, I was so ill and no longer able to work. I remember thinking, “Is this really it? Is this my life now?”
At that time I only had experience with allopathic medicine and was skeptical of anything deemed natural medicine. Desperate and curious though, I was willing to set aside my skepticism and give it a try. That opened my heart and changed everything, leading me down my plant path and on the road to healing. As I delved into the world of herbs, nutrition, and environmental factors, I experienced a profound transformation.
Though still floundering emotionally and spiritually and not sure what to do with the rest of my life and not sure about the God thing, but a new type of desperation led me to prayer. It was in those desperate prayers I met God. It opened up a whole new world to me and a whole different kind of transformation began in me. He ignited a new purpose in my heart. I realized my calling was to share my knowledge and experience with others, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being. Lavender & Honey Herbs and Wellness was born from this passion, and today I am dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health and wellness naturally.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a holistic clinical herbalist, my philosophy honors the wholeness of each person and believes that true healing comes from within. I believe God created our bodies to be intelligent, resilient, and with the ability to heal. When we employ herbs and natural therapies, we can shift patterns of health and disease into greater balance and vitality.
We’re a unique blend of farm and apothecary, nestled in the heart of Michigan. On our farm in Manitou Beach, we cultivate a variety of herbs that we use to create our handcrafted products. On this land we also offer educational herbs walks where the community can learn about the herbs in person as well as, identifying them, growing them, how to use them as medicine, and safely and sustainably wildcrafting.
Our apothecary in Blissfield is a haven for those seeking natural options. We offer a wide range of products, from skincare and body care to herbal teas and tinctures, to many herbal remedy options. Everything is handcrafted, using organic or wildcrafted ingredients.
Beyond our products, we’re committed to empowering individuals to take charge of their health. I offer one-on-one wellness consultations, using the wisdom of traditional herbal medicine. Whether it’s boosting immunity, managing stress, balancing hormones, or improving digestion, I work closely with my clients to create personalized wellness plans.
We’re excited about the future of Lavender & Honey and are excited to share that Lavender & Honey is growing! We’re moving to a bigger space in the New Year and it will feature a tea bar, more community classes, and bulk refill stations, creating a hub for relaxation, learning, and sustainability.
Ultimately, our goal is to inspire and empower people to live healthier, happier lives. I believe that through nature God has provided up with the tools to heal, and I am dedicated to sharing that knowledge with others.
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?
Three most impactful areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey:
Seek God for wisdom and discernment in every step and decision. I learned quickly that when I do things my way or try to impose my will, things usually don’t go to well. But as long as I bring everything to God praying for His guidance, wisdom, and to align my business with His will everything falls into place and works out. He seriously works out every detail. All I have to do is show up and follow where He leads. I might have to do it scared, but as long as I have faith and follow He continues to do the impossible in my business.
Be authentically you. Don’t listen to the world, listen to God. Many people tried to tell me to keep God out it. That religion doesn’t belong in business. But it was laid on my heart to have a different kind of apothecary. One that serves Him and my community in a way different way. Not to say I wasn’t scared and worried nobody would show up, that there wouldn’t be enough people wanting to come to a shop like this, and I would fail. It has been quite the opposite. I hear constantly, gratitude and thanks for this shop and a space to come like this, that they can’t find anything like this anywhere else. My business has continued to grow in a tiny farming community-the most unlikely of places- in a bad economy. If you are authentically you, you will attract your people.
Balance and make time for yourself to do the things you love and take care of yourself. If you don’t, no matter how much you love what you do, you will burn out and/or become ill. That was hard for me in the beginning. Today I find it much easier because I feel better, serve my community better, and am much happier when I do this. Set realistic goals and prioritize each day. Get the most important things done, do your best, and if you don’t get it all done, it will still be there tomorrow. Go home, replenish, rest, do the things you love and be with the people you love. Again, it will still be there tomorrow.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
It isn’t one person, but a group of people. My husband, who always believed in me, even when I didn’t. Evelyn & Gerald, I call them my adopted mom and dad, but they are so much more, friends, mentors, brothers and sisters in Christ, and then even more than that. My friends (family because they are so much more than friends: Sarah, Logan, Nicole, Janette, Chris, Keri, Carrie, my church community (I think my church community are what kept my business going in my humble beginnings). My amazing employees, AJ and Danielle. Each of these people have touched my life and business in indescribable ways. They are my biggest supporters. They pray for me and my business constantly, they celebrate with me in the good times, keep me going in the hard times, show up and help in any way needed. I would not be where I am today without them. My heart overflows with gratitude for the people God has placed in my life and the amazing community I get to serve everyday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavendernhoney.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavendernhoneyherbalapothecary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavendernhoney
Image Credits
Phil Eich @storyvillephill (images in shop)
Images of me outside with plants are mine.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
