An Inspired Chat with Dr. Sara Love of Portland

Dr. Sara Love shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Sara, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Can I do both? But in all seriousness, on the trails, for safety and environmental concerns, I never leave the path.

However, in life, the past year I have wandered so far off the path I almost do not recognize myself. I started the year on a path but knowing that I was stuck and needed a huge change. I had no idea where I would end up, but I allowed myself to be open (and vulnerable) to new opportunities.

Here I am 12 months later with a brand new business in a new-to-me industry and thriving. My new business is growing month over month and I am truly excited for the first time in years. I have been able to heal both physically and mentally and finally have clarity on my vision moving forward.

So I will continue wandering toward my goals and am excited for where the journey takes me. I have no idea where the journey will take me, but I am here for the ride.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Sara Love, naturopathic physician for he last 15 years and new founder of Lichen + Leaf herbal tea company. Our teas are small batch caffeine-free teas that strive to turn everyday moments into special occasions with delicious and complex flavors from herbs sourced from farms utilizing ethical and sustainable practices.

I have worked in health care for over 25 years so this pivot to the beverage industry has been as challenging as it has been invigorating. The local community has been so supportive and even though some folks claim that being an entrepreneur is lonely, I am finding the opposite between networking events, mentoring, and easy access to beneficial resources, I have never felt more connected.

Craft beverages truly promote community, and with the prevalence of folks being online, sharing a moment in-person over a cup of tea is not only lovely, but therapeutic.

Lichen + Leaf is growing and we are looking to continue to expand our tea offerings and potentially start manufacturing tea bags in 2026. We have recently begun exciting collaborations with other craft beverage companies and hope to add more.

Stay tuned for more from Lichen + Leaf.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Feeling fractured, both physically and mentally. For about 5-6 years, I dealt with multiple stress fractures with increasing frequency, pain, and clinical significance. During this time, I was also dealing with emotional trauma and violence in the workplace.

The cliche is you have to be broken down before you can be built up. I don’t necessarily believe this, but it was true for me.

I went through years of healing with an amazing medical care team, counseling, and a whole lot of self reflection. I also realized that to move forward to needed to regain clarity on what I wanted out of life and discover a new vision for who I was and what I was meant to do. I no longer waste time on things that don’t matter. I avoid unnecessary negativity, and I surround myself with people who sincerely want me to succeed. I do not take this for granted and I also wish to be a support for others who may need that. Fractured people cannot help others until we properly heal.

This period of fracture allowed me to take time to reflect and be honest with myself on my vision. I have clarity and am ready to take on the next challenge.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Marathon training with my son. My son wanted to run a marathon with me when he turned 18, as a runner myself, I was not about to discourage this. 🙂

Starting in October 2018 we got up early to train and on several Saturday mornings were up by 4am so we could run to the pub that showed English Premier Football matched many of which started around 6:30-7am. I also created several routes that were food focused so I can tell you exactly how far it is to most donut shops in Portland.

Before this I had always trained alone, so I was not sure what to expect training with someone else. I had a great time and kiddo maintained a fantastic attitude, even while maintaining a rigorous course load and work schedule.

The funniest part was on marathon day at mile 9, he turned and asked me, with all sincerity, “whose idea was this?” I replied that it was his idea. He pondered that then asked “did you try and stop me?” my answer was an emphatic “HELL NO!”

We finished the marathon together and earned our beautiful hand-made glass medals.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Finishing a 50+ mile ultramarathon. I have had a few bumps along the way, and know what I need to do to accomplish the goal, just need to schedule and prioritize the time needed to be successful.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Outdoors solo on a beautiful forest trail complete with hills, waterfalls, and wildflowers (or mushrooms depending on the season). Being alone amongst all the trees provides me with the grounding I need and clears my mind from all the “head trash” that has accumulated in the previous days.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Are you walking a path—or wandering?

The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season

Highlighter Series
What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?

We’ve been working on our publication and platform for almost a decade because we deeply

Highlighter Series
What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?

Growth often means stepping into what once scared us. The things we resist can become