Antoinette Garland of South Side of Chicago on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Antoinette Garland and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Antoinette, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe that, as a society, many of us are carrying a tremendous amount of sadness—often unknown to the very people we interact with daily. We wake up, put on a face, and move through the day as if everything is fine. Yet deep down, something may be eating away at us. The truth is, not everyone knows how to properly heal from the very pain they are hiding.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Antoinette Garland, and I am a Clinical Herbalist as well as the founder and owner of Cosmic Creole, an Herbal Apothecary. At Cosmic Creole, I craft herbal remedies designed to support individuals in healing from both mental and physical challenges, while also providing natural solutions for those who seek to maintain their health through a holistic approach.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
For a long time, I believed I wasn’t smart enough. I often doubted myself and my abilities, convinced that real achievement was beyond my reach. Whenever I tried to step forward and challenge myself, I was met with resistance—told to take a back seat or discouraged altogether. But through building this business, I’ve proven to myself that I am capable of accomplishing things I once thought were out of reach.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I turned my pain into power by creating my business, Cosmic Creole. Each time I face rejection—whether in business or in my personal life—I use it as fuel to birth new ideas and discover fresh ways to grow and brand my business. Instead of holding on to pain, I transform it into something beautiful that not only heals me but also supports others on their journeys.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—and those around me can vouch for it. In the health and wellness field, honesty with yourself must come first. There is no room for inauthenticity. True herbalism is built on truth, and without truth, real healing cannot take place.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
At the heart of it, it’s about proving to yourself that you are capable. There are moments when I look back at my schoolwork, or stand in a room filled with the products I’ve created, and I’m in awe of what I’ve achieved. That quiet pride—the ability to say, I did this—is a feeling money could never buy.

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Image Credits
Renette Renee Design & Photography

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