We were lucky to catch up with Daniela Rey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Daniela, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so I’ve always seen how possible it is to build a life and career on your own terms. My dad runs an electrical engineering company, and my grandfather owned a hardware store, so the idea of finding my own path was instilled in me early on. I’ve always known I didn’t want to work for someone else and that there was a way to do life that fits me.
As a woman, mother, and entrepreneur, I’ve had to tap into resilience daily. I find a lot of that strength through living in communion with medicinal herbs. Their wisdom, when used regularly, helps me feel grounded, calm, and focused enough to move gracefully through all the roles I carry—whether it’s as a business owner, mother, teacher, wife, or homemaker. A simple daily ritual of replacing your water intake with an herbal infusion can bring so much support to a busy body like mine.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder of Growing Up Rooted, where I formulate and handcraft herbal remedies and invite people into daily rituals that help them feel more connected to themselves and the natural world. My work is rooted in tradition—my mother and grandmother passed down their relationship to plants to me, and now I get to share that wisdom with others. What’s most special to me is how these remedies support people in feeling calm, grounded, and healthy, using simple, whole-plant ingredients that are in tune with the seasons.
One of the most exciting aspects of what I do is seeing people reconnect with nature, and find comfort in small, nourishing rituals. Whether it’s through daily herbal infusions, a morning cup of chai tea or a tincture that supports the immune system, these products are meant to help people feel empowered in their own wellness.
Right now, I’m working on expanding Growing Up Rooted by launching an online course called A Journey Through Medicinal Herbs. This journey is designed to guide people through the process of getting to know medicinal herbs at a deeper and personal level to support their health and their loved ones. I also host seasonal workshops at Village Roots Collective, our community space in Wrightwood, CA, where we bring people together to learn and connect with the land.
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?
One of the most impactful skills for me has been my background in communication and design. I have an associate degree in graphic design, a bachelor’s in film production, and a master’s in corporate communications. My love for visual storytelling and building community through beautiful imagery has been invaluable in running my own business. Creating content feels natural to me, and I truly enjoy it. For anyone starting their journey, I’d recommend honing your skills in communication, whether it’s through design, video, or writing—being able to share your story in a clear and compelling way will always be a huge asset.
Another key quality has been my independent and fiery personality. I’ve had to push through fear and step out of my comfort zone many times, and that’s helped me create a life that’s in sync with my heart and my sense of purpose. For those just starting, my advice is to trust your instincts, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s okay to take risks and be bold—sometimes the biggest growth happens when you’re willing to challenge yourself and push past your fears.
Finally, I think living in alignment with my values has been crucial. Running Growing Up Rooted has allowed me to build a business that feels meaningful and authentic to who I am. For anyone beginning their journey, I’d encourage you to stay connected to what really matters to you. When your work is driven by passion and purpose, it becomes much more fulfilling.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, one of the first things I do is head out for a long hike in the mountains around my beautiful little town. There’s something about being in nature that instantly calms my nervous system and helps me collect my thoughts. The physical tiredness—when my muscles are burning—really helps bring me back to the present and gives me perspective.
I also lean on herbal infusions to support my body and mind. Here are a few of my go-tos when I’m feeling overwhelmed:
• Chamomile: Soothes the nervous system and helps ease tension.
• Lemon Balm: Uplifting and calming, it’s great for easing stress and nervous energy.
• Skullcap: Helps quiet a racing mind and supports relaxation during moments of overwhelm.
Finally, I like to journal. When I feel like there’s too much going on in my head, I’ll write out all my thoughts and ideas in free form. I usually end up with a clearer picture of what’s next and feel more grounded.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, I’d suggest finding a way to move your body, connecting with nature, and giving yourself space to process your thoughts. I often find that the answers come up when I give myself some freedom to slow down and stop forcing an answer – as contradictory as it may sound!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://growinguprooted.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growinguprooted
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/growinguprooted
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@growinguprooted
Image Credits
Photography by Sheva Kafai
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