The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Rosy future for herbalist’s new Fife-based start-up
Rosy Rapacova runs Meadowsweet Organic farm in Fife with her husband David and has now set up Meadowsweet Herbal Apothecary
Q What does your business do?
A I am a qualified herbalist, offering herbal consultations to individuals as well as herbal remedy workshops and talks.
The consultations are the main aspect of the business, and offer a holistic approach to healing by recommending lifestyle and nutritional advice as well as a herbal prescription. Q Why did you start in business?
A I started Meadowsweet Organics organic farm in 2015.
As my interest and experience in herbal medicine has grown I started meadowsweetherbalapothecary.co.uk in 2017 after graduating from the Irish School of Herbal Medicine. Q How did you get where you are?
A I have always been passionate about plants, healing and working with people.
In 2012 I spent a season working on an organic herb farm, and this sparked the need to bring these two strands of my life together and train as a herbalist.
I then spent four years training, which involved 600 hours of clinic training, hands-on working with patients and preparing herbal medicines. Q Who has helped you? A I never expected to start up a business – Meadowsweet Organics – in the middle of my training, so if it wasn’t for the support of my mum Christine and my husband David I might not have continued.
I have also had continued support from Business Gateway Fife throughout the process. My adviser helped me understand how to set up a second business, gave support with my business plan and advice regarding company regulations and finance.
I’ve also attended a number of the free workshops on offer and benefited from a £5,000 loan from the Prince’s Trust. Q Your biggest mistake?
A After you spend four years studying you expect to walk straight into the job when you finish, but it takes time to meet clients and build up a reputation. Q What is your greatest achievement?
A Facing my fear of public speaking. Working as a herbalist involves a lot of engaging with the local community through talks, free advice, and workshops, as well as working one-to-one. Q What do you hope to achieve?
A I would like to evolve into a social enterprise which offers affordable herbal healthcare as well as workshops and advice to empower people to use more herbs and foods to improve their health and wellbeing. Q Do you want to recruit in the future?
A I would like to open a herbal clinic on our organic farm, and offer the space to other therapists.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Making time for your personal life. Q Advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
A I never expected to run my own business – it wasn’t really an option that was promoted when you left school – but anyone can do it, especially if you’re passionate about what you do and have a strong vision, good plan and access start-up support from the likes of Business Gateway and the Prince’s Trust.