Small Business Snapshot focuses on: Depravi Teas Apothecary
Tina Samuels, certified aromatherapist and herbalist and owner of Depravi Teas Apothecary, answers the questions for today’s Small Business Snapshot.
What is the primary purpose of your business? To bring a natural way of relieving chronic and acute symptoms of everyday problems to the community of Rome. I teach essential oil and herbal classes on Tuesdays at the Studio as well as run a subscription box service and provide consultations to the people of Rome.
What is the business background of the owners? I worked for years as a health writer and recently got my certification in Aromatherapy and in Herbalism. I decided to put my years of study and health writing to use to teach, consult and bring essential oil blends and herbal remedies to the community. So far, I’ve been thrilled with the results.
Why did you start this particular business? I wanted to bring yet another wonderful alternative and complementary health niche to the Healing Arts Center, as they are a beacon of the community. With such a well-rounded pattern of caregivers and providers there, I feel very at home.
What makes your business unique? While there is nothing new about aromatherapy and herbal remedies, there is a lot of misconception and mistruths circulating in today’s society about them. There’s a lot of just bad information. Having studied with a NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) School, I know want to educate as many as I can on the safe ways to use these important tools to better their lives and their health. I spend a lot of time with my clients, getting to know them, getting to know what they want and need in their treatment options. I also try to make everything as affordable as possible so that anyone can get good oils and blends at the right price for them. I want it accessible. My consultations are only $5, classes are only $10 which includes take home items, and products range from as little as $4 to $40.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? I love hearing that I’ve helped someone. That they’ve tried plenty of things in the past, but the blends or balms that I create for them were what helped them. I love getting to know Romans and their wants and needs.
What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? Getting my name and business out there. Word of mouth is slow growth, but it’s the growth that will keep my business and my therapy products thriving in the long run.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Yes, if any of you reading this are just curious, I encourage you to email me at depraviteas@gmail.com. Ask me your questions. See my website for ways to sign up for a consultation, sign up for a subscription box, or sign up for a class. Come in whenever I’m in the studio to browse the products. I’m here for you, email me anytime.