About Us.

I was born and raised in a small town in Western Ukraine, surrounded by green, rolling hills and farmland. My family grew a large share of our own produce, and the rest came from local farms or small, family-owned stores. I have fond memories of foraging for mushrooms and wild berries in the forests near my home. My first exploration of herbal medicine was by my mother’s and grandma’s side, they always had a tea or tincture to offer when someone in the family got sick. On our walks mom would often point out some plants and remark what their health benefits were. Whether playing outside, helping in the garden, or going on a camping trip, I spend a lot of time in Nature. It felt like an extension of home, Nature was part of the family. I feel very blessed to have experienced at an early age that our nourishment, health and wellbeing depends on Nature and comes from her.

When I moved to the US at 19, I entered a chapter in my life of distance from Nature and with it came alienation from my authentic self, health and wellbeing. It was disorienting to shop in large supermarkets, where the majority of food was processed or packaged with bright labels promising a myriad of health benefits, but mostly offering empty calories. I was studying full time and working long, hard hours to achieve what was considered success and happiness, but actually felt draining and depleting. Even though by my mid twenties I co-owned a restaurant, a home, and was getting my masters degree, I was tired, my health was running thin, and my spirit was dwindling. My body was screaming at me through many symptoms and requiring UTI’s, constant indigestion, fatigue, and anxiety. I had no choice but to listen to my body, and answer what my heart was calling for– to be closer to nature.

Through my nutritional studies I came to see that wholesome fresh food is at the root of a healthy body. Understanding human physiology, biochemistry and the science behind nutrients and how they affect our system helped me to facilitate my body’s own healing process. Daily walks in nature replenished my spirit and calmed my nervous system. Having my hands in the ground while tending a small raised bed gave me an opportunity to feel a deep connection with the Earth again. These small steps have slowly brought me back to the truth that I felt and lived as a child – that our true health is rooted in nature. I have come full circle and now my husband and I grow a lot of our food in a large garden; with such joy and love in my heart I grow and collect herbs to use as medicine for my family and friends; My husband, our two doggies and I live in an off grid cabin in the woods, that allows us to spend most of our free time out in nature. My whole being thrives again. And I would love to help you thrive as well!