Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulina María Rico. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Herbal Sanctuary was launched in the fall of 2017, by two good friends, both first-generation, with proud Mexican roots. After both Arlene and Paulina graduated from Humboldt State University, they moved back to their hometown, San Diego, California. Uncertain of where their lives would take them, they began Herbal Sanctuary as a hobby and advocacy. They were keen to be working alongside Cannabis, with the hope of diminishing the stigma folks have against this marvelous, medicinal and magical plant. Interestingly, family members, friends, and borderland communities began changing their views about Cannabis, inquiring more information and opening dialogue with us. Herbal Sanctuary has had its highs and lows but has definitely thrived and is continuing to do so.
Our products have been sought out and distributed at farmers’ markets and events all over San Diego and also Mexico. Herbal Sanctuary is more than just a small business; the idea is also to educate and empower others about the use and benefits of Cannabis and diminish the stigma. We are in the works to create a sanctuary space to continue to grow organic Cannabis and other medicinal plants while also building a conscious community through workshops, gatherings, and knowledge shares. Herbal Sanctuary’s earthen studio is nestled in San Diego, California and will *crossing fingers* soon be operating in Mexico as well!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been challenging in all of the aspects, but also very rewarding! It was challenging in the beginning, economically wise, being recent graduates and not really knowing anything about starting a small business. We didn’t really know how to go about things nor what it meant to start a business. We simply trusted, followed our intuition and heart, and went with the flow.
It’s been incredibly tough nowadays that I’ve been a solopreneur (entrepreneur) and also being a woman, and Latina, in this extremely competitive industry. Not to mention permits, pandemia, being a passionate nomad (Sagittarius!), and more. It has not been an easy ride, but I can definitely say that my community, friend and mostly family has been there for us/me since the beginning and I think that is why I am still here, creating and sharing the medicine.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Apart from being an entrepreneur, creating self-care products and being a Cannabis advocate. I am also a natural building aficionado. I have been diving deeper into the world of natural building, also known as eco-building, mud building, cob building, etc. For the past two years, I’ve been taking workshops, volunteering, and experimenting with different ways of creating spaces with clay, straw, water, recycled materials and more. Last year, I finished a construccion with the help of my father and friends, which is now the space/workshop where I create all my products and pretty much spend most of my time in. It’s truly beautiful.
I’m so proud of myself for trusting and throwing myself to the project. I’m usually known to be that dirty hippie, the alternative, the black sheep of the family and friends. The nomadic, multi-talented, adventurous spirit. I’m most proud of the courage and eagerness to try everything that does not fit in the box of society, if not the opposite. My enthusiasm in life and the things I am doing now mostly comes from being in nature, observing nature’s ways and finding ways to defend her (climate change & permaculture). And my travels and seeing the way other folks live; my little feet have been from India to Brazil to South Africa, so you can only imagine!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see my small business carrying on to Mexico, where my roots are and where I recently live, which is a huge shift and change. It will be a new exciting challenge. Yet, I’m excited about this new chapter in my life.
Pricing:
- $20 CBD salves
- 2 x $30 CBD salves
Contact Info:
- Email: herbalsanctuaryco@gmail.com
- Website: www.laherbalsanctuary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbal.sanctuary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Herbal-Sanctuary-103322281707394
