Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Smith.
Hi Cheryl, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2018 with a bachelor’s in arts and sciences. I studied international relations and business and minored in organizational leadership. In 2019, I moved back to Cincinnati and was baptized under the Gathering of Christ Church. It was after baptism I was led and inspired to create natural hair products for women of color so we could have hair products that didn’t contain chemicals and would heal us instead of hurting us. I would do research and would compile recipes and notes for hair formulas. This ignited an interest in herbs and their properties. One night I had a dream that I was healing someone and teaching them how to even heal themselves with herbs. After this dream, I felt as if the most high was trying to give me confirmation of the purpose he had in store for me. After taking some time to do more research and much prayer, I ended up taking a course to study herbalism and even doing my own self-study and teachings as well. I got certified in 2020, and from there, I wanted to share my remedies and creations. August 2020 was when the Herbal Compass was born. Through my time as an Herbalist, I met and shared remedies with people from different walks. I started to join different groups on Facebook, and that’s when I started to meet pregnant women who would want remedies for their symptoms. I had to do a lot of research and studying to help pregnant women with their common pregnancy symptoms, and due to this, I was introduced to Doula work.
The goal of a Doula is to help the mother experience a positive and safe birth. Doulas are trained non medical professionals who provide expert guidance for services such as but not limited to, childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth, postpartum recovery etc.
I thank the wonderful women in my church and my clientele who allowed me to learn from them and their pregnancy journeys. From there, I knew that being a holistic doula was the right career choice for me. Being able to combine the two most important things to me into one umbrella business was full circle. Now as of today, I service women and families as their Holistic Birth and Postpartum Doula. I am also an Herbalist that now offers consultations and remedies to those looking to boost their health naturally.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. I put my business endeavors on hold so I could work full-time. Instead of taking a leap of faith and leaving my jobs or even going part-time, I worked hard so I could eventually walk away. However, instead of walking away, I ended up becoming more engaged in my work and wanting to become the best employee at someone else’s business instead of my own. Once, it felt as if being an Herbalist and Doula was an afterthought, a job that I could just quit instead of realizing it was who I was… After that, I knew I needed to refocus and rebrand. Building a business is hard. You are constantly coming out of your pocket; you are the only employee so the time you have to put in is exhausting. Don’t forget the most important part, you still have to live, and it seems hard when you have to put in all your time, effort, and funds into something that may or may not get off the ground. Meanwhile, you want to enjoy life, be happy and survive. I found myself going through a rollercoaster of emotions, wanting to give up, wanting to put it all away and work a regular 9-5 because it seemed like that was happiness. However, it was a false happiness. True happiness is watching my business grow. Kind of like a baby. It is rough, and there are a lot of sleepless nights. Wondering how you’re going to eat and still put money into the business. Like having two mouths to feed. However, I love what I do, and although there’s days when it seems like nothing is happening, I try to enjoy the slow days because those days, I get a chance to be with family and actually take care of myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Herbal Compass, LLC?
Herbal Compass is a unique and holistic brand that combines the expertise of an apothecary with the care and support of a doula practice. As a black-owned business, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality herbal remedies, teas, body butters, and natural hair care, all made with locally sourced ingredients. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing personalized care and guidance throughout your journey. Our herbal consultations are designed to empower and educate you, helping you navigate the world of natural remedies with confidence. We are particularly proud of our 100 percent handmade products, crafted with love and attention to detail. Each item is carefully formulated to ensure the highest level of effectiveness and purity. At Herbal Compass, we believe in the power of nature to heal and nurture. Whether you’re seeking relief from common ailments or support during pregnancy and childbirth, our brand is here to guide you towards a more balanced and natural lifestyle.
We have gained recognition for our commitment to providing natural alternatives to harmful store-bought products. Our extensive range of herbal remedies and solutions caters to various needs, offering a safer and more sustainable approach to overall well-being… The Hair Growth Formula, our highest-selling and most popular beauty product that aims to transform the hair care industry for black women. For too long, we have been using hair products that contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer, reproductive issues, and even damage our brain cells. This is where the Herbal Compass comes in. It is a natural hair care product that is free from toxic chemicals and is designed to nourish, heal and protect your hair. This has been huge for us because we’ve always wanted a hair care product like this, and now, we get to heal in more ways than one. It has been my most proudest product brand-wise, and I will continue to create products that can make a change for my community, whether it’s internal or external. We are healing!
Doulove is more than just a name; it’s a philosophy. As a doula organization, we strive to embody the essence of love and support in everything we do. Our name is a play on words, combining “Do love” with “Doula.” We are passionate about providing compassionate care and guidance to expectant mothers, empowering them to have a positive birthing experience. With Doulove, you can trust that you will receive the highest level of care, support, and love throughout your pregnancy journey. Inclusive service that extends its support to a wide range of communities. We take great pride in our ability to provide assistance to unhoused families, creating a safe and nurturing environment for them through our partnerships with shelters in the Cincinnati area. ALL women deserve to have a doula. I am dedicated to providing education and guidance to families, regardless of their circumstances. I hold classes at shelters to ensure that everyone has access to knowledge about their pregnancy, their rights in hospitals, birth plans, and childbirth education. If I don’t have the answers, I am committed to researching and finding the information needed.
I don’t like comparing myself or my business to anyone else’s because I have my own path. I have goals and dreams that someone else may not have. I have goals for my community, and I’m using my business and my resources to achieve those goals. My purpose was created in the heavens and carefully crafted for me; no one can compete with that because it wasn’t built for them. I love what I do, and no matter how far I may go with this, I want to be able to say I helped create safe spaces, I was a safe space and I made people feel comfortable and knowledgeable about their wellness decisions.
The services that I offer are unique because they come from the heart. I offer Herbal consultations to educate and aware people who are either new to herbs or are still learning and may have questions. My consultations also include education for families about their birthing needs and directing them to the right resources so they don’t have to burden themselves or stress themselves out about researching.
I make medicinal hair care products for women of all hair types
I create body butters, medicinal ointments, rose water, fragrance oils and lotions, etc.
I also make herbal supplements for immunity boosting and overall wellness
What were you like growing up?
I am the oldest of five children, and so looking back, I’ve always taken care of the people around me. I was very introverted and was comfortable keeping to myself. I always had a caring and nice personality that even when I wanted to stay to myself, people were always surrounded and clung on to me. I was very shy, and I still am at times. It wasn’t until college that I became more extroverted and social. I joined more clubs, student government, became leadership in different organizations until I became a familiar and well-known face on campus. A total 180! When I was a young girl up until college, I used to write short stories and read all the time. I always thought that I would grow up to become an author. I still love to read and write, which is why I love research and learning.
Pricing:
- Hair Growth Formula – $18
- Hair Growth Cream – $18
- Free 30-minute Herbal Consultations
- Doula services – see website for more info
- Rapid Immunity Booster – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theherbalcompass.com
- Instagram: Instagram/theherbalcompass1 and https://instagram.com/doulove_cincinnatidoula
- Facebook: facebook.com/theherbalcompass1
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-dixon-smith-192063113
Image Credits
Future Inspirationz
Cheryl Smith
