Rising Stars: Meet Jasmine Parker of Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Parker.

Hi Jasmine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Soul Candy Herbal FARMacy was born from a deeply personal healing journey. After seven years of battling endometriosis, infertility, and pain medication dependency—along with undergoing seven unsuccessful surgeries—I decided to take my health into my own hands. I began researching holistic alternatives, studying herbs, and incorporating detox practices into my daily life. Within a year of consistent discipline, I was able to reverse nearly 80% of my symptoms. That transformation opened my eyes to the impact of toxins in food, personal care, and household products, leading me to create natural, organic alternatives for myself and my family.

What started at home quickly grew into something more. After a coworker encouraged me to share my products, I launched an Etsy shop and began building my brand while expanding my knowledge and inventory. I carefully crafted and infused herbal products, built a strong presence on Instagram, and eventually created my own website to have full control over my business. Today, Soul Candy Herbal FARMacy is known for its high-quality, preservative-free products, and I continue to share my passion for natural healing through both online platforms and local community events.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many entrepreneurs, my journey has come with its share of challenges. One of the most significant has been building a natural, herbal brand within a heavily pharmaceutical-driven industry. Because herbs cannot be patented, holistic businesses often face added scrutiny, requiring me to be extremely mindful of how I describe my products. I’ve had to include strict disclaimers and carefully word everything to avoid making medical claims. This became especially challenging on Etsy, where my shop was repeatedly flagged and eventually shut down despite my efforts to remain compliant. While frustrating, that experience ultimately pushed me to create my own website, giving me full control over my brand and allowing me to grow on my own terms.

Funding has also been an ongoing obstacle. As a self-funded business, I cover all expenses out of pocket, which can make it difficult to consistently maintain inventory and invest in opportunities like vendor events or expansion.

In addition, there is often a learning curve for customers who expect herbal remedies to deliver instant results like pharmaceuticals. Part of my role has been helping people understand that true healing takes time and often requires lifestyle changes alongside herbal support. Despite these challenges, each obstacle has strengthened my commitment to both my business and the education I provide through it.

In addition to my work in herbal wellness, I’m also known for creating vegan, plant-based recipes and sharing my journey of raising my teen daughters within a holistic lifestyle. While they’ve had their moments of resistance, they’ve grown to trust the process and now play an active role alongside me. I focus on preparing meals from scratch and specialize in transforming traditional meat-based dishes into nourishing, plant-based alternatives without relying on processed substitutes. Over time, cooking has become something we enjoy together, with my daughters stepping into the role of sous chefs and even helping choose and create new recipes.

That same sense of collaboration extends beyond the kitchen. My daughters also support me at vendor events, helping promote my products and connect with a younger audience. I also find so much fulfillment in the moments when they come to me for care—whether it’s asking for an herbal blend or reaching for one of my products when they’re not feeling well. There’s something incredibly rewarding about having your daughters, especially as teens, trust you for healing and nurturing. What started as a lifestyle shift has grown into a shared experience, allowing me to prioritize our health while strengthening our bond through creativity, trust, and intentional living.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the heart of what I do is creating intentional, herbal products that support healing from the inside out. Soul Candy Herbal FARMacy is more than a brand—it’s an extension of who I am as both a healer and a creative. The name itself comes from my work as an author and professional spoken word artist, where I perform under the name Soul Candy. When building my business, I realized the name perfectly reflected my mission: creating products that feel like nourishment not just for the body, but for the soul. I specialize in handcrafted, organic herbal remedies and body care products that are free from fillers and preservatives, and I’m known for combining effectiveness with creativity and intention.

What truly sets me apart is my approach to language and energy. As a writer, I believe words carry power, so I’m intentional in how I name and present my products. Instead of centering illness or dis-ease, I focus on the healing outcome or create an uplifting, empowering spin through wordplay. For example, I offer a blend that supports menopause and PMS called “PMS: Positive Mental Symptoms,” an herbal formula for erectile support called “Big D Energy,” and a gentle sleep aid for both adults and children called “Sleep Like a Princess.” This same philosophy carries into my writing, including my three-book trilogy, Still Not Satisfied, where I explore healing and self-expression through poetry and storytelling. What I’m most proud of is being able to merge my artistry with my passion for wellness, creating a brand that not only supports physical healing but also inspires confidence, joy, and a deeper connection to self.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m someone who genuinely enjoys learning, especially when it comes to healing in all its forms. Most of the books I gravitate toward focus on expanding my knowledge of holistic wellness, including topics like herbalism, Reiki, reflexology, and herbal formulations. I’m always looking for ways to deepen my understanding so I can continue creating products that are both intentional and effective. That ongoing education plays a big role in how I grow both personally and within my business.

I’m also very intentional about nurturing the spiritual side of healing. In addition to herbal studies, I spend time reading and journaling around spiritual healing because I believe true wellness starts from within. For me, healing the spirit is just as important as using herbs to support the body, and that balance is something I carry into both my daily life and the work I do through Soul Candy Herbal FARMacy.

Pricing:

• Consultation $99
• Still Not Satisfied Book Trilogy $35

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesoulcandy.com/
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/SoulCandy.farmacy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulcandy.farmacy/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@soulcandy321