03/01/2026
โจโจ๐๐'๐ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ...๐ถ๐'๐ ๐ฎ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ดโจโจ
It feels only fitting to be crafting this post on GOA's 13th anniversary of having a storefront in Olde Towne Slidell. For the past 13 years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving the community that I live, work, and play in. When I started my herbal journey almost 25 years ago, I never envisioned owning and operating a successful small business. Herbalism and holistic health were not mainstream so there really wasn't a blueprint on how to operate an apothecary and wellness center. My daughter jokes and says that my "audacity" allows me to achieve things that to most seem impossible. I'm not sure if audacity is the correct word, but what I do know is that when you grow up poor and surrounded by addicts, you dream big and that's exactly what I did. With encouragement from the woman who raised me, my beautiful grandmother, she instilled in me not only a strong work ethic, but also a deep sense of community. As a single mother and only parent, I poured my heart and soul into creating a space that would allow me to be the mother I always wished my mother could have been. It hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't change a single thing. The relationship that I now have with my daughter, the community of friends that I have gained, and the growth and expansion of Olde Towne Slidell are outcomes that I am most proud of and will always be grateful for.
It is with immense love and appreciation that I formally announce that I have decided to sell my property in Olde Towne Slidell. This decision has been weighing heavy on me for a couple of years and when I turned 50 last summer, the burden of this contemplation forced me to reevaluate MY needs for the second half of my life. I'm tired y'all, mentally and physically. ๏ฟผAnd that is the truth for the reason to sell the place that defines me, the place that built me, the place that healed me.
This is not goodbye, nor is it the end of Green Oaks Apothecary. I will simply be moving into a different direction, one that allows me to engross myself into the plants-a path that allows me to fully create a relationship with nature and all of her blessings. I am currently looking for property where I can grow, harvest, make medicine and food, and teach about the plants that I love so much. To put it bluntly, it is time for me to "heal the healer."
I've given absolutely everything I am and have to creating a space that is unique, inviting, educational, affordable, and most importantly, welcoming to all, but especially those in marginalized communities. To witness my space become a place where black and brown folks and those in the LGBTQIA community feel welcomed and appreciated will be the legacy that I am most proud of. The world needs more kindness, acceptance, and love and it is my deepest hope that the businesses of Olde Towne Slidell will continue to strive to live by these morals and values.
Until the property sells, GOA will be open from Wednesday through Friday 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 10AM to 5 PM. As soon as we have an offer on the property, we will have a giant sale to liquidate all of our inventory. We will keep the bulk herbs and teas, herbal remedies, body products, and our famous candles in stock (to the best of our ability), but we will not be ordering any more vitamins and supplements, crystals, or items in the food room. Once I move and get settled, the website will go live, and I will be doing pop-ups and deliveries to the Slidell area. My hope is that you will allow GOA to continue to be your source for herbal products and education (and yes, I will still be making the candles you love so much).
While this is the hardest post I have ever had to construct, I am genuinely hopeful for the trajectory of GOA. I am excited about the future and I can't wait to have you on my property to teach you about all aspects of herbalism. Personally, I can't wait to have the time and space to dive deep into my own education and experience with the plants. With this move, I deeply believe that I will be a better herbalist and educator thus allowing me to better serve the community and the planet.
Finally, thank you. From every cell in my body, thank you for supporting my dream, thank you for supporting my family, thank you for supporting the Olde Towne Slidell community, thank you for believing in me. I will never be able to accurately describe what it has meant to be embraced by this community. My heart and soul will always be an OTG (olde towne gang). Please come by so we can cry and laugh and cry some more. I love you all and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you.
All my โค๏ธ- B
