Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to interview Rashidat Raji-Siwoku who specializes in holistic wellness and is also a licensed traditional practitioner. Let’s read up on her insightful story!
EM: Tell us about Yourself
Rashida’s Response: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story and my passion. Imagine a world where natures nurture and restores balance in our everyday lives instead of our over-reliance on orthodox medicine.
As a pharmaceutical scientist and licensed traditional practitioner, I am humbled to be a steward of both this ancient wisdom building a deep connection between the natural world and its scientific therapeutic properties in human experience.
EM: What does your business do and how it started:
Rashida Response: I specialize in holistic wellness for both men and women from the ages of 30yrs and above.
With particular emphasis on women, I’ve worked closely with women of all ages, helping them navigate various life stages from hormonal imbalance to fertility concerns and beyond. I believe this focus enables me to tailor to their specific needs and foster a sense of empowerment in their wellness journey.
My path to becoming a licensed traditional practitioner began at aged 23yrs when I was diagnosed with multiple uterine fibroids and endometriosis, where I suffered from depilating pain and was prescribed orthodox medication which instead of helping caused other health issues like constipation, and weight gain and nuisance.
To find a solution to over-reliance on orthodox medication which didn’t solve my diagnosis or health issues, I immersed myself in the study of orthodox science and naturopathic medicine seeking guidance from experienced professionals for a solution to my health problem.
EM: How do you solve your customer’s challenge?
Rashida’s Response: Transparency is key. I keep my customer informed throughout their wellness journey.
I believe in open and honest communication, building trust and providing peace of mind every step of the way. Another point, I aim to empower my customer with knowledge, guidance, resource and proactive measures to equip them with the tools necessary to prevent challenges from arising in the future.
EM: Who are your ideal customers?
Rashida’s Response: Well traditional African medicine can benefit people of all backgrounds however these are the customers that resonate with us.
Health-conscious individuals who prioritize their health and are proactive in seeking natural alternatives to support their well-being are often drawn to plant medicine.
EM: Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Rashida Response: my typical day is a harmonious rhythm of acquiring herbal knowledge and business pursuits. I start with herbal formulation research backed by science, crafting remedies with care.
Then I dive into managing my business, connecting with customers and sourcing high-quality herbs from our farm and maintaining partnerships with other traditional healers.
The balance of the art of healing and the demands of entrepreneurship fuels my passion and drives my purpose.
EM: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Rashida’s Response: The entrepreneurship path demands my time, dedication and also being about to juggle work and family responsibilities.
The balance of running a business with being a mother challenged me in ways I never imagined but it has taught me the importance of showing up, mustering the spirit of resilience, creativity and collaboration to turn my way of life into a real-life thriving small business with a small workforce.
EM: What motivates you?
Rashida Response: For me, traditional African medicine is not just a profession- it is my life purpose. I am driven by a deep-rooted passion to empower individuals especially women to trust and reconnect with nature’s healing gift even amid a modern, fast-paced world.
Through my research and background, I aim to demystify and create transparency in traditional African herbal medicine, offering practical tips, remedies and guidance that can be easily incorporated into everyday life. I want to inspire your readers to embrace the traditional transformative power of herbs to enrich their lives and nurture a connection with the traditional natural world
EM: What is your greatest fear?
Rashida’s Response: My greatest fear revolves around uncertainty and the fear of not meeting the expectations of my clients and financial instability.
However, I have learnt to embrace these fears as opportunities for growth and pushing myself to have unravelled faith in the universe will make all things align in my favour.
EM: How do you define success?
Rashida’s Response: Success is receiving a heartfelt response or when clients trust me enough to share their stories of improved well-being and express their gratitude for the support, they have received from me, by sharing ancient traditional herbal knowledge I know that I am making a meaningful difference.
EM: What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Rashida’s Response: my favourite aspect is witnessing the transformative power of nature. Seeing herbs heal and restore balance in people’s lives brings me immense joy and fulfilment every day.
EM: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Rashida’s Response: If I had to start over again, I would embrace more risk and take bolder leaps. I would step out of my comfort zone sooner, and acknowledge my failure as an opportunity for growth, not regrets. Most importantly, I would trust my instincts and never underestimate my potential.
EM: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Rashida’s Response:
1. Being present or showing up for opportunities even if you are faced with challenges or you don’t know where to start from
2. Leadership, leading by example and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment are essential for long-term success
3. Adaptability, the ability to be flexible and being able to embrace new ideas and opportunities that help navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.
EM: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Rashida’s Response: My greatest inspiration comes from the teaching of plants themselves. Nature’s intricate intelligence using the law of signature to show us herbs that resembles various parts of the body can be used by us humans to treat ailments of those body.
This healing power continues to inspire and guide me on my wellness journey to transform the lives of my client and health-conscious individuals.
EM: What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Rashida’s Response: my advice is simple: embrace failure as an opportunity to grow not as regrets and never stop learning.
Stay focused on your vision, persevere through challenges and surround yourself with a supportive network and let your passion guide you towards success.
EM: What business-related book has inspired you the most? (Or, what is your favourite book?)
Rashida’s Response: One of the resource tools that I would recommend for any individual “Medicinal plants of Nigeria South-West Zone Nigeria. By Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency. Federal Ministry of Science and Technology”
EM: If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Rashida’s Response: “Introducing Traditional African herbs and remedies by a closet hippy”
EM: Please share the contact details you wish to be made public
Rashida’s Response: I love to hear from individuals here are my various platforms:
Twitter contact: https://twitter.com/GaiafarmsTeas/status/1367210498907897857
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gaiafarmstea
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gaiafarmstea
Website: https://gaiafarmacy.com.ng/
Email: gaiafarmslifestyle@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +234 8086957177
United Kingdom Business: +44207 101 3266
