We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is dynamic, and there are still days when I have felt that achieving the balance was basically impossible, but it always comes back to the reality of priorities. Too many of us have learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and when life becomes all about work, your cup will dry up quickly. Even if it’s just committing to evening time with my husband and family (away from my phone), a walk in the woods, or a soothing bath, self-care takes shape differently each day and helps me stay renewed and ready for whatever comes up in my business. If the very core of what I do is about bringing greater healing and joy to the experience of life, I have to include myself in that too. I believe that those simple moments of joy and gratitude are the propelling force behind a business with staying power.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Community Herbalist, Biodynamic Herb Grower, Permaculture Design Educator, and total Gnome enthusiast. In 2018 I opened Alpine Botanicals Artisan Apothecary, a retail herb shop in Nederland, Colorado offering bulk herbs, teas, spices, a house line of body care and other botanical products, as well as fair trade, organically crafted, locally, and ethically sourced brands from all over Colorado and beyond.

The idea for opening a retail shop with an attached greenhouse & plant shop, certified commercial kitchen, and community wellness clinic had been brewing for half a decade, and it has been an incredibly educational and wonderful journey. I knew from the get-go that we would not compromise on our values. We would have strict standards for what we bring into the shop, some almost annoyingly so! We work extremely hard at Alpine to only offer products of the highest integrity, crafted with love and a deep reverence for Nature. Many of the brands we carry are Women-Owned & Colorado-based herbal product brands.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
– Hiking trails and exploring the woods around Nederland, Colorado – Denver Botanic Gardens & Denver Art Museum – Restaurants in Boulder: Blackbelly, Salt, Oak, Black Cat – Boulder Farmer’s Markets & Nederland Farmer’s Markets – Estes Park & RMNP

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout to my husband Gregory Miller for supporting me along my journey

Website: www.alpinebotanicals.com
Instagram: alpine_botanicals
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlpineBotanicalsNederland

Image Credits
Jennifer Morgan Photography

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