Meet Sade Adeyemi | Entrepreneur, Herbalist & Educator

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

Hi Sade, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Founding The Herbal Alchemist Co. has really taught me the value of community, and especially how loved and supported I am by my people. The saying “it takes a village” usually refers to raising children, but my business is my baby, and I know that my growth and success is dependent on the amazing people around me who have offered advice, encouragement, and support. In the past, I was too stubborn to admit when I needed help, and that held me back from reaching a lot of my goals. Now, I’m able to see that by naming when I’m struggling or when I need help, I’m making room for the people who love me the most to meet me where I’m at and fill in the gaps.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love what I do because I get to express my creativity in such a practical way. Everybody has skin, and everyone deserves to have soft, hydrated and healthy skin.

The Herbal Alchemist Co. is different from other bath and body lines because my products meet at the intersection of luxury and affordability. Before I started creating my own products I spent a ridiculous amount time and money on products that felt incredible, but were so expensive I’d barely use them. I figured other people were as fed up as I was with that kind of scarcity mentality, and decided to make a change.

I’ve always loved creating things, so designing my own skin care products felt like a no brainer, until I got started. I never realized how much needs to be considered when it comes to quality skin care. And I definitely didn’t realize how many different aspects there are to running a business. In the past, I avoided diving too deeply into things that don’t come naturally. Today, I’ve learned to revel in the challenges. Marketing? Got it. Licensing? Absolutely. Accounting? We’ll work on it.

Founding this company, and now getting it off the ground, is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far. It definitely hasn’t been easy! I’ve had to face imposter syndrome head-on plenty of times, especially when I’m presented with opportunities like this interview! I’m most proud of my growth, not only as an entrepreneur, but also as a human. Starting a business is incredibly difficult, but I’ve learned to persevere, to admit when I’m wrong, and especially to ask for help. I recognize that I’m always learning, and that has become my greatest driver. I hope I’m able to continuously find joy in the journey, and keep learning as I grow and expand.

I cannot stress enough how much I’ve leaned on my community to get me this far. As someone who has always identified as fiercely independent, it’s truly been humbling to know I have amazing people around me that I can lean on. My brand, The Herbal Alchemist Co. means so much more to me than just healthy skin. It’s a reflection of my journey, the commitment of my community, and figuring out what self-care really means to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite part of when friends come to visit me in Denver is their expression when they get to see the mountains on the way home from the airport. There really is nothing like the first time, and I always feel so incredibly humbled by how small they make me feel. After the obligatory kitty snuggles (the real reason people come to visit me) of course we have to head into the city for food at Cochino, Kachina, or Bua Thai. I love to grab drinks at Honey Elixir Bar if I’m going for the aesthetic, or Wah Gwaan Brewing Company, for some delicious and creative Caribbean brews. Hopefully there’s a Cruxing in Color meetup so I can introduce my pal to the amazing community of BIPOC climbers I’ve met out here, and if they’re feeling daring, we might even get outside to climb in Clear Creek Canyon. Above all, my favorite experience to share with a visitor is a Colorado sunrise and/or sunset over the mountains. If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend getting out to Sloan’s Lake or some of the other incredible parks around the city to start your day with with the sun. And after that, there’s no better way to end a day than with a show at the huge variety of venues from Red Rocks to Cervantes. If we’re lucky enough to catch a concert at the Ogden or any of the other venues along Colfax, we can even wander aimlessly afterwards. I love that Denver has something to fit nearly any vibe. There’s always something going on!

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’m so incredibly grateful to my family for their constant encouragement and feedback. Shoutout to Shara, Menesha and Daniel for the opportunities they’ve provided me with that have reminded me that I am worthy and capable. To April, for helping me to translate the beautiful mess of my thoughts into words that make sense to other people. And to my roommate Kristin, for her patience and understanding. I am, because we are. My community lifts me up, and I couldn’t imagine doing this without all of you surrounding me! I especially want to give a shoutout to my family for helping me to stay grounded while I keep my head up high.

Website: theherbalalchemist.co

Instagram: TheHerbalAlchemistCo

Image Credits
Felipe Tapia Nordenflycht, April Logan