Meet Mamie Trotter | Budding herbalist, owner/creator of Herbal Riot, boss witch

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

Hi Mamie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Both of my parents were business owners, and being my boss always seemed like my eventual plan. Herbal medicine has forever been an important part of my life as well. When the pandemic hit, I decided to enroll in a 500hr herbalism program at Herbalism Roots in Denver. Beginning my studies in herbalism was so eye opening to the world of herbal medicine. These plants WANT to help and want to be heard and understood- my goal is to be a catalyst for that. To create approachable, herbal allies for daily life, connecting with the spirit of the plants, and truly harnessing their medicinal and magical powers!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Herbal Riot started with the idea for herbal allies in the tattoo realm- a tincture for during a session, and a salve for aftercare. My thought was to create plant based and driven products, for situations in which we usually reach for less holistic products. “Disruptive Healing” is our slogan, and we mean it! We want to change the way people look at herbs, we aim to educate and introduce plant medicine to the public in ways that they never would have thought of before. Herbal Riot is still a brand new business (we made our very first sale at the end of January 2021), and we are still learning every day. It’s a crazy feeling to come home after work, to work more, but for myself. It seems never-ending and overwhelming at times, but I can genuinely say I’ve never been happier, or felt more of a sense of purpose. I have a powerful and knowledgeable community of folks with different areas of expertise, that have helped me to figure it out along the way.
I’m beyond proud of my labeling and packaging- I think our logo really helps us stand out on a shelf! That logo would not have been possible without the artistic genius of one Sade Preston (artist, witch, abolitionist, badass), and the graphic design skills behind Nathan Sparks Design.

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.
Oh i love this question. I come from a background in restaurants, hospitality, and events!

First stops would have to be any of the restaurants owned by Culinary Creative. I’ve worked for this incredible company for a while on and off, and I have nothing but respect and love for them. They do so much for the community, and the quality of food and drink at all of the restaurants is unmatched.
With that being said- Ash’Kara would have to be a must, as well as their newest cocktail bar- Forget Me Not in Cherry Creek and Señor Bear.
Uncle for the best ramen and bao buns to die for.
The Bindery is a new favorite for the mezcal bloody maria. Drinks at Honey Elixir Bar, and a brewery tour in RiNo! If Yuan Wonton is parked and slinging dumplings from their food truck, I will 100% be there (one of the only occasions for which I eat meat, is for their dumplings).
Vital Root has some of my favorite vegetarian food in Denver, closely followed by the brunch at City O’ City.
My favorite thing to do with people visiting, is to eat and drink all of the things! Of course I’d include a trip to the mountains, RitualCravt, Denver Art Museum, and OF COURSE the Denver Botanic Gardens!

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?
The start of my interest in herbal medicine is deeply rooted in my childhood, and the people I was raised around. The powerful medicine of the mountain desert in Taos, NM, surrounded me with plants and healing that I didn’t even realize until later in my life. Herbalism Roots in Denver was the initial organization to put the spark under my cauldron so to speak. They provided me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue this path with passion and gusto. The nurturing learning environment that they provided me will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Finally, I began working at my favorite witchcraft store- RitualCravt just after beginning herbalism school- the timing of this couldn’t have been more perfect. RitualCravt is filled to the brim with knowledge, passion, and so much creativity- almost all of the staff has their own business or creative endeavor on the side; the energy is nothing short of inspirational. RitualCravt provided me with a platform to begin to share my creations with the public, and has supported me as a whole, every step of the way. I would not be where I am without the unwavering support of my incredible community. Magic TRULY does live at RitualCravt- in the purpose, the people, the community it creates, and the entire space.

Website: herbalriot.com

Instagram: @herbalriot

Image Credits
Lauren Pinkney Sade Preston