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

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business started from a process of becoming aware of the bodily and environmental impact of body care products. At the time, I was having some of my own health issues which were mysterious. One day I tried to read the back of my shampoo bottle and found most of the ingredients to be unpronounceable chemicals. Upon researching these ingredients, I learned that many of them were known endocrine disruptors as well as carcinogens.

At the time where I lived, it was not possible to get truly clean body care products even at the health food stores. I knew I would need to find my own way to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, and so I began creating my own products, starting with soap.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my career first as a musician and academic (I have a doctorate in vocal performance). But the call of Nature on my soul was equally as strong, and I knew I needed to partner with plants. For a long time I have struggled to rectify these two sides of myself: the creative musician and the creative aromatherapist and herbalist. What I finally realized is that it is all interconnected: music as well as Nature draw people back to their own intuition, a stronger connection with the Earth and others, and very often a stronger connection to the Divine. I have realized this is my life’s work. In order to accomplish this, I have what some might say are an excessive amount of modalities on offer to my clients. But whether it is 1:1 coaching for holistic lifestyle or natural soaps or sound baths, the goal is the same: to help others reconnect to that which truly sustains us.

I had to figure this out about myself before I could define a clear branding around my business. It has been an evolving process. I found it extremely valuable to finally hire a photographer who was familiar with both me as a person as well as my brand and my products to capture the essence of what I do. She was able to put into photos what I was struggling to write in words.

What I want the world to know is that we aren’t meant to be, do, or feel the same every day. We are a part of Nature. There are natural ebbs and flows to life, and the more we can embrace these, the more we can recapture true wholeness and find and listen to our inner voices again. I feel as we begin to do this better, we will find the solutions together the world so desperately needs at this time…but a strong connection to Nature is key.

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?
One of the companies that I have found to be incredibly inspirational even as I work to build my own business is Floracopeia. This company is deeply dedicated to sound environmental practices in sourcing all of their ingredients. Founder David Crow teaches regularly on sacred plant medicine and the importance of honoring Nature as well as our bodies, recognizing that we ARE a part of Nature. No other organization has inspired me in my business journey quite as much, and indeed, I did get certified in Aromatherapy through this company and their dedication to quality education.

Website: https://arcadiaholisticschool.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiaholisticschool/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-oberlander-80490a1b/

Twitter: @apothecary_erin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcadiaholisticschool

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CHrc2M-QzUq4IgW1Cy-rA

Other: erin@arcadiaholisticschool.com

Image Credits
Lea Black Photography Rick Gion Photography Regina Martin

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