Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Careers in Natural Health

In 1999, I left my corporate marketing job at Disney. I loved my job, had a good salary, insurance and a full benefits package. Many thought that I was crazy to give it all up for the uncertainty of running a small business. I took that first small shop and expanded, bought commercial property and within six years became very profitable. In 2005, I sold the business and property to invest in other ventures. Today, I own two retail stores, one commerical building, have an interest in two other health shops and have written a book.

My passion is to help other women realize their dreams through small business ownership. This might be as a natural health retail store owner, a home based consulting business or as an Aromatherapy Spa Party Hostess. There are many part and full-time opportunities available in the natural health field.

So how do you know if owning your own business is right for you? Here are some great resources to check out:
Escape from Cubicle Nation

So let's say that you've got the right stuff, where do you begin? First, find yourself a few good mentors and a coach. Your mentors might include a small business owner in your area, a S.C.O.R.E. Couselor, and/or a friend that specializes in something like marketing or accounting. Your coach needs to be someone in the natural health field. Either a retail store owner, aromatherapy spa consultant or natural health practitioner. Ask about internsip programs.

Then start your natural health education-
Tree of Light-General Natural Health Training Materials
JennScents-Aromtherapy Training
Clayton College of Natural Health
Herb Allure-Educational Products
Certified Natural Health Professionals (CNHP)-Seminars
NSP Forum

And start working on your business plan-
SBA Guide to Writing a Business Plan
Ernst & Young Business Plan Guide

Good Luck!!!

Monday, December 10, 2007

JennScents Releases New Pet Book

Jennifer Hochell, owner of JennScents Aromatherapy Bar in Historic Downtown Clermont, Florida has released her third book entitled, JennScents® Aromatherapy Guide for Pets. Jennifer is an internationally recognized author, lecturer, holistic aromatherapist and herbalist. She travels around the country sharing her knowledge and aromatherapy experiences as well as offers a variety of Aromatherapy Certification Courses that are NAHA compliant.

JennScents® Aromatherapy Guide for Pets is a compilation of Jennifer’s resources, education and most famous recipes for pets, inspired and formulated to meet the specific needs of her many pet customers, including her own four-legged friends. The guide includes research, studies and specific formulations for a variety of pet concerns such as flea control, obedience, separation anxiety, submissive urination, fear, skin irritations, muscle and joint pain and much more. She shares basic information for dogs, cats, horses and llamas about pet nutrition, supplements, flower essences, homeopathy and more. This is Volume two in the JennScents®, Inc Publication Series. For more information, to purchase a book or contact Jennifer, please visit JennScents or call 352.243.9627.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Classes at Winter Garden Herb Shoppe

Will losing weight or getting healthy be part of your New Year's Resolutions?  If so, check out these great classes at the Herb Shoppe in Winter Garden.

Class size is limited and classes fill up quickly therefore payment is required when you pre-register. All classes located at the Downtown Herb Shoppe and Day Spa in Winter Garden unless otherwise noted.

“The ABC + D Approach to Natural Health”, January 12th, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Are you looking to take more of a natural approach to your health? Learn about your body and how a natural approach focuses on the root causes of health challenges. Herb, supplements and aromatherapy will be discussed. A lifestyle analysis booklet is included.

“A Lifestyle Approach to Natural Weight Loss”, January 19th, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Not into pre packaged foods and calorie counting? Learn how making holistic lifestyle choices and exploring other causes of weight gain can simplify this process. Can herbs and supplements help you achieve your goals? A weight loss booklet is included.

“Discover the Many Benefits of Cleansing and Detoxification”, January 26th, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Have you heard people talking about cleansing and detoxification? What is it all about? Is it right for you? We will discuss types, benefits to cleansing and how to get started. A cleansing booklet is included.

“Introduction to Aromatherapy”, February 2nd, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Did you know that the use of pure essential oils have been used for over 9,000 years? Learn more about the many uses of quality pure essential oils and how to use them to improve the health of your family. An Aromatherapy booklet is included.

“Simple Aromatherapy Blending”, February 9th, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. This course is designed to be a hands on compliment to “Introduction to Aromatherapy”. Have fun as you learn to blend pure essential oils and create your own signature blend to take home with you.

“Cleaning Green & $ave Green”, February 16th, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Get happy and enjoy cleaning with pure essential oils. Protect yourself and family by reducing the chemicals in your life and replacing with simple natural products to save you money along the way. A natural cleaning booklet is included.

“Raising Your Children Naturally”, February 23rd, 10:00-11:0am at the Downtown Herb Shoppe. Learn about herbal and aromatherapy products that can help your children stay healthy, focused and fight germs. A children’s booklet is included.

Herbal Sampler - Single class for $35.
Healthy Choices - Pick three of the following classes for $79.
Holistic Blend – Choose any or all seven classes for $150.

Don’t miss this great opportunity! Call 407-595-0082 to register or stop by the shop.

Sunday, November 4, 2007



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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Managing Stress

By: Lorie Howell

The high paced, fast lane lifestyles of today have individuals claiming the phrase “I’m so stressed out” as their mantra. Stress has become a leading cause of disease in developed countries with no end in sight. Everyone appears to be a victim of the ugly, sometimes debilitating condition of being under too much stress.

We are taught to believe that our bodies and minds are two separate entities and that one functions individually and separately from the other. This could not be farther from the truth. We are indeed one being, with our thoughts and feelings influencing our physical bodies and the health of our physical bodies influencing our mental health.

When a stressful event occurs the body sends out signals in the form of hormones and neurotransmitters. These chemicals are part of a defense mechanism that is installed in the body to ensure survival. The body prepares to physically defend itself. In modern society, however, the stressors that occur are not physically threatening, but are mentally challenging and the duration of the stress is much longer than what the body is designed to handle. This makes the chemical messengers more harmful than good and can lead to chronic diseased conditions.

Some examples of modern day physical stressors are poor diet and nutrition and environmental toxins. These physical stressors can and will affect your mood and mental health and lead to a decline in overall health.

The best way to combat stress is to find an outlet. One should find an interest that is relaxing to them and incorporate it into the busy lifestyle. It could only be for 30min or an hour. It should be practiced every day. Choose something that will fit into your life easily like performing some deep breathing techniques paired with visualization to enhance relaxation.

The hardest part about controlling stress levels is that most people have to change their minds. They are so convinced that they cannot find the time for themselves that they have turned themselves into a victim of themselves!!!

Make positive choices. There are many things in life that we have no control over. Taking control of your stress management is a choice that you can make. For some it requires a few minor changes. For others, there may be major life changes in order. Only you can decide if you are living the way you really would like. Take the time to really think about it.

Taking a little time for yourself everyday is not selfish. The loved ones around you will also benefit because you will be a happier individual. They may resist at first because it is a break in the normal routine, but if you are persistent others will notice the positive changes and will want to know what you are doing so they can do it too!!

Many people notice changes after taking the first small step. They realize that life does not have to be like a keg of dynamite ready to explode. As they experience more and more positive changes to their lifestyle they become happier and more balanced.

Is there stress in your workplace???? Could your group or organization benefit from an on-site stress management workshop?

Lorie Howell is a licensed massaged therapist that has been working at the Clermont Herb Shoppe and Day Spa since 2001. Lorie loves teaching easy techniques for stress management to individuals and groups. All information is provided for educational purposes only.

For more information about on site stress workshops please contact:
Lorie Howell
lhowell9849@earthlink.net
Cell 407-342-3906
Clermont Herb Shoppe 352-243-3588

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Deciphering Trudeau

Whether it's Mega Memory, Miracle Cures or Getting Out of Debt no one can deny that infomercial king Kevin Trudeau is the master of marketing today's hottest trends. So when customers enter one of the shops, clutching the latest Trudeau bestseller and touting the praises of good ole Kev, it is with mixed emotion that I enter our interaction. Yes, I am very grateful to Kevin Trudeau for being brave enough to go head to head with the powers that be and I agree with many of his opinions about health. I love the fact that because of his newsletters, books, infomercials and radio shows many otherwise skeptical customers would never make it inside of one of our shops.

Depending on what Mr. Trudeau is pushing at the moment, sometimes my gratitude quickly turns to skepticism and occassionally downright irritation and frustration. (Coral calcium for example- but that's a whole other blog). It's great that Kevin finally revealed the actual names of all of the so called miracle cures, but c'mon $135 box of tea for balancing blood sugar????? I hate to see people ripped off and our industry already has it's fair share of miracle touting companies- I expect more from someone claiming to be "for the people."

So I've asked my good friend and fellow herbalist Lee Butler to help shed some light on the Trudeau Approach. In the next few months Lee will take a subject or product from the Trudeau collection and give you the pro's, con's, and other options from an herbalists perspective. Then you can make your own decision!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Welcome to My Herb Shoppe

Welcome, and thanks for visiting. We are a group of four independently owned Herb Shoppes, 3 Aromatherapy Bars and an eclectic mix of other natural and conventional health professionals that have joined together to share the latest information in healthy llving trends. We all agree that our country is currently experiencing a health care crisis of enormous proportions and are all equally passionate about doing something about it. Stay tuned for some lively conversations, strong opinions and some seriously "Can Do" protocols that might even change your life!