Simply Vibes Apothecary, a black woman-owned herb store, has opened at 3550 North Davidson Street.
Owner Destiny Sanderson said the store offers a unique combination of holistic healing and spiritual products, describing her store as a place where people of all backgrounds and faiths can explore their spirituality without judgement.
Customers can find everything from health tinctures, jewelry, and make-your-own tea assortments to apparel, crystals, and more.
Definition of Spirituality
The dispensary aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can explore a range of spiritual practices and traditions that Sanderson said date back to his “ancestors.”
“Spirituality is something you decide. The way I practice or live my spirituality may not be the same as other people’s, but that doesn’t mean my way is better or that other people’s way is wrong,” Sanderson told QCity Metro.
Sanderson said her spirituality is influenced by her mother’s Cuban roots and her experiences growing up in the church, and stressed that while her work as a pharmacist is spiritually guided, she is not tied to any particular religion or belief system.
“I welcome everyone. Christian, non-Christian, everyone is welcome. I grew up in the church, I grew up in a spiritual environment, so I understand how people think. [hesitant] “They come to places like this to explore their spirituality, to try new herbal remedies, because they’ve been taught this place is demonic, but this is different. God is within me and throughout this place,” she said.
Inside the store
Pharmacy shelves are stocked with a wide variety of products, including teas, herbs, tinctures, crystals, and incense.
Sanderson said Simply Vibes Apothecary’s products are carefully sourced to ensure holistic character and spiritual significance.
“When I started my spiritual journey, I wanted to go to the store and buy things. [verify] where [the items] “I wanted to know the source and where the energy came from,” she told QCity Metro, “so I started making things myself. [are] It’s so important. … When you’re creating, even if you’re having a bad day, even if you have a bad attitude, you can’t have that, because that energy is going to be transmitted.”
Sanderson said the products can be used for “everything,” from health needs to household essentials to spiritual practices.
“Some herbs can be smoked, made into teas, or used in practices, but different herbs have different uses,” she says. “Spiritually, they can be used for anything from protection to love to abundance.”
Rosebuds are an herb that can be smoked or made into a tea. Smoking the herb is said to have “mental clarity” and anxiety-reducing effects, according to a sign in the shop. Drinking it as a tea is said to aid digestion and have feminine benefits.
In spiritual practices, rosebuds are often used to increase fertility and love.
The store also has a section on crystals, with explanations of their spiritual uses. A sign inside the store explains that a type of crystal called Green Aberturine is often used to bring abundance.
Prices range from $5 to $15 per crystal.
One unique feature of the Simply Vibes Aoethcary is the Business Spotlight section, which Snaderson said will feature a different local business each month, giving small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products in a retail environment.
Sanderson said he believes it’s important to support other entrepreneurs in the community and sees the Business Spotlight section as an opportunity to do so.
“I don’t just want to have a store, I really want to be part of the community,” she said.
She said they plan to host events and opportunities where people can learn about the products and their holistic use, not just from a health standpoint but also a spiritual one.
“You don’t just come here for spiritual practice. You can come for your health, for your home, or even just to look around.”
