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

Hi Patrice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My ultimate goal is to help others discover true health and happiness through holistic and intentional living.

My mental health journey is what motivated me to start Roots. For seven years I allowed anxiety to control every aspect of my life. I hit a very low point and I knew it was time for a change. Gradually I became more intentional on what I was feeding my mind, body, and soul and adopted a holistic lifestyle. This helped me find me again.

My desire is to bring love and light into the lives of my customers and naturally enhance the mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s a gemstone bracelet or an aromatherapy candle all products are handmade in small batches with love and contain the healing properties of Mother Nature.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Roots is a modern apothecary that focuses on holistic + intentional living. My mental health journey was the motivation for starting my brand. Adopting a holistic and intentional lifestyle drastically changed my life and I share my story through my products. All items are handmade with love and naturally enhance the mind, body, or spirit.

The environment is one of my top priorities and I’m extremely excited and proud that I was able to build to sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly brand. I’m also excited to announce that Roots is partnered with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every item sold.

Getting to this point was not easy. In the beginning it felt like the obstacles were just getting bigger and bigger, but I learned to surrender to the process. I became thankful for the challenges that arose because I was able to overcome them and learn something new. I switched from the thought process “Why is this happening to me” to “What is this trying to teach me”. However, the switch in thought process was NOT easy and I am still a work in progress.

As cliche as it sounds, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never give up.

I want everyone to know that Roots is more than products, it’s a lifestyle.

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.
I’ve only lived in Houston for about a year now, I’m originally from TN.

I’m vegan so we would go to my favorite vegan spots: Green Seed Vegan in 3rd ward for their tacos and True Food Kitchen for their vegan burger!

I enjoy being outside so we would go to Axel Rad on jazz night, ride bikes downtown, and go to pleasure pier.

On Thursday we would go to the museums. My favorite on is the Natural Science museum.

Pop-up shops are fun! I enjoy the smaller ones better and plant markets are my favorite! There is so much to do in and around Houston. My most favorite thing I’ve done so far is wakeboarding.

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 still in awe at the amount of support I have received. It amazes me. I want to give a special shoutout to my inner circle! I am extremely grateful for them. They have been with me through every phase!

Other things that have helped along the way are journaling, meditating, yoga, reading, podcasts, and plants!! If I have to pick the most helpful podcast and book from 2021 it would be Redefining Wealth with Patrice Washing and Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro.

Over the course of the past year caring for plants has become very therapeutic for me. I currently have 32 plants babies!

Website: www.rootsofficialsite.com

Instagram: @RootsApothecary.HTX

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjDW7jnY2DH_KDHmE6uCu8Q

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