Meet Patrice Buckley | Herbalist & Certified Pilates Instructor

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

Hi Patrice, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is essential, especially when you’re building something that’s never been done before. I actually moved to Houston because of a coin flip. I was living in Memphis, running my business on the side, and feeling completely unfulfilled in my job. I knew I wanted more, but I wasn’t in a place to fully rely on my business yet. So I flipped a coin: heads, I stay where I am; tails, I quit and figure it out. It landed on tails… and the state on the back was Texas. That was the moment I decided I was moving to Houston.

I had never been there, didn’t know anyone, and this was in the middle of the pandemic, but four months later, I packed up and went. No plan B, just belief in myself and what I was building. I’m all about risks, big risk, big reward. I’m not afraid to bet on myself, because if I don’t, who will?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been a wellness enthusiast, even before I realized it could be a career. What started as a personal journey slowly turned into a mission to help others feel empowered in their own healing. Today, I wear many hats: I’m a certified herbalist and Pilates instructor. I’m the co-founder and owner of ALGN, a social wellness club that curates experiences blending movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection, and I’m also the founder of Roots Herbal Academy, a digital platform that makes holistic living practical, accessible, and grounded.

My path hasn’t been easy. I struggled with anxiety and depression starting at age 14 and was prescribed medication that left me feeling both isolated and ashamed. Back then, mental health wasn’t something people openly talked about. At 20, I hit another low point that became a turning point, I was in college, feeling disconnected, and I knew something had to change. That’s when I discovered the gut-brain connection, switched my major, and started diving deep into holistic healing. I changed how I ate, how I moved, how I thought, and slowly but surely I began to heal. Herbs played a huge role in my journey, but so did movement, rest, and mindset. It’s all connected, and that’s the message I share through my work.

Roots started as an apothecary, but I realized what I really loved was teaching. I wanted to demystify herbalism and show people that it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. I created Roots Herbal Academy to educate and empower others, especially women, to take control of their health in a way that feels aligned, not overwhelming.

On the movement side, I’m not a “gym girl.” I fell in love with Pilates because of how it made me feel in my body, strong, centered, and calm. Becoming an instructor allowed me to bring that experience to others. And trust me, my journey in the Pilates industry hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve been in spaces where I didn’t feel seen, and I know I’m not alone in that. That’s why I’m also deeply committed to diversifying the wellness space. I want more people, especially Black women, to know that this lifestyle is for us too. That healing is ours to claim, and wellness should be approachable, not exclusive.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach wellness, I live it. I share my real lifestyle, the highs and the lows, because I believe in transparency. Herbs aren’t magic. Pilates won’t fix everything. But when we combine movement, mindset, and daily rituals with intention? That’s where the power is.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and the lives I’ve helped shift. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my story, it’s this: healing is not linear, but it is possible. You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to be willing to start.

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.
It’s so funny because the last time my best friend came to visit, she joked that I had her in bootcamp, and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. When people visit me, I just bring them into my world and the things I already love doing.

I’m big on movement, so we’re definitely going to try different Pilates classes. A reformer class at Method with Sher is a must, and we also have to go to Studio Be for a mat class with Nautika, her energy is so warm and grounding.

Since I’m a nature girl, we’re also spending time a lot of time outdoors. One of my favorite spots is River Grove Park out in Kingwood. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and there’s a lake I love just sitting by to unwind. I’m also a dog mom, so we’d go to Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park and let my baby boy Arlo run around while we catch up.

Wild is my go-to coffee shop, it has some of the best matcha in Houston, and we’d probably go to Leemo too, especially if we want a cute little reset moment. For lunch, Hando is one of my staples. And if it’s a Tuesday, we’re going to 5 Central for salsa and bachata lessons because it’s so much fun and a great way to meet new people.

Honestly, when my friends visit, I just take them along for the ride. We get dressed up, try new spots, explore different parks, sip matcha, and do all the wellness things, but make it cute. That’s my version of a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who’ve played a role in my journey, but if I had to give a special shoutout, it would be to my dad. He may not always fully understand what it is I’m trying to build or why I’ve chosen such an unconventional path—but his support has never wavered. No matter what I’m chasing, I know I can count on him. Whether it’s financial support, a few words of encouragement, or simply his calming presence, he’s been there for me from the very beginning. His belief in me, especially in moments when I was still learning to believe in myself, means everything. I’m endlessly grateful to have that kind of foundation behind me.

Website: https://www.rootsholisticapothecary.com

Instagram: trueliving.p | RootsHerbalAcademy | AlignMvmnt

Other: TIktok: trueliving.p

Image Credits
Vivid Vsn Studios