The Fundraiser Who Found Healing: Why I Became a Folk Herbalist and Opened an Apothecary
The Fundraiser Who Found Healing: Why I Became a Folk Herbalist and Opened an Apothecary
How a career in fundraising, a diagnosis of anxiety and depression, and a lifelong love of folk medicine led me to create restorative wellness experiences for nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, educators, and mission-driven leaders.
You may know me as Kia Croom—a global fundraiser who has helped raise more than $1 billion for nonprofits and civil society organizations around the world.
But that's NOT what this article is about.
What many people don't know is that I'm also a world-traveling folk herbalist.
I travel to countries beyond my wildest dreams to spend time with Indigenous communities, learning about their native plants and ethnobotany—the ways plants are used medicinally, spiritually, and ceremonially.
I love the lore of the folk. Plant lore. Folklore.
Truth be told, I've loved folk medicine for as long as I can remember.
Ever since I was a little girl with bright eyes, pigtails, and barrettes, fascinated by folk medicine.
From my elementary school days, I remember Mama rubbing Vicks salve on my little chest whenever I was sick.
Then came my college years, when I'd watch Daddy make homemade cough syrup with onions, garlic, and honey.
And if I was really under the weather, he'd add a little hot toddy.
I've loved folk medicine my whole life.
About eight years ago, life got real when I was clinically diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
I looked at my fundraising career and just how maniacal the work is.
The constant tightrope of managing deadlines, personalities, and, for some of us, the biases projected onto us while trying to do meaningful work.
I realized I was not well.
So I sought care and went to therapy. But decided I wasn't going to address my healing only clinically. I was going to do it both clinically and holistically.
That's when I picked back up what I'd loved all along. Herbs. Plants. The wisdom of the folk.
Not because I wanted another business. Because I needed another way to care for myself.
That journey became Itutu Apothecary & Tea Room—a mobile apothecary where I create herbal remedies to help people do life.
People whose hearts have been broken.
People who have experienced rejection.
People who have suffered profound loss.
People who are quietly hurting.
People who have been knocked down...
...yet still find the audacity to get back up and the courage to keep going.
People like me.
Through Itutu Apothecary & Tea Room, I facilitate restorative tea blending experiences for nonprofit professionals, fundraisers, philanthropy leaders, educators, corporations, conferences, and community organizations, teaching herbalism in an approachable, hands-on way.
Because the people who spend their lives caring for others deserve spaces where they can care for themselves.
Authors Note: Kia Croom. Fundraiser & Folk herbalist
For companies, nonprofits, foundations, schools, and organizations looking to invest in the well-being of their people, DM Kia Croom to learn more about booking a Tea Blend & Sip™ experience for your team, conference, retreat, or special event.
Learn more at www.itutuapothecary.com
