Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Lewis.
Hi Shauna , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What inspired you to launch Slew Herbal Essentials?
Slew Herbal Essentials was born from a passion for natural wellness and a desire to help people reconnect with the healing power of herbs. After spending years studying herbalism and learning how plants can support the body, mind, and spirit, I realized there was a need for affordable, high-quality herbal products that were made with intention, education, and community in mind. I wanted to create a brand that not only provided herbal products but also empowered people to take an active role in their wellness journey.
Was there a personal health or life experience that led you into herbal wellness?
Yes. My love and passion for herbs began during my own personal health journey. I was experiencing health issues and found myself searching for answers. While I sought help through conventional medicine, I often felt like I was being prescribed medications that managed or masked my symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of my concerns. In some cases, the medications created additional side effects that led to new challenges.
That experience motivated me to learn more about holistic wellness and natural approaches to health. I began studying herbs, nutrition, and traditional healing practices to better understand how the body works and how natural remedies could support overall wellness. What started as a personal search for answers became a lifelong passion. More than 11 years later, that passion continues to drive my work as an herbalist and the mission of Slew Herbal Essentials.
What does the name “Slew Herbal Essentials” represent?
The name “Slew” carries a special meaning and represents both family and legacy. While it is derived from my name, Shauna Lewis, it is also a tribute and dedication to my late father, Kevin Lewis, who went by KLew.
My father was a source of inspiration, strength, and encouragement throughout my life. Naming the company Slew Herbal Essentials allows me to honor his memory every day while carrying forward the values he instilled in me: hard work, perseverance, compassion, and service to others.
Slew Herbal Essentials is more than a business—it is a reflection of family, purpose, wellness, and legacy. Every product created under the Slew name represents my commitment to helping others while honoring the man who helped shape who I am today.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting the company?
One of the biggest challenges was building the business from the ground up while wearing every hat myself. As a small business owner, I am responsible for researching herbs, formulating products, sourcing ingredients, packaging, marketing, website management, customer education, and participating in community events. Balancing all of these responsibilities while continuing to grow the business required dedication, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning.
Another challenge was educating consumers about herbal wellness and helping people understand that herbs can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle when used responsibly. Building trust within the community took time, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
How has entrepreneurship changed your life?
Entrepreneurship has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. It has taught me resilience, patience, discipline, and confidence in my vision. It has allowed me to turn a personal health struggle into a purpose-driven business dedicated to helping others on their wellness journeys.
Through Slew Herbal Essentials, I have had the opportunity to educate communities, connect with people seeking natural wellness solutions, and create products that reflect my passion for herbalism. Most importantly, entrepreneurship has given me the ability to build a lasting legacy rooted in service, wellness, and empowerment while honoring the memory of my father, Kevin Lewis (KLew).
About Slew Herbal Essentials
Slew Herbal Essentials LLC is a Black-owned herbal wellness company founded by Shauna Lewis. Inspired by her own personal health journey and a passion for natural healing, Shauna has spent more than 11 years studying herbalism, holistic wellness, and traditional plant medicine.
The company specializes in handcrafted herbal teas, tinctures, glycerites, wellness products, and educational resources designed to support everyday wellness. Founded on the principles of education, empowerment, and natural wellness, Slew Herbal Essentials encourages individuals to take an active role in their health while reconnecting with the healing power of nature.
The company’s name serves as a lasting tribute to Shauna’s late father, Kevin Lewis (KLew), ensuring that his legacy of strength, determination, and community impact lives on through every product and every customer served.
Herbal Wellness & Education
Why do you believe people are returning to herbal and natural wellness solutions?
I believe more people are returning to herbal and natural wellness solutions because they are looking for a more holistic approach to their health and are becoming increasingly interested in taking an active role in their own wellness.
Many people are also becoming frustrated with the healthcare system. They often feel rushed through appointments, struggle to find answers to ongoing health concerns, or feel that their symptoms are being managed rather than the underlying causes being explored. As a result, many individuals are seeking additional ways to support their health and are turning to herbs, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and other natural wellness practices.
For me personally, my journey began because I was dealing with my own health challenges. I often felt like I was being given prescriptions that addressed symptoms temporarily but did not provide a long-term solution. In some cases, the medications created additional side effects that led to new issues. That experience encouraged me to explore herbal wellness, nutrition, and natural healing practices.
Today, I see many people following a similar path. They want to better understand their bodies, become more informed about their health choices, and explore natural wellness options that can support their overall well-being. While herbs are not a replacement for medical care, they can be a valuable part of a comprehensive wellness approach when used responsibly and appropriately.
I believe the growing interest in herbal wellness reflects a larger movement toward education, self-empowerment, prevention, and a desire for more personalized approaches to health and wellness.
What misconceptions do people have about herbs and holistic wellness?
There are several misconceptions about herbs and holistic wellness that I encounter regularly.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that herbalism or holistic wellness is some type of witchcraft or mystical practice. In reality, herbalism is the traditional use of plants to support wellness and has been practiced by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Many of the herbs we use today have deep historical roots in traditional healing systems and are often used alongside healthy lifestyle practices.
Another common misconception is that because herbs are natural, they cannot cause side effects or be harmful. This is simply not true. Herbs are powerful and can have physiological effects on the body. Certain herbs may interact with medications, may not be appropriate for specific health conditions, and can cause unwanted effects if used improperly or in excessive amounts.
I always remind people that natural does not automatically mean harmless. Just like conventional medications, herbs should be respected, researched, and used responsibly.
Many people also believe herbs work instantly like pharmaceutical medications. While some herbs can provide relatively quick support, many work best when used consistently as part of a broader wellness routine. Herbal wellness is often about supporting balance, nourishment, and long-term health rather than offering a quick fix.
How do you balance traditional herbal knowledge with modern lifestyles?
I respect and value traditional herbal knowledge because it has been passed down through generations and across cultures for centuries. At the same time, I recognize that people live busy, modern lives and need practical wellness solutions.
At Slew Herbal Essentials, I strive to make herbal wellness accessible by offering products such as teas, tinctures, glycerites, capsules, oils, and wellness blends that fit into everyday routines. My goal is to preserve traditional herbal wisdom while creating products that are convenient and easy to incorporate into modern lifestyles.
I also believe in continuous learning and staying informed about current research, safety considerations, and best practices within the herbal wellness community.
What advice would you give someone beginning their natural wellness journey?
Start simple and be patient with yourself.
Many people feel overwhelmed because there is so much information available. Instead of trying everything at once, focus on one wellness goal at a time. Learn about the herbs you are using, pay attention to how your body responds, and be consistent.
I also encourage people to educate themselves, ask questions, and work with qualified healthcare professionals when needed. Wellness is not about finding a quick fix—it’s about creating sustainable habits that support your health over time.
Most importantly, listen to your body. Everyone’s wellness journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work the same way for another.
What role does education play in your brand’s mission?
Education is at the heart of everything I do.
My mission is not simply to sell products—it’s to empower people with knowledge. I want customers to understand what herbs they are using, why they are using them, and how they can support their overall wellness goals.
Through product information, workshops, community events, social media content, educational flyers, and one-on-one conversations, I strive to help people make informed decisions about their health. I believe education helps break down misconceptions, encourages responsible herbal use, and gives people confidence in making choices that support their wellness journey.
At Slew Herbal Essentials, we are committed to helping people understand that herbs are powerful tools that deserve both respect and knowledge. When individuals understand the role herbs can play in supporting wellness, they become active participants in their own health and well-being.
Products & Innovation
How do you decide which products to create?
Many of the products I create are inspired by real conversations and experiences with my customers. I listen closely to the concerns people bring to me, whether they are looking for support with stress, digestion, immunity, sleep, women’s wellness, men’s wellness, or overall health.
I also draw from my own experiences and years of studying herbalism. Before creating a product, I research traditional herbal uses, ingredient compatibility, safety considerations, and how the formula can fit into a person’s everyday wellness routine.
The way my mind works, I come up with new product ideas daily. I’m constantly thinking about herbs, wellness, and how I can create products that meet the needs of my customers. Whether it’s a new tea blend, tincture, wellness powder, capsule, protocol, wellness juice, or educational resource, I’m always exploring new ways to help people incorporate herbs into their everyday lives.
My goal is to create products that serve a purpose, educate consumers, and provide practical herbal wellness solutions that people can easily incorporate into their lives.
Which product has had the most impact on your customers?
It’s difficult to choose just one because different products have impacted people in different ways. Some of the products that consistently receive positive feedback are my bitters, wellness juices and shots, herbal tea blends, tinctures, and wellness protocols.
Many customers appreciate products that support digestion, energy, immune health, stress management, and overall wellness. What means the most to me is hearing customers share their experiences and tell me how incorporating herbs into their wellness routine has helped them feel more empowered and intentional about their health.
For me, the greatest impact isn’t necessarily one product—it’s helping people discover that wellness can be supported through education, lifestyle changes, and natural tools.
What makes Slew Herbal Essentials unique?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that Slew Herbal Essentials is different from other herbal brands. There are many amazing herbal businesses doing great work. What makes Slew Herbal Essentials unique is our approach.
Education is a major part of everything I do. I don’t just want customers to purchase a product—I want them to understand what they’re taking, why they’re taking it, and how it supports their wellness goals.
I also enjoy teaching people that many herbs are already in their own kitchens and seasoning cabinets. Herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and turmeric are often viewed simply as cooking ingredients, but they have long histories of traditional wellness uses. Helping people see herbs differently is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
Beyond creating products, I focus on empowering people with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health and wellness. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we can provide.
How do you source and select ingredients?
Quality is one of my top priorities.
I only source my herbs and ingredients from companies that utilize third-party testing. This helps ensure quality, identity, purity, and consistency in the ingredients I use throughout my product line. I believe my customers deserve products made from ingredients that meet high standards and are sourced responsibly.
In addition to sourcing from trusted suppliers, I have also begun growing some of my own herbs and ingredients. Being able to grow certain plants myself gives me an even deeper connection to the herbs and allows me to be more involved in the process from seed to finished product.
When selecting ingredients, I consider traditional herbal use, quality, freshness, safety, and how each ingredient works within a formula. Every ingredient is chosen intentionally and with the customer’s wellness goals in mind.
What new products or collections are you most excited about?
One of the things I enjoy most is continuing to innovate and expand the ways people can incorporate herbs into their daily lives.
I am especially excited about growing our wellness protocol collections, functional herbal powders, wellness capsules, herbal tinctures and glycerites, wellness shots and juices, and targeted herbal wellness systems designed to support specific wellness goals.
One of the projects I am most excited about is expanding Slew Herbal Essentials with a mobile tea and wellness juice bar. This will allow me to bring fresh herbal teas, wellness juices, wellness shots, herbal education, and interactive wellness experiences directly into communities, events, festivals, and pop-up markets.
The mobile tea and wellness juice bar represents everything I love about herbal wellness—education, accessibility, community engagement, and helping people experience herbs in a practical and enjoyable way.
As Slew Herbal Essentials continues to grow, my focus remains on creating intentional wellness products, educating consumers, and helping people discover that herbs can be a valuable part of everyday life.
Community & Impact
What impact do you hope Slew Herbal Essentials has on the community?
I hope Slew Herbal Essentials becomes a trusted resource for education, empowerment, and wellness within the community. My goal is to help people reconnect with herbs, learn more about their bodies, and understand that wellness starts with the choices we make every day.
I want to make herbal wellness more accessible and less intimidating. Whether someone is completely new to herbs or has been using them for years, I want them to feel welcomed, supported, and informed.
I also hope to inspire people to become more self-sufficient by teaching them about herbs, growing their own food and medicinal plants, reading ingredient labels, and making informed decisions about their health. If I can help someone feel empowered to take a more active role in their wellness journey, then I feel like I’m making a positive impact.
How do you define wellness beyond physical health?
To me, wellness is much more than physical health. True wellness involves the mind, body, and spirit working together in balance.
You can eat healthy foods and take herbs every day, but if you’re mentally exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, spiritually disconnected, or constantly stressed, your overall wellness can still suffer.
Wellness includes how we think, how we manage stress, how we care for ourselves, our relationships, our environment, the foods we eat, the amount of rest we get, and how we show up for ourselves each day.
I believe wellness is a lifelong journey of creating balance, not perfection.
What does success look like for your brand five years from now?
Five years from now, I see Slew Herbal Essentials as a recognized and respected wellness brand that continues to educate, inspire, and serve communities.
I envision expanding our product offerings, growing our educational programs, and increasing our presence at community events and wellness initiatives. I would love to see our products available in more retail locations while continuing to maintain the quality and personal touch that built the brand.
I am also excited about the future of our mobile tea and wellness juice bar and hope to see it become a staple at festivals, markets, wellness events, and community gatherings.
Most importantly, success means creating a sustainable business that allows me to continue helping people, creating opportunities for others, and expanding access to herbal wellness education.
How do you want customers to feel after using your products?
I want customers to feel empowered, informed, and supported.
I want them to know they are making intentional choices for their wellness and that they have options when it comes to supporting their health. Whether they purchase a tea, tincture, wellness juice, herbal oil, or wellness protocol, I want them to feel confident in what they are using and understand why they are using it.
Beyond the products themselves, I hope customers feel seen, heard, and valued. I want them to know they are part of a community that prioritizes education, wellness, and personal growth.
What legacy do you hope to build through Slew Herbal Essentials?
The legacy I hope to build goes far beyond selling herbal products.
I want Slew Herbal Essentials to be remembered as a company that educated people, empowered communities, and helped reconnect individuals with the knowledge that many of our ancestors once relied on. I want to preserve and share herbal knowledge in a way that is practical, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building Slew Herbal Essentials has been a journey of persistence, creativity, and faith. For starters, I create all of my products myself without a team or manufacturing department. In the beginning, I wasted a significant amount of product while trying to determine which items would become customer favorites and best-sellers.
Starting a company without funding, proper technology, or the resources needed to operate efficiently was challenging. I quickly learned that finding the right mentors and educational resources was just as essential as having capital.
One of the biggest challenges was building the business from the ground up while wearing every hat myself. As a small business owner, I am responsible for researching herbs, formulating products, sourcing ingredients, packaging, marketing, website management, customer education, and participating in community events. Balancing all of these responsibilities while continuing to grow the business required dedication, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning.
Another challenge was educating consumers about herbal wellness and helping people understand that herbs can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle when used responsibly. Building trust within the community took time, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Nevertheless, despite the struggles that came with the beginning stages of the business, it has been a beautiful experience. We are continuing to grow, gain new clients each day, and build a brand that reflects our passion for natural wellness and quality products.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Slew Herbal Essentials ?
Slew Herbal Essentials was born from a passion for natural wellness and a desire to help people reconnect with the healing power of herbs. After spending years studying herbalism and learning how plants can support the body, mind, and spirit, I realized there was a need for affordable, high-quality herbal products that were made with intention, education, and community in mind. I wanted to create a brand that not only provided herbal products but also empowered people to take an active role in their wellness journey.
I was experiencing health issues and found myself searching for answers. While I sought help through conventional medicine, I often felt like I was being prescribed medications that managed or masked my symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of my concerns. In some cases, the medications created additional side effects that led to new challenges.
That experience motivated me to learn more about holistic wellness and natural approaches to health. I began studying herbs, nutrition, and traditional healing practices to better understand how the body works and how natural remedies could support overall wellness. What started as a personal search for answers became a lifelong passion. More than 11 years later, that passion continues to drive my work as an herbalist and the mission of Slew Herbal Essentials.
The name “Slew” carries a special meaning and represents both family and legacy. While it is derived from my name, Shauna Lewis, it is also a tribute and dedication to my late father, Kevin Lewis, who went by KLew.
My father was a source of inspiration, strength, and encouragement throughout my life. Naming the company Slew Herbal Essentials allows me to honor his memory every day while carrying forward the values he instilled in me: hard work, perseverance, compassion, and service to others.
Slew Herbal Essentials is more than a business—it is a reflection of family, purpose, wellness, and legacy. Every product created under the Slew name represents my commitment to helping others while honoring the man who helped shape who I am today.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always begin with someone formally taking you under their wing. Sometimes your mentors are the people you consistently learn from—through books, workshops, conversations, or simply observing how they lead. Be willing to ask questions, stay curious, and never stop learning.
Networking has worked best for me when I focus on building genuine relationships instead of trying to make a sale or gain something in return. I show up to community events, educate others, serve where I can, and let people get to know who I am before what I do. Those authentic connections have opened doors I never could have planned for. My advice is to lead with service, be consistent, and don’t be afraid to reach out. The right relationships are built on trust, shared values, and a willingness to grow together.
Pricing:
- Products are available at a variety of price points to make herbal wellness accessible for individuals and families.
- Product offerings include handcrafted herbal teas, tinctures, glycerites, wellness juices and shots, bitters, capsules, herbal oils, and wellness protocols.
- Educational workshops, community wellness events, and one-on-one herbal wellness consultations are also available.
- Customized wellness recommendations and protocols are designed to meet individual wellness goals.
- For current product pricing, event schedules, and new releases, visit Slew Herbal Essentials’ website or social media pages, where offerings are updated regularly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slewherbalessentials.com
- Instagram: slewherbalessentials
- Facebook: Slew Herbal Essentials
- Youtube: Slew Herbal Essentials
- Other: slewherbalessentials
