Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Kearney.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first discovered herbal medicine when I was 25 years old and suffering with panic and anxiety attacks. I saw a doctor and knew that I did not want to take medications. So, I decided to learn everything that I could about herbal medicine to find the plants that could help me calm my body and mind and help me heal.
And, I did just that!
It wasn’t until I lost my beautiful mother to cancer when I was 30 years old that I decided to take my herbal medicine studies seriously. I vowed that I would never again learn in a crisis and enrolled in a 3-year clinical herbalism program at the ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism in NYC. I graduated, changed my career and have never looked back.
I had a long-time dream to create a place where people could come to learn about plant medicine and find ways to incorporate them into their lives. Where they could discover the roots, flowers, leaves and barks that could support their health and help them live in deep connection with nature.
After years of working as a Clinical Herbalist in rented offices, my partner Dimitra Christiani and I opened Herbs & Owls in September 2020 in Jupiter, FL. In addition to my Herbal Practice, we offer a full Herb Shop and monthly Herbal and Shamanism classes.
I am passionate about sharing the ancient healing wisdom of plants with everyone who walks through our door. Whether I am in private consults with clients or meeting an herb shop customer for the first time, my goal is to connect people with the plants that can assist them in their physical, mental, energetic and emotional health.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I tell people we opened in September 2020, the first words they often say is “you opened in a pandemic!”
Yes, and I am so glad we did.
As we, and the world, take a much closer look at how we live our lives and how we manage our individual health, as well as the health of our community and planet, it’s important to recognize our deep connection with nature, and more specifically, the plants.
Herbs & Owls is helping our community not only discover the medicinal properties of plants and how crucial they are in supporting our wellness, but helping people take charge of their own health and make changes that support them for years to come. We are grateful to be able to bring this awareness and offering to our community.
One more thing… I moved here from New York four years ago and one BIG surprise was how different the plants are in south Florida versus the Northeast – botanically, it’s like moving to a foreign county and not knowing the language or customs! This is inspiring and I’m happy to be getting to know the native plants and understanding them better.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Herbs & Owls?
Herbs & Owls is located at 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103 in Jupiter, FL in the Alhambra Plaza.
We have three offerings:
First, Herbal Consults are offered in-person or online with me, Gina Kearney. As a Clinical Herbalist & Flower Essence Practitioner, my role is to understand you as an individual, and recommend herbs, flower essences, foods and practices that fit your best. All new clients begin with a 90-minute consult.
Second, our beautiful Herb Shop uniquely offers 150+ herbs, flowers, roots, barks and fungi. Customer can shop dried herbs as well as herbal tinctures and extracts, herbal oils, healing crystals, jewelry, mushrooms, blended teas, and more. Come in and shop locally in Jupiter or order online. We offer in-store pick up and ship anywhere in the USA.
Third, Herbal & Shamanism Classes are offered monthly to share the traditional uses and benefits of the plants, herbal medicine making techniques, as well as nature-based practices that foster self-discovery, healing and growth. See our website for the upcoming schedule.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Throughout the years, I have had the honor of learning from many herbalists and mentors. Most notably are Claudia Keel and Richard Mandelbaum, who founded the ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism from which I graduated. They gave me an outstanding foundation from which I have built my herbal practice, but even more so they initiated me into a world of plant connection that has truly changed my life.
I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for having studied and practiced the ancient shamanic wisdom teachings of Q’ero Inca Shamanism with Joan Poelvoorde, a mentor and friend. She is a beautiful soul who walks this earth in grace.
Contact Info:
- Email: gina@herbsandowls.com
- Website: https://herbsandowls.com/
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/herbsandowls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herbsandowls/
- Address: 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter, FL 33477
- Phone: 561-768-9005
