Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s issue of Epiphany, which focuses on the crucial topic of mental health and wellness. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it becomes even more important to prioritize our mental and physical wellbeing. After enduring a long, wet, and rainy winter, it’s essential to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to thrive in the upcoming months.
In this months issue, we have curated insightful articles on self-care events, yoga, breath work, herbal teas, and plants, all of which shown to enhance our overall wellbeing.
So, sit back, relax, and allow us to take you on a journey of rejuvenation and inspiration in the realm of health and wellness.
Box breathing is a powerful relaxation technique that has been used for centuries to calm the mind and reduce stress. It involves deep, slow breathing in a specific pattern, which helps to regulate the body’s natural response to stress and anxiety.
The technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding the breath for a count of four before inhaling again. This creates a square pattern, hence the name “box breathing.”
To practice the box breathing technique find a comfortable seated position and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, counting to four as you inhale. Hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to four as you exhale. Finally, hold your breath for a count of four before inhaling again.
your body. If your mind begins to wander, simply bring your attention back to your breath and the counting.
As you practice box breathing, you may notice a sense of calm and relaxation wash over you. This is because the technique stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This helps to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Box breathing can help to lower blood pressure, improve focus and concentration, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and even improve athletic performance.
Repeat this process for several minutes, focusing on your breath and the sensations in
Overall, box breathing is a simple and effective technique that can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall health and well-being. Give it a try the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and see what a difference it can make in your life.
This is Veronica Bolds, also known as the Yogi Homie. Veronica is a certified yoga instructor and Sacramento native that has dedicated her life’s mission to practicing and instructing yoga. Veronica’s journey began as a hobby, but soon became a passion that has helped her with self-awareness and healing. Her mission is to create a safe space for people of color to heal in unity. As the Yogi Homie herself mentions “Putting the UNITY back into the commUNITY.”
Veronica’s very first yoga session was intense and challenging. As Veronica recalls “My first experience was bikram yoga and was 26 poses twice through in 103 degree room set at 60% humidity. It was challenging yet addicting.” Despite the difficulty, Veronica saw immediate benefits such as clearer
skin and weight loss. It was after about three years of practicing that she realized yoga was her true passion. Veronica has been a certified yoga instructor since September, 2022 and has been teaching for two years, she received her certification from Core Power Yoga. For the Yogi Homie yoga is spiritual, mental, and emotional.
Through her passion in yoga Veronica has created the perfect space to release and better herself and others seeking to do the same thing. As for those who are on the fence about yoga, Veronica’s advice is to simply try it. Although it may be challenging at first, the reward of self-awareness, resilience, and strength is astounding.
For anyone seeking to join a commUNITY with vibes that flow, Veronica is offering multiple events monthly. You can find updates on her Instagram @YogiHomie.Yoga or Linktr.ee/yogihomie.
Finally, Veronica’s mantra for 2023 is an abundance mindset. She believes that everything she needs is already within her, and anything that is meant for her won’t miss her.
Radiating with peace and gratitude, the Yogi Homie smiles on the inside and out.
Hey Veronica, I appreciate you for taking the time for this interview. Let’s dive right in. Tell me about yourself and your journey up until now?
My name is Veronica Bolds aka the Yogi Homie I am a certified yoga instructor, and Sacramento Native. My introduction to yoga happened 10+ years ago, which started out as a hobby for me, and I fell in love with it. Yoga was/is extremely therapeutic for me, it has assisted me with my self awareness and healing. My intent has been to give back to my black and brown communities by creating a safe space to heal in unity.
What was your first experience like after trying yoga?
My first experience was bikram yoga and was 26 poses twice through in 103 degree room set at 60% humidity. It was challenging yet addicting. That intense session literally cleared my skin of acne, kicked started my weight loss, and then is when my inward journey to a healthier life style began.
Was it after that first experience that you knew yoga would become your passion/profession?
No. It took about 3 years for me to realize yoga was truly a passion of mine.
How long have you been a yoga instructor? Where did you get your educational certificates from?
I have been teaching yoga for two years and have been a certified yoga instructor since September 2022. I received my certification from Core Power Yoga.
Other than yoga what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones. Being outdoors whether at a local farmers market, reggae in the park concert or exercising event brings me joy. I thoroughly enjoy meeting new souls. I love learning, and consider myself a student of life.
What’s something about yoga that you want your students to know?
That yoga is not just an exercise, exercise is one limb of the yoga philosophy. The word Yoga means to connect, unite, or bring together. The things we learn on the mat we can take out into the world and utilize in our daily lives. Yoga teaches us how to respond instead of react.
What’s your favorite style of yoga and Why?
Bikram is my favorite because you always know what to expect, it’s always the same. With practice you become More aware of what your body is trying to convey to you and what its needs are.
What does yoga do for you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally?
Yoga helps me create space to release. I don’t go to therapy, I go to my mat, and find the space I need to better myself. Yoga allows me to get out of my own mind, relax and breathe.
What advice do you have for the person that’s currently on the fence about yoga?
Don't think just do it. It will be challenging, but the reward of self awareness, resilience, and strength, is astounding.
What upcoming events are you hosting?
I stay flowin’!… I am blessed and busy. You can visit my Instagram @YogiHomie.Yoga or Linktr.ee/ yogihomie for events and updates. Come flow with me!
What is your mantra for 2023?
Abundance mindset. Everything I need I already have, and anything that is meant for me won’t miss me.
Lastly, before we wrap it up is there anything else you would like to add?
A burden isn’t placed on any soul that he cannot bear. I offer my services to black and brown communities, and under resourced individuals by way of hosting weekly donation based wellness classes. Everyone can support by attending a class or with monetary donations via: Apple Pay/Zelle: 916-995-6372
PayPal: @verobee123 Venmo: @ Chronicv3ronic Cashapp: $Chronicv3ronic
Mindfulness meditation is a popular form of meditation that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. This type of meditation is meant to help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions without judgment. By doing this, you can learn to manage your thoughts and emotions better, reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.
Transcendental meditation is a type of meditation that involves the use of a mantra or a sound to help you achieve a deep state of relaxation. This type of meditation is meant to help you transcend or go beyond your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to experience a sense of inner peace and calm. TM has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.
Yoga nidra is a form of guided meditation that induces deep relaxation and emotional balance. It is also known as yogic sleep, a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping. Practitioners lie down on their back in Savasana pose and listen to the voice of the instructor, who guides them through a series of visualizations and body scans to help them reach a state of deep relaxation.
Tea is a popular beverage consumed all around the world. However, for ancient cultures, it was more than just a drink. It was a medicine that was used for various ailments and diseases. The Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cultures are some of the ancient cultures that have been using tea as medicine for centuries.
In Chinese culture, tea was believed to have healing properties that could help with digestion, prevent heart diseases, and reduce anxiety. The Chinese would also use tea to treat headaches, colds, and other common ailments. They believed that tea could balance the yin and yang energies in the body, promoting overall well-being.
Also, tea was also a symbol of status and wealth in many ancient cultures. In China, tea ceremonies were an important part of social gatherings, and tea was often given as a gift to show respect and appreciation.
In Indian culture, tea was used as a part of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit.
In Ayurveda, tea was used to treat a range of health issues, including digestive problems, inflammation, and stress. Different types of tea were used based on the ailment being treated.
In Japanese culture, tea was used as a part of Buddhist rituals and was believed to have medicinal properties. Japanese green tea, in particular, was used to promote concentration, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
It was also believed to have anti-aging properties and was used in beauty treatments. Aside from its promising health benefits. In Japan, the tea ceremony was considered an art form, with strict rules and etiquette to follow.
Today, research has shown that tea does indeed have health benefits. Many of the medicinal properties that ancient cultures attributed to tea have been found to be true. Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body. It also contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Today, research has found that tea does indeed have health benefits, and it continues to be used as a natural remedy for various ailments. So next time you drink a cup of tea, remember that it’s more than just a drink, it’s a medicine for the mind, body, and spirit.
Lunar Sun-E Roots is a small business founded by Anyka Harris with a mission to enlighten people on healthier and more natural ways to care for their bodies. Anyka is a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and entrepreneur, that was inspired to start Lunar Sun-E Roots after looking into the harmful ingredients in some of the health products she was purchasing.
Lunar Sun-E Roots’ main offerings is their tea, which is brewed using a simple process of measuring each herb according to the individuals ailments and steeping them in a mesh ball in hot spring water for a few hours. Anyka confidently ensures consistency in flavor and quality by using the same suppliers and staying consistent with her measurements.
The tea selection at Lunar Sun-E Roots includes unique formulas for blood pressure, diabetes, PMS, menopause, and more. Anyka tailors the tea to each customer’s specific ailment and educates them on the unique properties of the herbs being used during their health assessment.
Looking towards the future, Harris sees Lunar Sun-E Roots as a household brand with many products and services in demand. She believes that the herbal industry is the future, but acknowledges that it will be a fight because some people may not have all the knowledge of it.
Finally, Anyka’s 2023 mantra is “You Heal Thy Self, When You Know Thy Self!” She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what we put inside and outside our bodies and paying special attention to the ingredients.
2023 Mantra:
“You Heal Thy Self When You Know Thy Self!”
i offer effective formulas for BlooD Pressure, DiaBetes, Pms, meNoPause aND more. my first questioN is what is your ailmeNt(s)? i theN tailor the tea to what the PersoN is DealiNg with.
- aNyka harris
this expertly crafted herbal blend is optimized to produce a tea that has been demonstrated to effectively reduce blood pressure.
Hey Anyka, it’s a pleasure to finally have this conversation with you. Please share with the readers about your self.
I always find this question difficult. Tell you about myself. Well, I am a Mother, a GrandMa, a Sister, Daughter, and a Woman ready to give people another option in caring for themselves.
Please introduce Lunar Sun~E Roots and its mission.
Lunar Sun-E Roots Wellness & Enlightenment was born in 2020. We are a wellness business that seeks to enlighten people on healthier more natural ways to care for their body. Lunar the Moon is myself, Sun-E; Sol is my younger Daughter Anisha.
What inspired you to start Lunar Sun~E roots, and what has been your biggest challenge so far?
I have always been an entrepreneur and I was ready to take control of the things that was going into my temple. Looking into the ingredients in some of the products I was purchasing and most were banned in other countries due to the harmful inorganic chemicals.
What is your process for brewing tea, and how do you ensure consistency in flavor and quality?
My process is pretty simple. Measure each herb according to the formula, place the herbs in a mesh ball after the spring water has almost come to a boil. Which at time I turn the temp to the lowest and allow the herbs too steep for a few hours.
What types of tea do you offer? How do you educate your customers on the different varieties and their unique properties?
I offer effective formulas for Blood Pressure, Diabetes, PMS, Menopause and more. My first question is What is your ailment(s)? I then tailor the tea to what the person is dealing with. When we sit down for the assessment, that’s when I educate them about the herbs being used.
What are your plans for expanding your business, and how do you envision the future of the tea industry?
I see Lunar Sun-E Roots as a household brand. The many products and services that will be apart of us will be in demand. The herbal industry is the future. However, it is going to be a fight because when you do not need the medical system as you are healing yourself.
Are you open to collaborating with other businesses and organizations in the industry, such as tea suppliers, herbalists, tea shops, and etc?
I most definitely am open to collaborating with others. I enjoy meeting new people. From every experience there is something to learn.
How can customers place orders?
Website is currently under construction. Until then you can call or text 916-880-7654 and we’ll set up an appointment for an assessment.
Before we conclude, may I inquire if there are any additional thoughts or comments you wish to express?
WE all need to pay attention to what we are putting inside and outside our bodies. Be mindful of all ingredients.
Jaya King is artist and muralist based in Sacramento, California. Jaya was commissioned for a collaborative mural project for the new CLTRE Club space overseen by CADA (Capitol Area Development Authority). The mural was created for the 16th Street wall in an area with high foot traffic and several resturants.
When asked about the project, Jaya shared that she was compelled to take on the project because of the fantastic opportunity to contribute to the space with a dream team of artists doing the same—Jose DiGregorio and Keia Kodama. Additionally, the wall she would be working on had excellent visibility, and she didn’t want to miss out on a project of this caliber.
Jaya’s team consisted of Juliet Elise and Gabe Lopez, who made significant contributions to
Located on 16th and N street, the mural is a tribute to the new incubation space for entrepreneurs called CLTRE Club. A new space led by the community organization Unseen Heros.
the mural. Juliet’s assistance on the wall allowed Jaya to focus on the intricate portions of the design, such as the portrait.
Gabe’s graf vibe was something Jaya knew she wanted to incorporate into the mural even before putting together the concept design. Jaya and Gabe found their groove on the wall, painting over one another and creating a unique layering effect that integrated both their styles into the mural.
The techniques and materials used to create the mural included spray and brush techniques. The wall started with a green base coat, and the design outline was projected onto the wall. The portrait was done with spray and then finalized with Jaya’s brush technique. Juliet used tape for masking and was hyper-precise in her pinwheel execution. Gabe used both spray and brush to build up his layers, used tape to mask off shapes and lines and achieved the drips by losing a little control and then retouching as needed.
The mural’s overall message is to convey the vibe of the CLTRE Club—an Unseen Hero’s project that is intended to be an incubation space for entrepreneurs. Offering tools to grow their businesses and a storefront to sell their products. The mural features a portrait of the CEO of HER World Enterprises, Brittany Claypool. Still, the communal element is meant to be extended beyond the wall, allowing people walking by to directly interact with the mural by taking pictures and essentially enjoying an amazing piece of art. Jaya’s concept of inclusivity and collaboration is at the core of the mural’s message, resonating most with those who will naturally gravitate toward the CLTRE Club.
As Jaya puts it "this is a mural I’d like people to stop in their tracks and take in. They may relate to it from one angle or another —the portrait, the abstract, the graffiti. Whatever causes the viewer to pause is a success. Some folks may relate to the portrait in one way and others may see something completely different. Whatever the connection, the goal is an “oh wow!” moment. Says Jaya King.
“I was pumped that I was able to bring my monochromatic portrait work into this mural. I’ve been wanting to broaden that aspect of my mural portfolio so this was the perfect opportunity.” - JAYA KINGThe one and only Jaya King was the lead artist on the mural.
Have a Dope day's Gabriel Lopez, Putting down the mic to pick up a can.
“What you’re looking at is a combination of tWo different types of art. i love. Graffiti and abstraction. i love the culture and traditions of graffiti and the freedom of abstraction, i put them toGether and created graffstraction (i made it up).”
- Gsutimatic
When Jaya approached me to work on this project, I was ready to go. As an apprentice muralist, I focused on blocking in the large areas of color on CLTRE and the pinwheels. The pinwheels were the biggest challenge for me. To protect the sharp center, I worked from section-to-section using various tools to avoid overspray. I’m proud of the finished area. It always feels good to avoid many ‘touch-ups’ at the end, knowing I worked so meticulously.
I feel so blessed to have worked on a large-scale project like this. I feel even more blessed, working alongside close friends to complete the job. This is more than just a mural — it is a reminder to be valiant and persist through life’s challenges, acknowledging the difference you make in this world.
The Triumphant Trio
LEFT: Jaya king
CENTER: Juliet Elise
RIGHT: Gabriel Lopez
Each word in this acronym represents an important aspect of health, wellness, and happiness. Serenity and relaxation help reduce stress levels, while energy and empowerment are vital for physical and mental well-being. Love, freedom, and confidence promote emotional wellness, and awareness is key to mindfulness and overall happiness. By practicing selfcare regularly, individuals can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling life-
The act of embracing selfcare isn’t difficult or tedious. Practicing self care is actually achieved by doing small and simple tasks like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing good hygiene.
It also includes engaging in activities that one enjoys every day. For example, getting outside, socializing with friends or family, and taking small steps like washing your face or reading a book.
It is crucial to build a healthy foundation, avoid stress, and prioritize your health to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Cultivating these simple habits will not only bring about balance in your life but strengthen your ability to respond to adversity when the unexpected arises.
Nicole Carmier Hatch, founder of Self Care Sundays, has created a community event that promotes self-care and wellness through various activities like yoga, zumba, and pilates. Founded in 2020, when the pandemic was causing stress and uncertainty in the world, Nicole wanted to create a safe and supportive space where people could practice self-care and feel connected to a community.
“Through activities like yoga, meditation, and workshops, Self Care Sundays provides a space for people to take a break from the chaos of daily life and focus on themselves.” Says Nicole.
Self Care Sundays has grown tremendously since its inception in 2020, with 2023’s season opener reaching over 480 attendees. To build a community on this scale, Nicole believes that the most important aspect is creating a safe and inclusive space where people feel welcomed and supported. This includes being intentional about messaging and branding, prioritizing diversity and inclusion, and being responsive to the needs and feedback of the community.
Hello Nicole, thanks for taking the time to chat! Let’s get started, to help our readers get to know you better, would you mind sharing a bit about yourself?
I earned a full scholarship for track to SDSU, where I studied business and discovered my passion for creativity and marketing. Helping people and giving back to my community has always been important to me. I am recently married and have a beautiful baby girl. I work as a realtor and also advocate for self-care on Sundays, offering services like guided meditation and wellness coaching to help people prioritize their well-being.
For the readers that aren’t familiar with Self Care Sunday’s, can you give insight as to what Self Care Sunday’s is and the services available?
Self Care Sundays is a community event that promotes self-care and wellness through activities like yoga, zumba, and pilates, followed by workshops and live music. Attendees can also enjoy bottomless mimosas, local vendors, and food trucks. The initiative offers guided meditation, self-care coaching, and wellness resources to encourage people to prioritize their physical and mental health.
What motivated you to launch something so superb like Self Care Sunday’s?
Self Care Sundays was launched in 2020 during the pandemic as a way to provide people with a much-needed outlet for physical and mental wellness. With so much stress and uncertainty in the world, I wanted to create a safe and supportive space where people could come together to practice self-care and feel connected to a community. Through activities like yoga, meditation, and workshops, Self Care Sundays provides a space for people to take a break from the chaos of daily life and focus on them.
What did Self Care Sunday’s look like in the very beginning, did you plan for it to become what it is today?
Self Care Sundays began as a small initiative to encourage people to prioritize their self-care. The first event had only 12 attendees and was simply meant to get people excited about taking care of themselves. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. As we enter our fourth season, the season opener had over 480 people in attendance. While I didn’t plan for it to become what it is today, I am grateful for the growth and excited to continue providing a space for people to prioritize.
nity on the scale that you have?
The most important aspect of building a community on the scale that Self Care Sundays has is creating a safe and inclusive space where people feel welcomed and supported. This means being intentional about the messaging and branding, ensuring that everyone is represented and celebrated, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion. It also means being responsive to the needs and feedback of the community and consistently providing high-quality experiences that align with their values and interests.
Considering the thriving local business scene in Sacramento, what additional contributions from the community would you envision to enhance Sunday events?
Considering the thriving local business scene in Sacramento, what additional contributions from the community would you envision to enhance Sunday events?
There are many contributions that the community could make to enhance Self Care Sundays. For example, local businesses could provide products or services that align with the event’s focus on wellness and self-care. This could include health food vendors, yoga studios, or wellness coaches. Additionally, partnering with local creators focused on wellness could add to the overall experience and create a unique and engaging atmosphere. By collaborating with other members of the community, Self.
Photo: Nicolas Yost
Self Care Sunday’s Festival is May 28th, Can you enlighten the readers more about this event?
This festival a celebration of wellness and community, featuring a diverse lineup of activities including yoga, sound bowl healing, pilates, kickboxing, & workshops for children. There will also be a kid zone with face painting&other activities, as well as a variety of local food trucks and vendors. The festival is a great opportunity for people to come together, connect with others, and prioritize their physical and mental health in a fun and supportive environment.
What else lights you up in life besides your current endeavors with Self Care Sunday’s?
I love exploring new cultures and seeing different parts of the world with my husband and daughter. Additionally, spending time with my close friends is important to me, whether we’re just hanging out or trying out new restaurants together. I also love to eat and consider myself a foodie, so discovering new dishes and flavors is always exciting for me.
What was the most significant challenge you encountered on your path to achieving your current level of success?
One of the most significant challenges I encountered on my path to achieving my current level of success was finding the courage to take risks and pursue my passions. As a business major, I felt pressure to follow a traditional career path, but my heart was always drawn to creative and community-oriented endeavors. It took some time and introspection to realize that I needed to trust my instincts and take chances on the things that truly mattered to me.
Overcoming this fear of failure
What’s is your mantra for 2023?
Embrace change and growth! With a world of unknowns... just got to go with what you feel.
Before we wrap up, is there anything further you would like to contribute to our conversation?
We are also open to partnering with businesses & organizations that share our values and want to contribute to our community. We are always looking to expand to new cities & connect with new communities. If you're interested in supporting our mission or bringing Self Care Sunday's to your city, please reach out to us through our website or social media channels.We are a nonprofit & always accepting donation or sponsorship opportunities. Walmart, Marriott & Tito's Vodka are our current supporters.
Plants play an essential role in our lives. They provide us with oxygen, food, and medicine. But did you know that plants can also stimulate and cultivate health in humans? Research has shown that being surrounded by plants can have numerous health benefits. Here are a few plants that can help us stay healthy:
Broad lady palm is a popular houseplant that offers numerous benefits. It has excellent air-purifying qualities and can help remove harmful toxins from the air. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Also, it can help reduce stress levels due to its calming green foliage. Lastly, broad lady palm is a wonderful plant to have in your home or office for its health and wellness benefits.
Snake plants produce a state of tranquility and promote relaxation. Snake plants are great for purifying the air and adding a touch of sophistication to your home. Snake plants do not need much fertilizer, but you can use a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. Repot them once every two years.
Aloe vera is a diverse plant that can be used in many ways. Aloe vera’s power to boost immunity comes from its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties to protect against illness and assist in immunity health.
Aloe Vera
Pothos is known for reducing stress and promoting health and tranquility. Like many other house plants pothos cleanses and purifies the air. Pothos are easy to care for, they can survive with little water and low light. Aside from it’s healing benefits pothos is simply a beautiful plant, with long vines and big glossy leafs that bring life to any space.
Peace Lilys are known for having many positive benefits. One being its air purifing abilities, specifically the ability to combat acetone vapors. Studies have shown that Peace Lilys prevent mildew and eliminate mold. Lastly, this super plant promotes restorative sleep resulting in a sense of well-being.
Mikaela Baker, owner of Sac City Stems, has always had a passion for plants. Growing up in a family of plant lovers, it was only natural for her to start her own plant shop. Sac City Stems, an eco-conscious plant store in Sacramento, CA, has been in business for almost two years now, and Mikaela couldn’t be happier.
Mikaela’s love for plants stems from the joy and peace they bring to people’s lives. During the pandemic, caring for plants became a great outlet for many people, and Mikaela wanted to continue spreading that joy throughout her community. She started her business during the pandemic, and it has flourished ever since.
Aside from retail and workshops, Sac City Stems also offers plant design and installation services for both commercial and residential clients. They ship plants nationwide, and Mikaela encourages everyone to come check out their store and join them for a workshop.
One of their most popular workshops is the build your own terrarium workshop. A terrarium is a small closed garden or ecosystem that, when built properly, is almost completely self-sustaining. It’s a great option for beginners or people with busy lives.
The best thing about selling plants, according to Mikaela, is the connections she’s made with people who she may never have crossed paths with otherwise. She’s met so many amazing people and has been able to share her knowledge with others and watch them grow as plant parents.
When it comes to recommending plants for personal well-being, Mikaela believes that every person has a plant out there that will thrive in their care, thus contributing to their overall well-being. In terms of feng shui, any plants that are not made of plastic will do. In terms of feng
ically, Sac City Stems has got you covered. Schedule a consultation by email at hello@saccitystems.com. And if you’re looking for a way to support them, tell a friend about their amazing plant shop!
Mikaela vibing with the pothos plant.
Photo: Eddie Walker
Hi Mikaela, thank you for taking the time to talk!
Please tell us who you are.
My name is Mikaela Baker and I am the owner of Sac City Stems an eco conscious plant store in Sacramento, Ca. I was born and raised here in Sac. I’m a mother and plant lover.
What did you do before opening up Sac City Stems? What inspired you to leave your 9-5 and invest in yourself?
I actually have not left my day job. Outside of running the plant shop, I’m a flight attendant for a major airline.
Out of all the endless goods you could have sold, what was it that drew you to plants?
Plants make people happy. After realizing how much joy and peace plants and participating in plant care projects brought to myself and my customers early on I knew I wanted to continue to spread that joy throughout my community. I started my busi-
ness during the pandemic and that was a time we all needed something to look forward to and caring for plants was and still is a great outlet for many people.
How long has Sac City Stems been in business?
Next month, our brick and mortar turns two! Our online store, however, is two years and 5 months old.
How did you become educated and knowledgeable on the subject of plants?
I grew up in a family of plant people. My mom is a gardener so it’s been something that’s been around most my life. My houseplant knowledge, in particular continues to grow through practice and, well, google.
To your surprise what have you found to be the best thing about selling plants?
The connections I’ve made with people who I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. I’ve met so many amazing people. I’ve been able to share my knowledge with others and watch them grow as plant par-
Pictured to the right is a terrarium, which is a self efficient enclosed garden.
people who I may never have crossed paths with otherwise. I’ve met so many amazing people. I’ve been able to share my knowledge with others and watch them grow as plant parents and reap the benefits of plant parenting. It’s a beautiful thing
What is a plant(s) that you would recommend for overall personal well-being? What is another plant that you would recommend to cultivate fengshui?
While there are many plants that are said to bring things like financial abundance, mental clarity, and happiness, I think that answer can differ from person to person. I think the wellness aspect truly comes through the act of caring for plants. Every person has a plant out there that will thrive in their care, thus, contributing to their overall well being. In terms of fengshui…. Any plants that are not made of plastic lol.
I see you host a “build your own terrarium workshop.” Can you explain what that is?
Yes, we host many workshops each month. One of which, being the build your own terrarium. A
terrarium is essentially a small closed garden or eco system. When built properly, they are almost completely self sustaining so they’re great for beginners or people with busy lives. Workshop dates are posted monthly on our social media and tickets can be purchased via our website Stemssacramento.com
What is your mantra for 2023?
When things don’t go right, go left.
Before closing is there anything else you would like to add?
Aside from retail and workshops we also offer plant design and installation services for both commercial and residential clients. If you’re ready to bring your home or business to the next level aesthetically, we’ve got you covered! Schedule a consultation by email hello@ saccitystems.com We also ship plants nationwide! I encourage everyone to come check out our store and join us for a workshop! Readers can support by telling a friend about us!
