Dear friends,
Allow me to share the tapestry of my journey—a narrative woven with threads of adventure, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the natural world.
I am a mother to three remarkable sons, a stepmother to three lovely daughters, and the fortunate wife of a truly lucky man. My roots trace back to the plains of Oklahoma, yet my spirit dances with a gypsy’s rhythm, a legacy passed down through generations. My formative years were spent amidst the rugged beauty of Spearfish, South Dakota, and the wild expanses of Cody, Wyoming. Today, I embrace life as a writer, professional photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and self-taught botanist. My heart beats in harmony with plants, music, culinary arts, gardening, and the thrill of off-road adventures in my Jeep.
Throughout my adult life, I embraced my identity as a wanderer, my nomadic essence perpetually seeking a place to call home. Despite my upbringing in South Dakota and Wyoming, Oklahoma’s call remained ever strong. My journey took an unexpected turn nineteen years ago with the birth of my youngest son, who arrived bearing the challenge of a rare disease. Navigating the complexities of caring for a critically ill child transformed me in indescribable ways, heightening my awareness of the world’s inherent beauty and the profound gifts offered by Mother Nature. I have become attuned to the subtle messages whispered by our planet, finding solace and wisdom in its embrace.
From a tender age, I was captivated by the allure of nature and its flora. Little did I anticipate that this fascination would blossom into a fervent pursuit of knowledge, leading me to become a self-taught botanist. A decade ago, my youngest and I relocated to Utah, continuing our battle against his rare disease. In 2018, I embarked on a personal health odyssey, grappling with unexplained ailments. After six years of seeking answers, I began to uncover pieces of the puzzle, though some mysteries remain. The journey through chronic health issues is a tumultuous one, fraught with medical appointments and elusive diagnoses. It took seventeen and a half years to finally identify the conditions affecting both my son and me—a testament to our enduring fight.
My professional path led me to work in nurseries in Wyoming and Utah, nurturing my profound love for plants. Although I hold medical certifications in phlebotomy and EKG technology, I chose not to pursue a career in these fields, given the extensive time we’ve spent in hospitals over the years. My passion for plants is intense, and my knowledge vast; I am perpetually engrossed in study and can discourse on nearly any species. While I have long appreciated holistic living, I had not fully immersed myself in its practices until recently.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, CSID, and a mitochondrial disease that impairs my ability to process sugars, including those in fruits and vegetables. This journey introduced me to nerve pain as well as muscle wasting. As I began to wean myself off the medication, I delved deeper into the realm of natural healing with herbs. This exploration led me to create my own proprietary nerve tonic, unveiling a latent talent and a wealth of botanical knowledge that had been lying dormant. Reflecting on our health battles and acknowledging my son’s impending independence, I pondered my future role. Rather than succumbing to despair, I channeled my energy into formulating exquisite teas, harnessing the wisdom that had long resided within me. Just as a tea’s unique characteristics are shaped by its origin, my signature qualities are a reflection of my heritage and the person I have become. Embracing this vision, I am now dedicated to sharing the pure, lasting flavors of my awakening self with the world.
And so, the time has come.
It’s tea time.
—Gypsy Hollar