Every March, I find myself reflecting on the women who came before us; the herbalists, midwives, mothers, teachers, caregivers, and entrepreneurs whose perseverance quietly shaped the opportunities many of us enjoy today.
As the owner of a woman-owned herbal apothecary in rural Iowa, I don't take those opportunities for granted.
Owning a small business has taught me that success rarely happens overnight. It is built through countless small decisions, late nights, supportive communities, and the courage to begin before you feel completely ready.
Women's History Month is a beautiful reminder that each generation builds upon the work of those who came before it. Their determination created pathways that allow many of us to pursue our own dreams today.
A Landmark Moment for Women-Owned Businesses
Although women have always started businesses, access to financing and business resources wasn't always equal.
In 1988, the Women's Business Ownership Act became a landmark piece of legislation that helped remove many of those barriers. Among its many accomplishments, the Act:
- Expanded opportunities for women seeking business loans
- Increased access to educational resources through Women's Business Centers
- Established the National Women's Business Council
- Encouraged greater support for women entrepreneurs across the United States
Since its passage, women-owned businesses have grown dramatically across nearly every industry, from agriculture and healthcare to technology, education, manufacturing, and wellness.
While challenges remain, especially regarding access to capital, today's entrepreneurs have more opportunities and support than ever before.
Building an Herbal Business
When I opened MEGAN & CO. Apothecary, I wasn't simply opening a retail store.
I wanted to create a place where people could ask questions without judgment.
A place where learning about herbs felt welcoming instead of overwhelming.
A place where traditional plant knowledge could exist alongside modern research, thoughtful conversations, and genuine community.
Building that vision has required patience, resilience, and an incredible support system.
I've been fortunate to learn from teachers, fellow herbalists, loyal customers, family, and friends who believed in this dream long before it became reality.
One of the greatest joys of this work is watching people grow in confidence as they discover herbs for the first time. Those moments remind me why education has always been at the heart of this business.
A Tea Inspired by Traditional Women's Herbal Wisdom
One blend that holds a special place in my heart is our Women's Daily Tea.
Rather than creating a tea for a single purpose, I wanted to formulate a nourishing daily infusion inspired by the herbs women have traditionally shared with one another for generations.
Our Women's Daily Tea includes:
- Raspberry Leaf
- Red Clover Blossoms
- Nettle Leaf
- Oat Straw
- Burdock Root
- Marshmallow Root
- Hibiscus Flower
Each herb contributes its own unique character to the blend.
Raspberry Leaf has long been appreciated in traditional Western herbalism as a nourishing herb commonly included in teas intended to support women's wellness throughout various stages of life.
Red Clover Blossoms have a rich history in traditional herbal practice and contain naturally occurring isoflavones that continue to be studied for their role in healthy aging.
Nettle Leaf is one of herbalism's most nutrient-dense plants, valued for its abundance of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
Oat Straw has traditionally been enjoyed as a gentle, nourishing herb that complements many daily wellness routines.
Burdock Root has a long tradition of use in herbalism as a botanical that supports healthy liver and digestive function.
Marshmallow Root is well known for its naturally soothing mucilage and has traditionally been enjoyed in teas intended to support digestive comfort.
Hibiscus Flower adds a vibrant ruby color, refreshing tart flavor, and naturally occurring polyphenols that make this blend as beautiful as it is enjoyable.
Together, these botanicals create a naturally caffeine-free tea that can be enjoyed hot or iced as part of a balanced wellness routine.
Women Supporting Women
One of my favorite parts of owning an apothecary is witnessing the way women encourage one another.
I see mothers introducing daughters to herbal teas.
Friends recommending books they've loved.
Grandmothers sharing recipes passed down through generations.
Customers celebrating one another's milestones.
Herbal knowledge has always been passed from person to person through conversation, observation, and shared experience.
To me, that's one of the most beautiful parts of herbalism.
It's less about having all the answers and more about learning together.
Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
If you've ever dreamed of starting your own business, know that you don't have to do it alone.
Organizations such as the Small Business Administration's Women's Business Centers, the National Women's Business Council, SCORE, and local Small Business Development Centers offer mentoring, education, networking opportunities, and practical resources for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Sometimes the hardest step is simply beginning.
Final Thoughts
Women's History Month reminds us that meaningful change often begins quietly, with someone willing to plant a seed.
Whether you're opening a business, learning your first herb, raising a family, changing careers, or simply finding your own voice, your work matters.
Every generation benefits from the courage of those who came before it.
I hope this month encourages you to celebrate the women who have inspired your journey and reminds you that your own story may become part of someone else's.
Here's to supporting one another, sharing knowledge generously, and continuing to build communities rooted in compassion, curiosity, and resilience.
Happy Women's History Month.
References
- U.S. Congress. Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (H.R. 5050).
- National Women's Business Council. www.nwbc.gov
- Wells Fargo. Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report.
- U.S. Small Business Administration. Office of Women's Business Ownership.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Statements regarding herbs and dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medications, or managing a medical condition.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Megan, a clinical herbalist, educator, and founder of MEGAN & CO. Apothecary in Spirit Lake, Iowa. I help individuals support their body's natural processes through personalized herbal formulations, nutrition, and traditional Western herbalism. My passion is empowering people with practical herbal knowledge while honoring both traditional wisdom and modern research.