Conscious Family Giveaway #6

As stated in a previous post, this month is dedicated to the Conscious Family. And, as I stated prior, we will be having some fun giveaways during April.

Maria, owner of Vital Moon, is our sixth business owner in our Conscious Family series giveaways. Maria has some beautiful items in her shop that speak to the mom and doula in me. :) I am so happy to introduce you to her and her products.

THE INTERVIEW

Can you tell me a little about you, as a person, and then a little about how you, the business owner, came to create your store?
After a stay in NYC working in nonprofit children's programming I decided that I wanted to be back home in Pittsburgh and closer to nature. I took an herbal apprenticeship and certification course from Sage Mountain Herbal School and a Spirit of Herbs apprenticeship - it changed my life. 10 years later, I am still growing the herbs, I have a small urban farm in the heart of Pittsburgh and grow food as well. I am a huge advocate of staying healthy and preventing dis-ease through natural, whole foods, herbal teas and products that are as close to nature as can be!
What were you like as a child?
I was a fiesty one. My mother had these pictures of me between the age of 4-5 where i am always wearing this shirt that said WHY? on the front - she said because I never took an answer once - I always asked Why? in return! LOL! I have strived all of my life to accomplish my divine tasks - I take risks and go for what inspires and transcends the norm. I do not like to fail, I do not like to be told I can't, it either inspires me to attempt regardless or do something else that will be greater. I was never lead by another, I chose my own path.

If you had to pinpoint one turning point in your life/career, what would you consider that defining moment/event?
I recently decided to go back to school for my Masters Degree. I am getting an MBA. After years of following solely my passion - that for healthy women and children and families through Doula work, yoga, herbal medicine and healthy food - I decided to learn the art and science of running and managing a business! This was a huge decision and it was interwoven with becoming a mother! I started my 1st semester the same month I had my son and it has been a new journey ever since!

You offer herbal and natural products, so tell me why these things are important to you both personally and professionally.
Every product I create, has stemmed from solid resarch amongst herbalist, plant researchers, science and medicine. In addition, after choosing what to create, I have time-tested each product on myself, friends and family. I feel confident at this point that customers are getting the highest quality products. The oils are superior in quality, the waxes are bee or vegetable-based, the herbs are grown without fertilizers or pesticides - you know what is on your skin & in your bodies - that is very important. 

What do you hope your clients get from your products?
A sense of naturalness, quality and healing.


Can you share something personal (a memory, etc..) with my readers?
I will share with everyone a most sacred sanskrit prayer - the Gayatri. It was the catalyst for my son's spiritual name (Savitur) and has been a beacon of light in dark times. It is here in sanskrit and english translation.

Om bhur bhuvah svah
tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhimahi
dhiyo yonah prachodayat

Transcendental Glory of Jah! Giver of life, remover of all pain and sorrows, bestower of happiness, creator of the Universe, who is the heart of the earth,the luminous sun, and the soul of Heaven. We meditate upon your brilliance to enlighten and inspire our minds.


THE GIVEAWAY

Maria is offering a smaller version of her Expectant Mother Gift Set, which will include Vital Milk Mother's Tea, nipple cream, and the Pain & Tension Rub.

Again, don't forget the rules. So, read below CAREFULLY for the rules to enter!

RULES FOR ENTERING:
To enter, you MUST complete #1 on the list. After that, feel free to enter as many additional times as you would like (#2-#6) and in any particular order you so choose. You must leave an additional comment for each entry for it to be valid. Please don't forget to leave me some way to get in contact with you if you are the winner.

1. Like Vital Moon's Facebook page, leave a comment on her wall saying that I sent you, and come back/comment here to let me know you did. :)
   
2. Like my Facebook Page, then come back and let me know you have. If you are already a liker, let me know. :)
   
3. Share this giveaway on your own blog, then come back here and comment, sharing the link to that post in the body of your comment.
4. Share this giveaway on your own Facebook wall, tagging my or Maria 's FB pages, then come back here and comment, letting me know you did. 
   
5. Go to her etsy shop or her main website and browse around, come back here and let me know what item you like the most.
6. Subscribe to Maria's blog, then come back and let me know you did.
    

Entries must be received by April 30th at midnight. Drawing will occur in the first week of May. Good luck!!!