The Herbal Scoop: How One Woman Turned Passion into a Thriving Business
March 24, 2025
In the heart of the Catskills, an herbal farm and botanical tea shop is making waves in the wellness community. The Herbal Scoop, founded by Kendra, is more than just a store—it’s a movement. Driven by a passion for child advocacy, holistic health, self-care, and education, The Herbal Scoop is an inspiring testament to the power of community and the right support system.
A Journey Rooted in Healing
Kendra’s journey into herbalism began long before she opened her flagship store. As a child growing up in Ohio, she suffered from chronic health issues that left her searching for answers. Traditional medicine never seemed to provide the relief she needed, so she turned to alternative healing methods. This curiosity led her to explore the connection between food, herbs, and overall wellness.
Her first introduction to herbal remedies came while working as a social worker in Philadelphia. Inspired by her Nigerian coworker’s stories of tea-based healing traditions, Kendra began experimenting with herbs. What started as a personal wellness journey soon transformed into a deep passion for herbal medicine. She pursued formal training in herbalism, traveled to India for a yoga certification, and immersed herself in Ayurveda, all of which strengthened her belief in natural healing.
In 2019, she turned this passion into a business—The Herbal Scoop. Initially, she ran a pop-up shop, using this opportunity to educate her community. At the Herbal Scoop shop in the Catskills, she created an accessible way for people to explore herbal remedies by developing a unique “herbal wall” labeled with simple, clear descriptions. Education has remained at the forefront of her business, ensuring customers feel empowered to take control of their wellness journey.
Overcoming the Fear of Capital or Debt?
Despite The Herbal Scoop’s growing success, Kendra ran her business debt-free for as long as she could. The idea of taking out a loan felt overwhelming, and she was hesitant to take on debt. However, when the opportunity arose to open a flagship location, she knew she needed capital to scale her business properly.
Kendra explored traditional banks and credit unions but struggled to find a lender who truly understood the vision behind her small business. That’s when Cynthia from the Small Business Development Center introduced her to Community Capital New York (CCNY). Seeing other businesses she admired receive support from CCNY, she decided to take the leap.
Her initial meeting with CCNY Loan Officer Erika Fermin was eye-opening. Erika provided candid, straightforward advice that Kendra admits she didn’t fully appreciate at the time. She was still uncomfortable with the idea of borrowing money. But as she navigated the process, she realized that having access to capital wasn’t just necessary—it was an investment in her future success.
The Power of Technical Assistance and Community Support
Securing the first loan was just the beginning. With CCNY’s technical assistance, Kendra received hands-on financial coaching from Yanush, who helped her shift her mindset about money. She had been treating her business finances like a personal bank account—spending revenue as it came in without a structured financial plan. Yanush worked with her to implement budgeting strategies, understand cash flow, and consolidate debt, all of which made her feel more confident in managing her business’s financial health.
With CCNY’s support, Kendra was able to open her flagship store, expand her inventory, and generate significantly higher revenue. She realized that taking on debt, when done wisely, was not a burden—it was a tool for growth.
Advice for Other Women Entrepreneurs
Kendra’s experience taught her the importance of seeking lenders who align with her values. She emphasizes that small business owners should be strategic about debt, ensuring that they can sustain growth without overextending themselves. “Having a relationship with your lender is key,” she says. “It’s not just about getting a loan—it’s about having a support system that helps you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.”
Today, The Herbal Scoop is thriving, with a dedicated team that includes two part-time employees and a marketing manager. Kendra continues to mentor other farmers and hosts educational workshops, staying true to her mission of empowering others through herbal wellness.
For women business owners in the Hudson Valley and beyond, Kendra’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of the right support. With a dream, a strong community, and the willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she turned The Herbal Scoop into a beacon of wellness and empowerment.
With loans from $10,000 to $150,000 thousand, CCNY can help you secure a small business loan for working capital, equipment expenditures, business debt refinancing, and more. Contact us to learn more.