After a bout with fibroids and a prophylactic double mastectomy, Tish Fletcher turned to CBD for pain relief. This prompted her to create and sell her own CBD products, and she became a regular at the Woodlawn Street Market. Then, thanks to a grant she won at the ‘Magic City Match’ live pitch event, the entrepreneur and health coach opened Thrive Wellness Lounge, a holistic wellness store in Woodlawn. Get to know this innovative FACE of Birmingham and her holistic wellness pursuits. They may be able to help you, too!
What makes Thrive Wellness Lounge stand out?
I knew I didn’t want the typical CBD store. I wanted it to appeal to my customers, and my customers tend to be very entry-level when it comes to trying any of the cannabinoids and even cryotherapy, which I also have. I wanted it to be a very warm, welcoming space in order to introduce them to the products.
I carry other things beyond CBD. I carry health and wellness supplements. My bath bombs and massage oils are my top sellers. My ketones are a top seller for people who need energy and focus.
I added the word “lounge” and the couch in the seating area because I want people to come in, feel comfortable, and just have a seat. I’m a certified health coach, so if someone wants to discuss something important about their health, let’s talk it out!
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about holistic wellness that you hope to dispel?
CBD does not make you high. I think when people hear “CBD,” they think of weed. But it’s not the same. CBD is an anti-inflammatory, so the healing benefits are phenomenal in terms of pain, arthritis, relaxation, and anxiety. Some people still consider it taboo, so they’re very secretive. I can be at an event, and people will whisper when asking me about my products. We all have pains. We all have ailments, and usually, I have something that can help.
Thrive Wellness offers cryotherapy. Tell us about that!
Cryotherapy is phenomenal; it also helps with inflammation. Most of my customers are in pain, and some want to lose weight. Targeted cryotherapy does both. I have a liquid CO2 machine, and it shoots extremely cold air. If it’s your knee, instead of walking into a big chamber, I just shoot the air on your knee, and it sends fresh oxygenated blood to that area to heal faster. For my customers trying to lose a couple of inches, it freezes the fat, and they get rid of it through their lymphatic system.
What do you say to people who think they don’t have time for self-care?
Women, who are my main customers, tend to be nurturers. We tend to pour from empty cups. Sometimes it helps to take that bath bomb, lock the door, and tell whoever else is in the house, “Give me 30 minutes.” It helps you to function better overall — that’s how the name Thrive came about. Sure, you’re surviving life. You’re making ends meet. You have your routine. But are you actually thriving?
What are three things everyone should do to improve their overall wellness?
Add joyful movement. Some of my customers say, “I’m allergic to fitness.” Okay, well, do you like to dance? Then dance! Turn on some music and dance for 30 minutes, find a hip-hop dance workout, or try Zumba.
Also, explore eating healthy. If you just see how you feel when you eat healthy, you will make a lot of different choices.
And finally, get adequate sleep. It’s important to your cortisol levels, your energy, and your mood.
In addition to the Magic City Match grant, what has been most helpful on your entrepreneurial journey?
REV Birmingham. They’re like training wheels for any entrepreneur.
What’s the best advice you have to give?
Trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense. If you are a person of faith, then no matter how things look, you trust that it will work out.
What do you love to do when you’re not working?
I love to read. I love to hang out with my dog, Kingston, at the dog park at City Walk. I enjoy some good retail therapy, and I also enjoy cooking for my friends.
Besides faith, family, and friends, name three things you couldn’t live without.
Audible, ketones, and shea butter.
Lightning round!
What books are on your nightstand? The YouTube Formula by Derral Eves, The Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton, and Psalm 23, a book by my late Uncle Larry
Favorite BHAM place to shop: Flow
Favorite BHAM restaurants: Jake’s Soul Food Cafe, Rodney Scott’s, CAVA, and EastWest
Favorite vacation spot: Cape Town or anywhere with both beach and mountain views
Your go-to birthday present: Scent of Peace candles or room spray
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