Meet the Owner: Sacred Vibes Apothecary

Ditmas Park is known for its history, restaurants and vibrant creative culture, but did you know it is also the home to an apothecary?

Situated on Argyle Rd. off of Cortelyou Rd., has become a mainstay in the neighborhood. The herbal shop offers classes, apprenticeship courses and a wide array of herbs and spices to mix and match for those more familiar with creating remedies. At the heart of it all is owner and master herbalist Karen Rose.   

Passion in Droves

Born in the Caribbean and growing up in Ditmas Park, Rose has always had an interest in herbs and their power to heal.

"I learned herbalism in Arizona and was interested in herbs that grow on our side of the world and how they work in our bodies," she said. "It's amazing to go to work and do what I love."

Owning and operating the shop can be hectic at times, but Rose said that a packed schedule reflects the growing interest in herbalism.  

"So many times and I come in with an agenda and that's not what happens at all," Rose said with a laugh. "I always have apprentices here learning plants, or working on specific projects. We'll sit around table talking about clients, talking about projects -- our floor is always open for education."

Filling a Void in the Community is Key 

Before opening the shop in May of 2009, Rose taught herbal education at Third Root Community Center and worked full-time as an herbalist.

"The decision [to open a shop] was because of accessibility to herbs," she said. "I would consult and or I would teach and say, 'these are the plants you need,' but there was no where to get plants. I was shocked that there really was no place in Brooklyn."

Then, one day, as she walked down Cortelyou Rd., she spotted what a storefront for rent. "The spot picked me," she said. "I practice within this space, I teach classes here and the herbs are here."

The community welcomed the new business with open arms.

"When I first opened, I realized how welcoming the neighborhood is," she said. "I think Ditmas Park is an amazing place to open a business. So much of my success is tied to Ditmas Park. People would ask, 'how did you stay afloat in tough economy?' It was purely because of the neighborhood. They want to put their money in us because we're local."

As a minority woman and business owner, Rose said she is filling another void. "I'm really proud to be that face," she said. "We don't see that in Ditmas Park as much as I would like. I think it's coming." 

Taking Care of Yourself to Take Care of Others

"At first, you feel you have to work all the time," Rose said. "Then I realized, I could make my own hours. I have three children and I bring them to school, get their dinner ready for them and then come to work."

After acting as a healer for years, Rose realized she had to take care of herself as well. "I didn't take a vacation for the first two years of the business," she said with a laugh.

"How can you be in the business of healing when you're not healed? When I told customers I was going on vacation, they said, 'we were wondering how you were doing it!'"