Real Charleston Women Series: Minde Herbert, Sea Island Organics
Q: Tell us a little about your profession & why you do what you do:
A: I’m the owner of Sea Island Organics, a Charleston-based organic food company whose current focus is creating wholesome, small-batch elderberry products. You may have seen our products in Earth Fare, local farmers markets, and your neighborhood corner store. Our products include freshly made Certified SC elderberry syrup, elderberry herbal tea blends, elderberry mulling spices (hello, Fall!), and soon, elderberry-infused honey. I joke that I’m the company’s Chief Elderberry Evangelist (yes, it’s on my business card!), but more specifically, I’m an advocate for eating well and organically, healing with food, and connecting with others. I love helping my community stay well.
Q: When not at work, where can we mostly find you?
A: I’m naturally curious, so the best bet is that I’m learning something new. A challenging recipe, a better approach to doing business, different ways to bring value to my customers, researching the next trip… Never underestimate the power of a beginner’s mindset.
Q: Where is your favorite place to dine in Charleston?
A: If I HAD to choose, it would likely be a cozy bar/counter seat at Stella’s.
Q: If you could lounge anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Any place with my awesome 19-year-old twins. Both have chosen unique and adventurous life paths, so wherever they’re hanging out is pretty cool. I’m visiting my daughter in Nice, France, this September. Pretty cool!
Q: What does comfort mean to you?
A: O.k., I’m goin’ deep… Comfort means truth. I am deeply comforted when I’m around people and places where I can be my authentic self with people I trust.
Q: What might you say to someone who needs a little pick-me-up?
A: Let’s go for a walk! And I always ask, How can I support you? Do you need me to put on my fix-it hat or just listen?
Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
A: Start a non-profit that encourages and empowers young girl entrepreneurs with meaningful mentor connections, start-up funds to bring business ideas to life, and show by example that women who support women rise together.
Q: What makes you feel most empowered?
A: Connecting others so they can do good things together makes me feel like a superhero. Hands down.
Q: How do you recharge?
A: Walking, Swimming in the ocean, Sharing an evening with good friends - dining, adventuring, drinking wine. I can easily be recharged with a good belly laugh.
Q: What is the first thing you do when you get home from work?
A: I usually make a to-do list for the following day so I can truly relax without thinking about what’s next. It gives my brain a break.
Q: What makes you most uncomfortable?
A: Fake, opportunistic people. I can’t get out of a room fast enough when I spot these folks.
Q: What’s one thing you would change about yourself?
A: I think everyone relates to this: I would try to live more in the moment. I can get lost in the busyness of life, work, and kids, and forget to breathe. Really breathe.
Q: What’s your favorite recipe we need to know about?
A: I love this easy recipe for quick and truly beneficial hydration: Add a tablespoon of our freshly made elderberry syrup, a splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt to 8 oz of filtered water. Hydrate with good nutrition. :)
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Don’t panic.
Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?
A: My relationships.
Q: What is your favorite thing to sleep in?
A: I recently got an Imbali PJ set from Lounge with Us that I adore. (Shameless plug, but so true!) The fabric is like butter, and it makes me feel a little fancy.
Q: What is your bucket list trip and why?
A: Slow sailing around the Greek Islands, sampling regional food, learning about its food history and pathways, soaking up the culture, and meeting new people.
Q: What kind of driver are you?
A: 50% Formula 1, 50% church lady
Q: What do you need to rant about or get off your chest?
A: Too-loud, too-cramped restaurants with fabulous food. Every restaurateur should have a meal in their restaurant at prime time to truly understand their customers’ experience. Many great meals have been ruined by blaring playlists and a lack of personal space.
Q: What’s your secret weapon?
A: Purpose.
