737. Balance Spiritual Growth + Business Ventures for REAL Success
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Deep Dive
What inspired Shizu Okusa to create Apothékary?
Shizu was inspired to create Apothékary after a date where she felt the need to drink wine socially but didn’t want to. She wanted to create a non-alcoholic alternative that felt good and supported well-being, leading to the creation of products like Wine Down.
How does Apothékary’s double extraction process differ from other tinctures?
Apothékary uses a double extraction process where herbs are first distilled in alcohol to extract compounds, then the alcohol is evaporated. The final product is preserved in glycerin, a low-glycemic preservative, making it alcohol-free and long-lasting for up to three years.
What is Shizu Okusa’s philosophy on balancing productivity and spiritual growth?
Shizu emphasizes shifting focus from productivity as a measure of success to cultivating eulogy virtues—how one wants to be remembered. She believes in aligning energy with community, family, and personal fulfillment rather than just career milestones.
What are the benefits of Apothékary’s Wine Down tincture?
Wine Down is a sedative herbal blend designed to help with relaxation and sleep. It contains herbs that promote calmness and support staying asleep, making it a popular non-alcoholic alternative for winding down.
How does Shizu Okusa view the transition from founder to CEO?
Shizu sees the transition from founder to CEO as a shift from creative, hands-on work to managing teams, processes, and investor dynamics. She notes that many founders struggle with this transition as it involves less creativity and more operational focus.
What is Shizu Okusa’s approach to sourcing herbs for Apothékary?
Apothékary sources herbs from 22 countries worldwide, ensuring they are 100% organic. The company works with suppliers who provide certificates of analysis (COAs) to verify purity and quality, and they use four co-packers globally to manage their supply chain.
What is the significance of the Blue Burn tincture in Apothékary’s product line?
Blue Burn is Apothékary’s top-selling tincture, supporting metabolic health and cortisol regulation. It contains potent herbs like Oregon grape root, which has berberine, known for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and supporting weight management.
How does Shizu Okusa describe her experience with Vipassana meditation?
Shizu describes Vipassana as a transformative silent meditation practice. She notes that the first day is challenging as you process unfinished thoughts, but by the third and fourth days, it becomes cathartic, allowing for emotional release and self-reflection.
What is Shizu Okusa’s perspective on the importance of eulogy virtues?
Shizu believes eulogy virtues—how one wants to be remembered—are crucial for living a meaningful life. She contrasts these with resume virtues (career achievements) and emphasizes the need to shift focus to legacy and personal fulfillment as one matures.
What is Shizu Okusa’s future vision for her family’s property in Vancouver?
Shizu plans to convert her family’s 20-acre property in Vancouver into a retreat center featuring a Japanese bathhouse, plant medicine, and farm-to-table experiences. The project is part of her five-year goal to create a space blending wellness and Japanese culture.
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