Interview by Danielle Largesse
We recently had the honor of interviewing local author Suzanne Tabert. Suzanne is a Bioregional Herbalist, Author, Speaker Adjunct Faculty at Bastyr University and director of herbal education at the Cedar Mountain Herb School. Let’s get to know her!
How long have you lived in the Northwest? What initially attracted you to this place? Has living in this area influenced your writing?
I have been in the northwest area for 45 years. I was/am attracted to the area because I always wanted to live in the pine trees and listen to the crickets, it’s what makes me happy. Being our happierselves gives us access to what is in our hearts. I came here because I want to enjoy life in its many forms.
Can you tell us a little bit about your books? What inspired you to write and start your own business?
My first book Wild and Beautiful came about when I was out and about at Farmers’ Markets selling products and teaching classes. People would ask how do I know all of this information? I would tell them all about how to intimately know your plants, their uses, how they grow, in what conditions they thrive, and why/how they live and contribute to the plants around them in their little plant communities. For one of my classes, I did a handout with all the basic knowledge I could and it turned out to be about 19 pages long, thinking to myself I thought, “Why not just make a book?” So, I ended up writing Wild and Beautiful, a real how-to book, self-published, that ended up being sought out by a real publishing company.
Quest for Calm came into being afterward because I really want to spread my knowledge and give those who seek it ample opportunity to learn. I struggle with anxiety and knowing it affects so many people I decided to see what I could do to help deal with it. For my book, I delved into what anxiety is and how it works on a physical level. I then took my herbology and applied it so I can help others like myself. The book itself covers all the knowledge from what is anxiety to what herbs to use, how to use them and how to cultivate the herbs yourself. I love what I do and call myself a scientist geek herbalist! I plan on making a sequel to this book.
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
I want readers to know that they can take control of their health into their own hands in a way that is easy and helpful whether it be for their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health.
What are your hobbies outside of writing?
I love riding my e-bike, either by myself or with my good friend Beril. I love the freedom to go everywhere and anywhere in an easy manner. Despite having a wonderful community of friends and family, I feel like a lone wolf content with being by myself on adventures through the area or just riding my bike. I love it, it is beautiful. I also love doing macrame.
What is next for you? How can readers find you?
I run the Cedar Mountain Herb School where I teach everything I know to any willing students. I offer apprenticeships through my program as well. I also teach at a University and at herbal conventions as much as possible. My husband just moved my “Happy Garden” into beautiful raised beds so I am going to start fixing those up. I am also involved with the local Women’s Homesteading chapter. I look forward to continuing to share my knowledge with anyone willing to learn. Fun fact, I have over 33 plants in my bedroom alone.
Feel free to reach out via my website: cedarmountainherbs.com
Any last parting thoughts?
If you are at all interested, please come to my classes. You will learn so much more than you think you will. I have had students complete an apprenticeship only to come back to learn more. I have also had students who take a class not really caring about the subject only to really love it and bring friends/family to the next class. So don’t be afraid and come find your community/tribe!