An Inspired Chat with Kimberly Kling

Kimberly Kling shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Kimberly, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of my work—which also brings me deep joy—I’ve been savoring the simple practice of stepping into my garden at sunset to sing. It’s become a way of being present, and be both witness and witnessed by the world around me. I love that singing supports the vagus nerve—it’s a way I care for myself while also offering something to the plants and creatures who share that space. I like to think they feel the resonance of song too. Plus, it’s just fun!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I help people tend their roots—body, mind, and spirit—through earth-centered herbal care. My work centers around education, one-on-one consultations, community connection, and creating small-batch, 100% natural body and soul-care products.

I host the Remedy & Rhyme podcast, where plants and poetry meet to inspire deeper reverence for the Earth. I also collaborate with local organizations, like The Local Co-op of McNeal, to create educational materials that highlight the gifts of nutrition by way of their Produce Prescriptions program.

Whether through local or online classes, my Patreon community (filled with recipes, plant wisdom, journaling pages, meditations, and more), or personalized herbal consultations, my goal is always the same: to help people nurture their well-being while honoring the planet. Because when we care for ourselves in harmony with nature, we grow stronger, more joyful roots.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
For much of my childhood, I was painfully shy, convinced I didn’t quite fit in and that sharing my voice was something to fear. It took me years to realize that the very things that once made me feel like an outsider were actually gifts. Through persistence, practice, and plenty of courage, I’ve worked through much of that shyness. Now I embrace those unique qualities, knowing they shape how I see and move through the world. Most importantly, I’ve learned that my voice and presence not only have value, but are needed in this world.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Living with an autoimmune condition and chronic pain has been one of my greatest challenges. There are many moments when I wish it would simply disappear, yet this journey has been a profound teacher. It has taught me to slow down, to listen more deeply to my body, and to hold compassion for what others may be carrying—often in silence. I understand more intimately what it feels like to walk in the shoes of my clients.

Suffering has shown me that healing is not linear. There are no quick fixes or cure-alls, only the ongoing work of tending to ourselves with patience and care. It has taught me the importance of giving myself grace on the hard days, and of recognizing that showing up imperfectly is still showing up.

Through my struggles, I have also learned so much about herbs and natural wellness like how plants work uniquely for each person, a myriad of therapeutic approaches and assessment perspectives, and how vital it is to approach health with both curiosity and humility. Most of all, this path has taught me to extend compassion inward, remembering that gentleness with ourselves is not a luxury, but a necessity.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I think there is an important truth in recognizing that humans are not separate from the Earth, but are actually an integral part of Her. We have the capacity to live in harmony with the planet, honoring Her rhythms and cycles. However, much of our modern society today tends to view humans as parasitic to the Earth, and unfortunately, our actions often reflect this belief.

In contrast, indigenous communities around the world hold a deep, embodied knowledge of what it means to care for the Earth with balance and respect. They understand how to tend to Her in ways that support harmony, enrich biodiversity, and strengthen ecosystems. This wisdom teaches us and shows us by example that humans can exist as caretakers in part of a reciprocal relationship where both the Earth and people thrive together.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I’m gone, people remember how deeply I loved. I hope they remember my devotion to the Earth, to the land, and to the plants that have been my lifelong companions. I hope they recall how I cared for humans and all living creatures with kindness and respect. More than anything, I want people to feel that I brought them joy, offered insight, and shared a sense of peace. I want my presence to be remembered as a gentle reminder of our connection to each other and to the natural world we all belong to…also that silliness and laughter are good medicine too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joyfulroots.com
• Instagram: @joyfulroots
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyfulRoots
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyfulRoots
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hqMg6FUNldlgcrkZ2ACNF?si=251b6cdc9df3406d

Image Credits
All photos are by me