Conversations with the Inspiring Paola Balsa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Balsa.

Paola, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey in the field of herbalism and holistic healing began relatively recently or a long time ago, depending on how you look at it. Growing up, I was a big fan of my mother and grandmother and the way that they cared for themselves and others which included nothing but natural and holistic methods. I wanted to learn why and how the things that they used for ailments worked.

I am originally from Mexico and came to this country almost 20 years ago. After a few years, I had kids and stopped working altogether to care for them and this to me, was bliss. I always and only wanted to be a mom. I never had big ambitions outside the making of a home and was grateful to be able to fulfill this dream. My curiosity and restlessness, however, got the best of me and after they were both in school full time, I decided to go back to school and embark on a long learning process that continues to this day. I became a certified master herbalist after a 2-year program from the Integrative Herbalism school in California. I also became a Reiki Master and a certified Louise Hay ‘Heal Your Life’ workshop leader. I took another course in botanical cosmetics and it wasn’t too long before I started experimenting on myself and others with herbal tea blends and tinctures and started selling some of my concoctions. This is how Azomalli (Aztec word for calm, peace, tranquility) was born and evolved into what it is today; a holistic wellness enterprise focused on organic tea blends and formulas, well being workshops and energy healing sessions, all tailored to the individual as a whole. A holistic approach to prosperity, happiness, fulfillment, and health. I participate in some of Denver’s most recognized and popular markets and fairs and locally made artisan shops around town, all with the help and support of my kiddos who are my cheerleaders, biggest supporters and toughest critics.

At around the time, all this was happening, my personal life was suffering a dramatic shift and my financial situation changed as a result. And so, I had to supplement my pursuit of being a mother and a holistic herbalist with some other form of income.

My language skills have always been great and my love and passion for words, expression and language translation led me to pursue a career in interpreting and translating. Another set of ample studying and education came my way and I again was constantly dragging a large bag filled with books and my laptop everywhere I went. I started practicing in the medical and educational fields and after this experience and long hours of practicing and studying, I passed the National State Court test for interpreters and became certified to provide my services as an officer of the court in judicial proceedings. Eventually, I also specialized in Immigration Court and have had the opportunity to perform my services throughout the country; Denver, New York, and San Francisco are among the major cities where I’ve worked as a Certified Court Interpreter. I now practice in various fields which include legal, business, medical, education, and community. I incorporated my services as an independent contractor and PB Language Services LLC was born. Out of necessity, passion, and pleasure.

I enjoy the different roles that I play on a daily basis and I am grateful to still be able to primarily care for my children.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth ride. Running a business entirely by myself has been strenuous, to say the least. When marketing, accounting, administrative, financial and other aspects arise that pose a challenge, it requires a whole new set of knowledge and abilities that one has to acquire, and with all other things considered that need to be taken care of by me, it really takes a toll on one’s exhaustion levels, sanity, and health.

My advice to young women starting out would be to be organized and focused on what you want to achieve, but also to allow for life to occur and be open to try new things, experiment and take leaps of faith. Don’t limit yourself to a single role, stereotype, path, calling or ambition. The possibilities are always endless. To this point, I would also like to add that just because we, as women can do it all, it doesn’t mean that we should. Something always gives and one should have a clear idea of what matters most.

What should we know about Azomalli and PB Language Services? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I can say with all certainty that what sets me apart in my work are the added values of honesty, integrity, humanity and strong belief in what I do. I pour my entire heart and soul over my projects and I truly care about providing a service that is not only of the highest quality but that it also considers the clients as holistic individuals with particular needs that I feel I can fulfill in the best possible way. If there is a job that I feel is no match for me, I will not hesitate to say so. And if a particular product that I sell will not benefit you in particular, I will not push it onto you.

The two very different things that I do with Azomalli and PB Language Services come down to the fact that they were created precisely to “serve” and I will always try to provide this to the best of my ability and wholehearted knowledge.

It’s personal for me; it’s not just business. My time, effort, creativity, good wishes, abilities, time away from my children and more are vested in these ventures. This is my legacy and my gift to the world as a human; not just merely a means to making a living or keeping busy.

My kids are an integral part of it too; they are my official tea sommeliers and we give out a little card that they made a long time ago, along with each and every product that we sell that says “put a little love in your heart”. They are also witnesses to an example of what a good work ethic is and to values and morals that will help them thrive and stand out as valuable members of the community and decent human beings in a world that is in great need of these attributes; this is, as a brand, as a human being and as a businesswoman what I am most proud of.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I have been immensely lucky to have run into amazing women entrepreneurs along my way and have had the honor to learn from them and also to share with them my experience and knowledge acquired.

My advice would be to just go out there and not be afraid to meet other people on a similar boat. Look for and attend networking events and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance and also to offer yours in return. You might be pleasantly surprised too and find dear friends in people whom you’ve considered to be mentors, colleagues, and fellow entrepreneurs and hard workers like yourself.

Be open, share and be willing to receive also.

Contact Info:

• Website: Azomalli.net
• Phone: 302-545-8113
• Email: paola_balsa@comcast.net
• Instagram: @azomalli_
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolabalsa

Image Credit:
The second picture (azomalli background in festival) is from Tim Gillies Photography

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