Always remember “Your Health Truly Is Your Wealth!”
Meet Gerard & Shonquil Andrus of Grand Root Remedies
When life presented them with a challenge, Gerard and Shonquil Andrus answered it with creativity, faith, and heart—sparking the journey that became Grand Root Remedies. Guided by love and a desire to help others, they have built a mission centered on holistic wellness, offering handcrafted herbal remedies, teas, oils, and thoughtfully curated wellness kits designed to support families in meaningful ways.
What began as a deeply personal journey—seeking gentle, effective support for their youngest daughter, Nylee, after her autism diagnosis—grew into a path of discovery, experimentation, and intention. Through research, trial and error, and unwavering faith, they began crafting solutions tailored to real-life needs, refining each product with care and purpose.
Over time, their personal pursuit transformed into Grand Root Remedies: not just a business, but a way to serve and heal the broader community. Every item reflects creativity, thoughtful design, and a heart devoted to nurturing body, mind, and spirit. Gerard and Shonquil demonstrate that personal challenges can inspire innovative solutions, and that faith, intention, and love can guide entrepreneurial creativity.
Their story reminds us that creativity is more than craft—it is service, connection, and impact. By answering life’s challenges with heart, Gerard and Shonquil have created remedies that ripple far beyond their original purpose, offering care and hope to families everywhere.
Personal Introduction
I first met Gerard and Shonquil at a local fair, and what struck me right away was their warmth, authenticity and the contagious joy they carry. Their story is deeply rooted in family, faith, and a genuine desire to create products that help people feel better—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
As Autism Awareness Month approaches, their mission feels even more meaningful. It’s a reminder that personal challenges can become the soil where creativity grows, leading to solutions that not only support their own family but ripple outward to help others.
What makes Grand Root Remedies especially inspiring is how creativity is woven into everything they do. From blending herbs and essential oils to thoughtfully curating wellness kits, each piece is made with intention and care. Their journey is a powerful example of how creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about responding to real-life needs with heart, purpose, and a willingness to grow through the process.
Creative Conversations
Creative Conversations is a monthly Q&A series where I sit down with creatives from all walks of life to talk about creativity as it really exists. This month, we’re talking with Gerard and Shonquil Andrus of Grand Root Remedies. Their story shows how creativity can be both personal and communal: what started as a family journey to support their youngest daughter, has grown into a business that serves and heals others. Take a few minutes to read through their conversation with me, as Gerard and Shonquil share how faith, intention, and innovation guide everything they do—turning personal challenges into solutions that serve and heal others.
What first pulled you into the world of herbal remedies and natural products?
Our journey into herbal remedies began when our youngest daughter Nylee was diagnosed with autism shortly after she turned two years old. It shocked us and we felt a bit defeated, especially because we had a lack of knowledge in this area. As parents, we wanted to do everything we could to support her development and help her live a happy, thriving life. That moment changed everything for us. We began researching natural alternatives and holistic approaches that could gently support her body instead of relying solely on harsh chemicals that are so common in our society today. The more we learned, the more we realized that nature provides powerful tools for healing and support. What started as a personal mission to help our daughter quickly became a passion for natural wellness… not just for our family, but for our community as well.
What has surprised you the most about building this business together?
What has surprised me the most is how much building this business has grown us, not just as entrepreneurs, but as a couple and in our faith. We’ve learned so much about each other, our strengths, our differences, and how to truly work as one.The love and support from our community have also been overwhelming. Seeing people grateful that they have another, God-given option for their health has been powerful.For us, this isn’t just business, it’s biblical. God tells us He gave us seed-bearing plants and leaves for healing. We pray for wisdom and discernment over every formula, and we truly believe this is His doing. Building this business has deepened our understanding of Scripture and strengthened our faith. It’s helped us grow together and grow closer to God.
How do you balance family life with running a growing business?
Honestly, it’s been a huge learning experience and a lot of sacrifice, especially with our youngest daughter having autism and an unpredictable sleep schedule. There are long days, longer nights, and very little rest at times. We have literally had events back-to-back events where we tagged teamed getting 2-3 hours of sleep and still somehow had the energy to show up for our customers with grateful hearts , love, smiles positive energy and ready to serve. Everything we make is handmade with our own hands, from creating labels, prepping products to managing inventory and showing up at markets and events. Our whole family plays a role. Our oldest daughter Nahvia helps when she can with the soap making, (she’s an honor student and plays clarinet, which we also balance her band schedule in between prepping) and sometimes one of us is at the market while the other stays home caring for our youngest. It truly takes teamwork and time management. We lean on our faith, trusting God to establish the work of our hands, and we move as one unit …what we call the A-Team (because our last name is Andrus lol). It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it, and we grow stronger together through it all.
Your soaps and oils smell incredible. How do you choose your scent combinations?
(Quilla) This began as healing, not a business and is very personal for me because I actually formulate our soaps and oils. I was diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and was told it was incurable. On top of that, our oldest daughter has extremely sensitive skin, and nothing we were given worked on, it made things worse. So, while my husband studied internal herbs, I began studying herbs and oils that support, heal, and regenerate the skin. I started blending the essential oils together in my soaps and then testing everything on my own skin first. When I saw my outbreaks calm down and my skin began to heal, I was honestly in disbelief and grateful at the same time, it was bigger than just skincare…it renewed my faith in God’s creation, mother nature. Not only did I get my skin under control, but my daughter’s skin also improved dramatically, no redness, no irritation. That’s when I knew we had something special, which inspired the Rooted Glow Radiant Healing Oil to pair with our soaps and lock in healing, moisture, and protection. Both combined was a game changer for our family and our skin. So every blend is a testimony of healing, faith, and God’s provision. As for the scents, I choose combinations that are not only beneficial for the skin but also make you feel confident. I love smelling fresh, soft, sometimes a little warm and spicy…so I create both beautifully scented and fragrance-free options. Every blend has intention behind it healing always comes first, and the scent is the beautiful bonus.
Can you walk us through what goes into creating one of your herbal tea blends from start to finish?
Every blend starts with a need… whether it’s for immunity, digestion, hormones, or overall wellness. The first thing we do is pray and turn to God for wisdom, because He’s already provided everything we need through herbs, plants, and leaves for healing. Even when we have an idea in mind, we go back and research how different herbs can work together more effectively and synergistically to meet that specific need. Once we create the blend, we test it, usually on ourselves first, and sometimes with family or close friends who are experiencing the same issue. When we see real results and know it’s working, that’s when we prepare it for our customers. Every tea we offer is created with intention, prayer, research, and real-life experience, not mass production. It’s truly wellness made with care.
For readers who are new to herbal remedies, what exactly is elderberry syrup and why do so many families love it? What sets yours apart?
I’m so excited you asked this because elderberry syrup was actually the very first remedy we created for our family. We originally made it to support sickness and as a preventative to help keep us from getting sick in the first place. Elderberry syrup is made from elderberries, a nutrient-rich berry full of antioxidants and vitamins that naturally support the immune system and can help shorten the duration of colds and flu. Families love it because it’s an easy, natural way to strengthen immunity for both adults and children. What sets ours apart is the formula and the taste. I personally don’t enjoy bitter or overly earthy flavors, so I created a blend that tastes really good while still being powerful. We carefully chose additional herbs that not only boost immunity, but also support digestion, heart health, and overall wellness, making it more holistic. I always joke that I tested it on the toughest critics first, my picky wife and kids lol. When they loved it, I knew we had something special. Now hearing families share how it helped shorten sickness or keep them healthy is what truly sets our elderberry syrup apart. It was made with intention, great taste, and real-life results in mind.
Herbal capsules can feel intimidating to some people. How do you help customers feel confident choosing the right one?
We completely understand why capsules can feel intimidating, that’s why we never create anything we haven’t personally tried first. We test every formula on ourselves, and then often with close family or friends who are dealing with that specific concern. We pay close attention to results and feedback, and we’ve been blessed to only receive positive experiences so far. We’ve spent about 10 years and counting studying herbs, how they work in the body, which ones work best together, and the proper balance, especially since some herbs are more powerful and need to be used in smaller amounts. We don’t copy formulas; we build them intentionally so they’re effective but still safe. When customers are choosing a capsule, we walk them through what each one does, what they may feel, and what to expect, like detox effects with Seamoss and Bladderwrack. Some people don’t enjoy tea, so capsules are a simple option to still receive the benefits quickly and easily. Because we use these remedies ourselves, we can confidently guide others to the right choice. It’s all about education, experience, and making sure people feel supported every step of the way.
What’s one product you make that people are always surprised by?
Honestly, it’s our elderberry syrup, even though it’s one of our most popular products. When we first started selling at our local farmer’s market in DeRidder, so many people told us they had tried elderberry syrup before and didn’t like it because it tasted terrible. A lot of them were hesitant to try ours for that reason. So, they’d usually start with our smallest size just to test it out, and almost every time, they’d come back later that day or the next time we saw them and bought one of our bigger jars. The biggest surprise for people is the taste. We hear all the time, “This actually tastes really good,” or “This tastes like fall in a cup!” We even had customers laugh and tell us they drink it straight from the jar like juice, even though we recommend just a few spoonfuls or a small shot. Seeing that reaction never gets old, and it’s one of our favorite parts of what we do.
You offer customized kits. What inspired that idea, and how does the process work?
Our customized wellness kits actually began during the COVID pandemic. At that time, we were creating seven-day kits for families who were dealing with COVID or flu-like symptoms. We carefully researched herbs, minerals, and supplements that could work together to support the body and help lessen symptoms and treat covid. Many of our customers shared that they started feeling better within just 3-5 days. After seeing those results, we realized we could take that same approach and customize kits for individual needs beyond sickness, whether it’s immunity, digestion, hormones, or overall wellness. Each kit usually includes our elderberry syrup along with other targeted herbs, natural and organic, chosen specifically for that person. We start with a consultation to learn about their health concerns, any diagnoses, and medications they’re currently taking. From there, we create a personalized regimen, often including lifestyle and diet suggestions, to support healthier choices and a better quality of life. It’s all about meeting people where they are and helping them heal naturally.
What’s a common misconception people have about herbal remedies?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that herbal remedies work like a quick pill, that you take them once and expect an instant fix, like Tylenol. Some herbs can work quickly, but most are meant to build up in your system over time. Herbs don’t force the body, they work naturally and harmoniously with it, getting to the root of the issue instead of just masking symptoms. Even when you don’t feel immediate results, they’re still working behind the scenes to detox, nourish, repair, and restore the body the way God designed it to function. Herbal wellness isn’t a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about long-term healing, balance, and prevention, not temporary relief.
If someone is just beginning to explore natural remedies, where would you encourage them to start?
We would encourage them to start with prayer. Seek wisdom first. We truly believe God has already provided what we need through the plants and herbs He created, sometimes it’s just about learning how to use them. From there, start educating yourself. A good home remedy or herbal reference book can open your eyes to what’s possible and even taking a foundational herbalism course can help you understand how herbs work in the body. Knowledge is key. And most importantly, evaluate your own health. Look at your lifestyle, your diagnosis if you have one, and begin researching herbs that support those specific areas. We believe in the principle of “heal thyself,” taking responsibility for your wellness journey and learning how to support your body naturally.
What has being a part of local fairs and markets meant to you personally?
Being part of local fairs and markets has meant so much more to us than just selling our products, it’s truly about serving and healing our community. It’s about building relationships, support, and what feels like a whole new family of people who are all seeking wellness the way God intended. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful human connections can be. Some people come to our booth not even realizing their spirit needs healing as much as their body. Through conversation, encouragement, and simply caring, we’ve watched people walk away lighter, and when we see them again, they’re doing better, stronger, and more hopeful. For us, healing is holistic, mind, body, and spirit. The herbs support the body, but love, faith, and connection nourish the soul. Being at these markets allows us to use the gifts God has given us, step out on faith, and bless our community through the work of our hands. That’s what it truly means to us.
Are there any big dreams or plans you’re currently working toward?
Our biggest dream is to continue healing our community, and to grow far beyond it. We would love to eventually open a storefront and even a warehouse so we can serve more families, reach more people, and make natural healing accessible on a wider scale. We pray that God stretches us as far as He sees fit. We want to leave our mark and make a positive impact on the world not just for today, but for our children, our family, and our community. Our heart is to reach everyone we can, because we truly believe everyone deserves healing physically, mentally, and spiritually. Wherever He leads us, we’re ready to grow and serve.
What do you hope people feel when they use something from Grand Root Remedies?
We hope and pray that people feel healing first, but also love, light, energy, and peace. Every product we make is created with intention, prayer, dedication, and care. We pour our hearts into everything we touch, believing that what you create with love carries healing with it. We want our customers to feel supported, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Whether it’s a cup of tea, a spoonful of elderberry syrup, a capsule, or one of our oils, our hope is that they feel restored, encouraged, and reminded that their health truly matters. More than anything, we want them to feel the positive impact of natural healing, that they are choosing something nurturing for their body and empowering for their wellness journey. When people use Grand Root Remedies, we want them to feel cared for, strengthened, and hopeful.
What would you like to leave our readers with today?
We want to leave readers with hope, hope that healing is possible, that wellness doesn’t have to be out of reach, and that God has already provided what our bodies need through nature. Our journey began with our family, but it has grown into a mission to serve and heal our community and beyond. Natural healing is not a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle rooted in faith, education, and intention. When you take the time to nourish your body, mind, and spirit, you create space for true restoration. Above all, we want people to know they’re not alone on their wellness journey. Whether you’re just beginning or have been searching for answers, there is a natural path forward, and we are honored to walk alongside you. Healing is possible, and it starts with believing, learning, and taking that first step. Always remember “Your Health Truly Is Your Wealth!”
Always, With God’s Love, From Gerard & Shonquil Andrus at Grand Root Remedies 💚
Closing Reflection
Grand Root Remedies is a vivid expression of creativity guided by purpose. From handcrafted soaps and oils to thoughtfully curated teas and wellness kits, each product reflects careful experimentation, intentional design, and a deep commitment to healing.
Gerard and Shonquil show us that creativity often rises from necessity—that faith can shape innovation, and that personal challenges can become the starting point for meaningful solutions. Their work goes beyond craftsmanship; it’s rooted in service, connection, and care for the whole person.
Their story is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about what we make—it’s about how we show up for others. When fueled by love and intention, even the smallest creation can ripple outward, touching lives in ways we may never fully see.
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