03/06/2026
We all have a story to tell...
Here is part 1 of how The Natural Dispensary started as an idea and became what it is now.
My Journey to The Natural Dispensary ~ Cheree
My journey into natural health began many years ago when I watched my grandmother battle cancer. As a child, I thought the people I loved would always be there, and losing her was a profound wake-up call. I watched her endure conventional treatments and found myself wondering whether there might be gentler, more supportive options available. While I discovered alternative approaches, they were often difficult to access and prohibitively expensive. Sadly, my grandmother's illness progressed quickly, and there was little time to explore those possibilities.
As the years passed, my interest in natural and integrative health continued to grow. I found myself questioning the conventional approach to health care and searching for ways to support healing rather than simply manage symptoms. I often joke that I have built a library of natural health knowledge for the people I love, collecting information and resources that might one day help them on their own health journeys.
My passion became even more personal when I experienced ongoing health challenges myself. I suffered from chronic bronchitis and found myself relying on antibiotics every few months, often dealing with unwanted side effects long after the infection had passed. Everything changed when I met Dr Karen Horne, a homeopath who took the time to understand my health history and look for the root causes of my recurring illness. Through her care and guidance, my health improved dramatically. What had once been a chronic problem became an occasional occurrence, and today I may only experience bronchitis once every few years.
Dr Horne became much more than my healthcare practitioner; she became a mentor who introduced me to the world of natural and integrative medicine. She taught me the value of supporting the body's innate ability to heal and inspired me to continue learning about health from a broader perspective.
When I became a mother, my journey deepened even further. I became passionate about creating a healthier lifestyle for my family, learning about environmental toxins, nutrition, and the many factors that influence wellbeing. I embraced a preventative approach to health, focusing on supporting the body so that it is strong, resilient, and better equipped to handle illness. Thanks to the knowledge and tools I have gained over the years, my daughters have rarely needed conventional medical intervention and have benefited greatly from a proactive approach to wellness.
Research remains one of my greatest passions. I spend countless hours reading, attending webinars, and learning from holistic, natural, and integrative practitioners from around the world. I am constantly amazed by the innovative approaches available to support health and wellbeing.
Before opening The Natural Dispensary, I worked as a teacher, a profession that nurtured my love of education and helping others grow. When Dr Horne offered me the opportunity to open a health store alongside her, I immediately knew it was the path I wanted to follow.
The Natural Dispensary was born from a desire to make trusted natural health solutions more accessible to everyday people. My goal is not only to provide quality products but also to educate, empower, and support individuals on their health journeys. I believe that informed choices and the right support can make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
I am excited about what the future holds. I look forward to continuing my studies, introducing innovative products and therapies, and helping more people discover the benefits of a natural, proactive approach to health.
Helping people live healthier, happier lives is not just my profession—it is my passion.
