Women in Wellness: Meet Advocate for Holistic Health and Founder of Dacha Wellness, Shannon Smith
|Published
Shannon’s personal challenges with burnout, imbalanced hormones, and extreme physical and mental exhaustion led her on a quest for natural solutions. This journey saw her transition from a high-protein, exercise-heavy lifestyle to one of plant-based wellness, spiritual healing, and balance. Here, she lets us in on her approach to wellness
Shannon’s wellnes journey has seen her transition from a high-protein, exercise-heavy lifestyle to a plant-based and holistic approach. Expanding on this, she says, “My health journey hasn’t been linear; it’s been more of a process of listening to what my body needs. When I first got into health coaching, I basically went by the book to vast extremes. I was eating steaks daily, loading the protein powder, and exercising with my clients, which resulted in me working out between 4 & 5 hours a day. It eventually got too much for me and my body started rejecting meat, specifically cheese. I was burning out.” It was at this point when the shift happened, and she shares that she flipped the scales and went full vegan for about 6 years with the intention of maintaining this lifestyle.
“I still maintained my protein intake through plants, as protein is essential, but as I evolved and got to know my hormones better, I learned that our body requires different nutrients and minerals at different phases. This is where the more holistic approach came in and I started to realise that I could not follow a certain trend nor label my dietary requirements anymore. Instead of saying to myself “I have to eat this much protein/carbs today,” I started to tap in and ask my body what it really wanted.”
Although Shannon’s meals are still centred around protein, she says it’s in a more well-rounded way. “I incorporate free-range eggs and chicken into my food now, as well as fish that my boyfriend catches. I also started looking at exercise more holistically. And love exercise and move my body daily – I just do it with more grace now. I started cycle synching, seed cycling & taking supplements according to how my body was fluctuating through the month, rather than loading everything in every single day.”
Reflecting on this, she says the inspiration came from a desire to seek balance in her body. “As an Aries, I am extremely passionate & go full-throttle into everything I do. It brings me great joy to be approaching a balanced lifestyle with the same energy.”
Glamour: How did your personal experience with burnout and hormonal imbalance shape your vision for Dacha Wellness?
Shannon: It was a case of me having “aha” moments and needing to share it with the world. My vision for Dacha Wellness evolves often & keeps getting bigger, but it essentially grew as a result of me going through years of struggling to find answers, going to different GPs and trying to figure out what was wrong with me, only to find out that it can be fixed with such simple lifestyle adjustments. I think the pinnacle moment for me was when I went to a trusted GP in the area to tell her how I was feeling, only for her to turn around and give me anti-depressants. That was the major turning point for me. I threw her prescription away and haven’t been back since.
I pursued more natural, unconventional routes and found that clean supplements, skincare and superfoods were the sweet spots that really changed things for me. As I expand the business model further, I strongly believe that these fundamentals saved my microbiome, my hormones, relationships & life. I knew that if it could do so much for me, it will definitely be able to do the same for others.
Glamour: Can you share more about the moment you realized natural supplements were the key to your healing journey?
Shannon: The first step for me to realizing what was going on inside me was when I did a DNA analysis test. It told me everything I needed to know, everything that was happening in my body & my newfound naturopath was the one who put me onto it. It was through this process that I was able to deep dive into the fact that targeted quality supplements is what we should be focusing on & there is no “one size fits all” for everyone. I had been taking magnesium for years, but the quality was one that was questionable, even though it was a reputable brand. This started my rabbit-hole research to source the best I could find, which eventually led to an 8-tiered natural supplement range of my own.
Glamour: What sets Dacha Wellness apart from other health and wellness brands in the market?
Shannon: I see Dacha Wellness as a lifestyle, rather than just selling products. Part of my mission is to educate clients on their body, environment, the role mental and gut health play in our overall wellbeing. We genuinely have a passion for people, bringing people together and helping them to live their life as the best version of themselves.
Glamour: Why did you choose to name the brand “Dacha Wellness”? Does the name hold a special meaning?
Shannon: The business has evolved so much since it started – Dacha initially began in the CBD sector, as our flagship Bush Wellness range is CBD infused. Dacha is the Swahilli term for wild cannabis, IE “Dagga”. Dacha also means “House” in Russian, which rings true for me, because Dacha Wellness is essentially the journey of coming home to ourselves.
Glamour: What core values guide the mission and vision of Dacha Wellness?
Shannon: The mission and vision always has and always will be connecting humans to nature through as many means as possible. To live in symbiosis with the planet, it is so important for us to align ourselves as much as possible with natural ways of being. With our products, we research extensively to source the best quality we can find. We want to provide products that truly work, that aren’t just “on trend” but that actually contribute to a better life for you. I would never stock any product that I don’t wholeheartedly believe in. I use all the Dacha Wellness products & adore each one.
Glamour: How do you ensure the quality and efficacy of Dacha Wellness products?
Shannon: All the products go through vigorous stability testing before they are put to market. Before they are put through stability testing, I work hand-in-hand with my manufacturers to ensure that the product is exactly what I envision it to be in terms of effectiveness, smell, texture, quality ingredients, and pure love. The new Bush Wellness range alone took about 2 and a half years to develop because I was adamant on it being perfect. I think the personal lubricant was on sample number 23 by the time I approved it! (My manufacturers loved me for that haha). I also insisted on organic ingredients wherever possible, and ingredients that are ethical and feasible. There really is a lot of due diligence gone into these products.
Glamour: Can you walk us through the process of how your products are crafted, from sourcing ingredients to packaging?
Shannon: Firstly, I have to say that I have incredible people on my side. I absolutely would not have been able to do this without them. I worked very closely with my manufacturers, spending hours in the lab to get things right on the products. I have an excellent packaging supplier whom I have become extremely fond of, and I worked with a designer who not only has endless patience through our multiple design strategies, but who also exudes talent & creativity. I have insisted on top-notch ingredients from the get-go on everything. For example, we only use Ginseng roots that are at least 6 years old for optimum quality, which then undergo a steaming process that protects their bioactive components. (Fun fact – It is through this process that the Ginseng gets its red colour. If it hasn’t been properly steamed, some companies add red dye to give it the red colour!). So, in a nutshell, we make sure it’s done right, even if it makes it a bit more expensive.
Glamour: What role does scientific research play in the formulation of your supplements and superfoods?
Shannon: Huge. If we look at the Detox formula, for example, there is a list of 21 ingredients, all with a specific purpose & all of which work in perfect harmony with each other. We needed it to cleanse the colon, enhance digestion, but also support the liver and kidneys through this process. We specifically chose Dunaliella Salina Algae Powder for its beta-carotene properties, and we added all the B Vitamins to support the nervous system. Trace elements support the elimination process while supporting bones & muscle function. We added D Vitamins to support the immune system through the detox process & antioxidants from Green Tea Leaf Extract to support the liver. Every step through each formulation is carefully and intentionally thought through to ensure quality and efficacy.
Glamour: What makes the Magnesium Complex and Vitamin B Complex so pivotal in your product range?
Shannon: These products were actually the ones that inspired me to kickstart this whole supplements range. About 6 years ago, I completely flatlined from a major lack of Vitamin B in my body. The challenge wasn’t that I wasn’t taking it in, it was that my body wasn’t able to absorb it. There was a deeper issue here, which I found out that specific kinds of magnesium could assist with. And there, my journey really began. I truly feel that these 2 products saved my life (plus a bit of initiative, research and lifestyle adjustments), but I felt a difference within a week of taking these, and I knew that I had to create something from my experience.
Glamour: Sceletium is a unique ingredient—how did you decide to include it, and what makes it effective for mental clarity and stress relief?
Shannon: Sceletium was a big one for me, because as an overthinker and overachiever (I’m sure many can relate), anxiety can become quite crippling. In the worst times of my anxiety, I remember having a full-blown meeting & walking away from it not remembering a single thing that was spoken about, just because of the mental gymnastics that was going on in my head. It was not okay. I discovered Sceletium by pure luck and felt a change literally within 20 minutes of taking it. I’ve always loved my yoga & meditation practice, which definitely contributes to silencing the monkey mind, but the Sceletium was such a wonderful addition to my newfound path to getting myself in check. (especially in the Luteal Phase when the inner critic picks up the microphone!) It really is a powerful adaptogen, which increases the body’s ability to update serotonin. Adaptogens also support the adrenal glands, contributing to overall wellbeing. When I started the process with the supplements range, I knew I had to include it.
Glamour: Can you elaborate on the benefits of your Baobab Superfood Smoothie and its role in a holistic wellness routine?
Shannon: The Baobab Smoothie is lovely because it really is a gut-supporting gem. Baobab plant products are rich in all essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, making it do wonders for skin health. In addition to supplying many important nutrients, adding baobab to your diet may aid weight loss, help balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and optimize digestive health. Studies have also found Baobab helpful to improve stamina. We have mixed this with Pumpkin Protein, Hemp Protein, mesquite & banana powder to give you a rounded plant based protein that supports your gut and optimizes digestion.
Glamour: Why is sustainability such a central part of Dacha Wellness, and how do you ensure ethical sourcing and eco-friendly practices?
Shannon: With nature being our biggest inspiration, we have to play a role in preserving it wherever we can. Being in an industry that can quickly become consumed in consumerism, we are hyper-aware of the role that we play in the ecosystem. We try to reduce our carbon footprint by planting 20 trees every month through One Tree Planted, and we also plant a tree for every order that exceeds R1000 on our website (The customer even receives a certificate for this!). We insist on packaging that can be recycled or that is biodegradable. Watch this space for refillable sachets coming soon!
Glamour: Who do you envision as the ideal Dacha Wellness customer?
Shannon: If you have just come out of your favourite yoga class & on your way to your first meeting for the day, or if you’re about to embark on a multi-day hike, or if you you’re a mom of 3 toddlers and embracing a conscious lifestyle, our products are for you! Even if you are new to the healthy lifestyle journey, our products are great for you because they are simplified and potent. I don’t feel that they are gender-specific, but you have to be aware of your body and have a desire to want to feel like your favourite self and create a healthier, wholesome lifestyle. Our customers are the ones who understand that health is what you put in and on your body; it’s what you listen to and what you consume on a daily basis. Our customers are the conscious community in action.
Glamour: What advice would you give to someone just beginning their holistic wellness journey?
Shannon: Keep it simple and listen to your body. There are so many conflicting pieces of information out there, don’t get caught up in the “shoulds” and understand that each and every person is completely unique. Tap in and listen to your body’s wisdom. If you are a female, understand that your menstrual cycle is a report card of how you are living your life. Listen to that, take notes and adjust accordingly. Keep it simple, don’t try to do everything at once, and always ALWAYS take time out to be in nature.