The “Wake Up With Dee Morning Show,” welcomed Charmaine Gibbs-West, founder and CEO of Essence Tree, for a conversation centered on natural wellness, entrepreneurship, and the life experiences that shaped her holistic approach to health.
Gibbs-West, a former Wall Street executive turned holistic health educator and organic cosmetic formulator, discussed how her upbringing and career path led her to build one of the region’s fastest-growing natural wellness brands.
Gibbs-West explained that her introduction to holistic health began long before she entered the business world. Growing up with a naturopathic father, she said she learned early on that the body requires intentional care and attention. “Wellness was not something we stumbled into, it was part of our everyday life,” she said, noting that those early lessons eventually became the foundation for her company.
During the interview, she also spoke about the challenges of working in high-pressure corporate spaces and how that environment influenced her decision to make a drastic career shift. After years on Wall Street and later in Nashville, Gibbs-West described reaching a point of burnout that pushed her to reassess her priorities. Moving to a farm in Tennessee allowed her the space to reconnect with nature and begin experimenting with nutrient-rich formulations that would later become Essence Tree’s signature products.
Essence Tree, which began with small batches sold at local farmers markets, has since expanded to health stores, independent retailers, and more than 200 Walmart locations across the South. The brand is scheduled to enter 200 additional Walmart stores in 2026, continuing its steady growth. Despite the expansion, Gibbs-West emphasized that her focus remains on keeping the products “clean, simple, and beneficial.”
“People want products that work and that they can trust,” she said. “My goal has always been to create formulas that support the body instead of overwhelming it.”
The discussion also highlighted her commitment to education. Beyond selling products, Gibbs-West provides wellness classes, entrepreneurship coaching, and community programming designed to help individuals better understand natural remedies. She spoke briefly about her desire to make wellness accessible, noting that many people feel intimidated by holistic living but are receptive once they learn practical steps they can use at home.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.