We speak to Brooke Oke, the founder of Goodkind Naturopathy, and discover her tips for someone looking to start a career in natural health, what excites her and why she loves ANTA.
Do you a recall the moment you were first interested in natural health therapies?
I was working as a Registered Mental Health Nurse at the time and it was about five years into my career that I started experiencing burnout and some of my own health struggles. I remember starting to do some research on alternative therapies and came across the degree in Naturopathy – I remember thinking, wow, this sounds right up my alley. I was feeling like the medical system I was working in wasn’t aligning with my personal values and so I decided to make the switch into Naturopathy.
What natural therapy modalities have you studied?
I have completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy. My first degree was a Bachelor of Nursing, and I also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing. Since being a Naturopath I have completed various professional development courses and seminars along the way but my favourite has to have been the six-month Vagiversity Vaginal Health Mentoring with Moira Bradfield.
Why is being an ANTA member so important to you?
Having a medical background I really respect the value of having an association which is built to uphold and support the fields in which we work. In the natural medicine field it is important to have standards, professional expectations and recommendations to ensure our profession is respected, recognised and understood.
What three tips would you give someone looking to start a career in natural health?
Be confident in yourself and what you can bring as an individual to your business. I see so many practitioners through the mentoring work I do that struggle to build confidence, marketing skills and a steady client base. Having confidence and the ability to work hard and hustle a little bit (especially in the early days) are the essential elements to success in the industry. I think it’s important to also lean on your close community for support in the early days, my business wouldn’t be where it is without the support early on from friends, family and colleagues.
As a business owner, practitioner and mentor, what is your non-negotiable health tool or practice to support you to be at your best?
I try to delegate time each week to commit to exercising, spending time with friends and my husband. I’m loving reformer Pilates as a nice restorative practice as well as morning walks, infrared saunas and resting when I can.
What excites or inspires you as someone working in the natural therapies industry?
I get so excited when I see students and new practitioners starting their businesses and putting themselves out there. I think it’s really inspiring seeing others having a go, putting energy into their businesses and sharing natural therapies with their wider community.
What future professional endeavours do you have your sights set on?
I thrive from change and growth so always have new things on my radar. I’ve just hired a new administration assistant which is going to be amazing for expanding my business, as well as an incredible Naturopath working on my team. My goal is to collaborate with more industry professionals through different types of media so this might be something down the track you see more of.
For more information, visit australiannaturaltherapistsassociation.com.au
Over the last few years of working in clinical Naturopathic practice, Brooke Oke has gained insights and experience working with various digestive issues, skin conditions, vaginal microbiome disorders, hormones and emotional health. Brooke offers in-person consultations in her clinic in Currumbin, QLD and online Australia-wide. Her books are currently full for new clients; however, you can join the waitlist for a consultation.