Rosemary Moana‘s interest in natural health began in her late teens, but it was her own health challenges that inspired her to turn that passion into a career. Now a qualified naturopath, she offers individualised support, with herbal medicine playing a central role in her practice. Each herbal formula she creates is tailored to the individual and their needs. Balancing her growing business with family life, she is passionate about helping others and continuing to develop her knowledge. Here, Rosemary talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about what inspired her to start her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
From quite a young age, around my late teens and early adulthood, I had an interest in natural health. Back then, I had no idea that passion could also be a career. I was facing some personal health challenges and naturally, I sought out help from my GP at the time. After just one 15-minute appointment with her, she diagnosed me with depression and wrote me a script for antidepressants. I vividly remember her telling me not to read the side effects list or I would not take them. I trusted her advice and took the medications. In the years after that appointment, I experienced many of the known side effects and trialled different medications that made me feel horrible. I knew from then that there had to be another way and that I could not solely rely on this medication forever. After some digging around, I found out I could study natural medicine, and from then on, I made it my mission to become a qualified naturopath. Finally, after 17 or so years, I achieved my goal.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I have been slowly chipping away at all the minor details of having a business since late 2025. I was fortunate to work in the student clinic in 2025 and I have carried some of my clients through to my business in 2026. I thought I had to have it all figured out before launching, and what I have discovered is that I am capable of figuring it out as I go along. I don’t need all the answers straight away and I am constantly learning how to refine the way I operate my business.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough for my business has been the amount of positive feedback I have received from prescribing herbal formulas. Herbal medicine is definitely one of the most powerful modalities I use with clients and the results have been nothing short of profound. I am not entirely sure why I am surprised each time I get this feedback, as herbal medicine has a long and documented history. Each formula I create is tailored to the individual and their needs, so I feel proud of my work in this space.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
After I completed my degree, I made it a priority to take some time off from study and work so that I could focus on my family again. This time allowed me to decompress from the last five years as a full-time student and give my family time and energy from a more grounded place. Once I felt I had recovered enough, I started to direct some of my energy to my business while my son was at school. I make sure that anything work-related is done during the week, so that I have quality time with my family on weekends. There are times when I have to juggle caring for my son with work. I just make sure I plan ahead with our meals and sleep routine to minimise disruptions.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Starting a business has required a lot of perseverance on days when I have had no motivation to do anything. A lot of work goes into a small business behind the scenes that the public may not see. I have had to put myself out there, both online and in person, which was challenging for me in the beginning. I had to step outside my comfort zone over and over again to achieve what I set out to do. I would say none of it has been an easy road, and I have learned so much about myself at the same time.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I do like being able to make all the decisions when something isn’t working and I can dictate my own hours. This works really well for me while caring for a family. Some days are unpredictable, and that can be hard when I have certain expectations for the business.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would like to do further training so that I have more than one modality to use with my clients. Homeopathy is an interest of mine, and I have had great success using it on myself and my family, so I am looking into this for the future. I also have an interest in public health, so at some point I would like to see how a naturopath can fit into that space, as I believe prevention and education would be the greatest asset to New Zealand’s healthcare system.
Connect with Rosemary on Instagram and Facebook to find out more.
