Hidden Gems: Meet Marley “Marlesa” Sims of Simple Hippie Heart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marley “Marlesa” Sims.

Hi Marley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Marlesa “Marley” Sims, owner of Simple Hippie Heart LLC. I started this business to promote healing through the knowledge of the holistic benefits of cannabis and all-natural and organic herbs. Simple Hippie Heart was established in September 2018 in Washington DC. Since cannabis is fully legal in DC, I was able to research different strains of cannabis and its properties, particularly when infused with all-natural and organic herbs. I found that these infusions will help promote healing in fatigue, anxiety, pain, appetite, colon issues, and even Multiple Sclerosis.

From this research, I created a line of teas and edibles that would help aid and promote healing in those specific areas. Next, I went to many different holistic offices and held pop-up events to educate people on the holistic benefits of cannabis without having to smoke the plant for consumption. With thoughts of expanding my company and a successful first year in DC, I decided to move back home to Nashville. However, when I returned I saw how my little sister had extremely bad eczema, my mother had bad back pain and my grandma’s hands were swelling from arthritis. I knew then I had to educate and help heal my family also; that’s how I created my line of CBD Salves.

When I saw firsthand how quickly and effectively my products worked, I then reached out to church members and the community to share my remarkable healing products. From the success I found creating pop-ups and platforms for myself, I realized I could curate on a larger scale for other entrepreneurs. From an incredibly young age, I realized I had a gift not only for medicine but for socially engaging with people as well. I decided to educate myself well enough to build the bridge of generational wealth for all families, especially in the black community.

As a natural people person, and understanding the business of hosting and networking, hosting popups were habitually successful. Currently, I host events throughout Nashville and Davidson County area as well as create holistic healing products. Using my gifts as a healer and natural socialite, it’s only a matter of time before Simple Hippie Heart LLC products and events are known across the nation.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not always. Some of the struggles I experienced were from moving back home to Nashville. CBD/Cannabis was a huge taboo in 2019. “Is this a drug? Will it show up on my drug tests? Is this even safe?” were some of the questions I received because of the bad reputation surrounding cannabis from inexperienced users.

So the challenge was tearing down the stereotype and separating THC from CBD while educating the community on their holistic benefits. On the business side, being a black woman in a predominantly male industry is also tough; but I always put my best foot forward in my display and presentation of not only my business but events as well.

Plus my personality and well, you have yourself a triple threat!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simple Hippie Heart LLC?
Simple Hippie Heart LLC won Woman Owned Business of the Year in 2022 at the Impact Awards. The Impact Awards is in association with Shop Black City Fest which hosts pop-up events nationwide. Simple Hippie Heart LLC also has a DBA as Simple Hippie Healers, which is also the name of the CBD line of products. Simple Hippie Heart LLC is an umbrella business with a Cannabis business at the top and an event planning business underneath; while part of the business specializes in holistic healing products, the other half specializes in curating events for all walks/aspects of life.

What sets my business apart from most other businesses is the knowledge and use of natural and organic products. Also with me being a natural socialite, my events flow seamlessly through face-to-face interaction and digital marketing via social media platforms. My personality and creative mindset are really my best characteristics and they complement each other well while benefiting the business. My biggest/proudest accomplishment is seeing the results of my eczema salve firsthand on my little sister’s skin.

She used to be so shy and ashamed of her skin, she would always stay covered. Now seeing her just bloom, currently in college, not only loving herself and the way she looks but being more confident really made everything worth it. I want every child to experience that type of joy and every adult to feel free and happy if possible. So if holistic healing can help in any type of way; I will be on the frontlines of healing and teaching so we all can be happy and free.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Always put your best foot forward, always believe in yourself, and be your own biggest fan because if you don’t believe you can no one will, even if everyone didn’t believe; their opinion doesn’t matter because, at the end of the day, you’re living for yourself. when you close your eyes for the last time; only you can be satisfied with the life you have lived and rest with either regrets or joy for eternity.

So why not wake up every day and do what you love? Do what makes your heart whole and soul full. Follow your dreams and always be your best YOU!! To conclude, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to believe in oneself. As an entrepreneur, we hear more “nos and doubters,” than “yes and encouragements.” It’s crazy how some situations will even tug on your heartstrings but push through because one day soon; it’s all worth it.

Pricing:

• 200mg Eczema Relief Salve $25.00 plus tax
• 200mg Pain Relief Salve $25.00 plus tax
• 300mg CBD Honey $17.99 plus tax
• 500mg Relaxation Tincture $36.00 plus tax

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simplehippieheart.com
• Instagram: @simplehippiehealers @simplehippieheart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplehippieheart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplehippieheartllc1983