Entry 07: Taahirah & Nakia Stith
Danucera Diaries
Meet Nakia and Taahirah Stith—sisters, herbalists, and co-founders of Dope Botanicals, a Rittenhouse-based wellness shop rooted in plant medicine. With a mission to help urban dwellers reconnect to their health through herbs, intention, and balance, the duo brings a fresh, holistic perspective to skincare and self-care.
From their glowing skin philosophy (hint: it starts from within) to their thoughtful sustainability practices, Nakia and Taahirah are redefining what it means to live well, consciously and beautifully.
"For us our skincare starts from the inside out. We believe that good skin starts with what we ingest. Our diet consists of fruits and vegetables, and no alcohol. We keep our glow popping by using amazing skin care products and going to see Samantha Lowe at Rescue Spa."
- Nakia and Taahirah Stith -
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
We are sisters, Nakia and Taahirah Stith. We own Dope Botanicals. Dope Botanicals is an herbal wellness shop located in Rittenhouse. We created and formulated our own herbal product line- we focus on mood, stress, digestion, hormones, sleep and more. Our goal is to help city folks prioritize health and wellness, achieve a balanced lifestyle, and incorporate plant medicines into their lives to improve their health and well being.
Q: What is a piece of advice for someone who is looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but doesn't know where to start?
Small changes that make a big difference. From using loose leaf teas instead of single serve plastic tea bags, to wool dryer balls and non-toxic cleaning products you can really make a difference. Changes that you can incorporate into your lifestyle are best.
"My favorite Danucera product is Cerabalm and Mega Serum. They give me the supple glow that I love. I love it for both cleansing and moisturizing and it is a wonder on vacation, it makes your routine so easy when you are on the go."
- Nakia Stith -
Q: Were you always this passionate about sustainability? What is one of your favorite facts or pieces of information that motivates you to want to affect positive environmental change?
We don’t have titles for what we have always been about. We don’t necessarily have buzz words for our authentic lifestyle. We never looked at our way of life as sustainability focused. It’s just been living for us. We see the direct impact the environment has because we work closely with farmers and how crop availability changes. If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of running a sustainable business, and what impact do you hope to have on both the industry and the planet?
Sourcing is very important to us. We work with herbal farms that have sustainable and regenerative practices. We make sure we work with the very best organic farms so that we can ensure we are crafting high quality products that give results. We hope to educate consumers on what working with nature really means. Every harvest is different and everything is not available all the time. Nature is not Amazon.
"I really enjoy Cerabalm, D22, and Mega Serum. Mega Serum is one of the first serums I’ve used consistently and I love how clean the ingredients are. I’m also super excited to try Exfoligold because I live for an exfoliant."
- Taahirah Stith -
Q: How can consumers make a difference by supporting sustainable businesses, and why is their role so important in driving change?
As consumers demand more sustainable products the market can rise to meet the demands. It is our hope that this will drive down the high cost of goods that sustainable businesses often face.hydrated and smooth.
Q: How will you be celebrating Earth Day this year?
With a cup of herbal tea. And a special earth day beverage at our drink bar.
Wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a way of being. Through Dope Botanicals, the sisters are cultivating a space where plant wisdom meets modern ritual, and where self-care is as much about community and consciousness as it is about products. Their presence is a reminder that radiant skin starts with nourishment, intention, and a deep connection to self.