Sleeping Monk is a company based in California producing high potency herbal extracts that promote better sleep, beautiful skin, better sex, protected immunity and happiness. The formulas are crafted in a manner akin to an ancient philosophy - Chinese Tonic Herbalism - which dates back to 2950 B.C.
We visited the owner, Louis Lenard, at his Malibu home on a gorgeous summer day. We lounged by the pool and discussed all things herbalism.
What was your journey to create the Sleeping Monk line?
I grew up in Malibu, California and operate from there currently. From an early age, I was drawn to excel at whatever I put my mind and heart into. I found out later that this was the result of searching for love and approval from others, as I lacked it for myself.
First it was surfing, then music. When the success and accolades only produced a fleeting sense of peace, I did the only logical thing I could think of – do lots of drugs. I got to experience what it felt like to destroy my body, mind and spirit and eventually the pain and demoralization reached a point where I had to change or call it quits.
So, with the familiar type passion and energy I grew up with, I completely re-focused on a healing lifestyle that helped me turn my life around and become someone that people can count on and actually respect and look up to, imagine that!
Among other healing regimens, this path ultimately lead me to the beautiful system of Chinese Tonic Herbalism, which would become the basis for the 6 products we currently offer.
With Sleeping Monk, we just want to help you build long-term health and happiness, from the inside-out. We strive to do this by carefully crafting formulas with Adaptogenic and Super Tonic herbs that regulate, balance and optimize our cells, organs and systems first – then tonify by nourishing and strengthening them. Then we’re left to flourish with more natural, grounded, calm and powerful energy, beauty and greater resistance to stress and both short term and degenerative disease.
Why are tinctures so important?
I feel tinctures are important because they are the most powerful, safe and effective way to extract and deliver herbal medicine that I’m aware of. This is also a way to avoid many heavy metals that commonly contaminate powdered herbal products during processing.
What is your ultimate vision?
My ultimate vision is to have as much fun as possible while helping others achieve meaningful change with their health and happiness, both with our products and with my daily actions and a loving attitude toward all.
I want to be a positive role model for my daughter and leave a legacy that she’s proud of, and to see her flourish with her own meaningful vision of like mind.
What does “conscious business” mean to you?
In simplest terms, I feel conscious business equals customers’ health and happiness first, and profits are secondary. When we’re driven by passion for what we do, this often comes naturally.
To me, it means having an awareness of, and being an example of what we stand for. I believe making meaningful change in the world requires having a conscious mindset within us first, then spreading the vision outward from there, again, with our loving attitudes and actions.
We clearly want to make the smallest environmental footprint possible, and constantly strive to improve our mission and products to best help raise awareness that supports optimal health and the fair treatment of all involved in the process of what it takes for us to bring these precious herbal formulas to you and your loved ones.
Using the safest, highest quality, purest, most powerful and effective, organic and lab-tested materials is requisite, as are the manufacturing practices and facilities from which they come.
Giving back is also key. We’re currently in the process of setting up an alliance with Waves 4 Water to help bring clean drinking water to those all over the world that currently don’t have access.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me… waves in particular. My daughter’s drive, charisma and beauty inspire me. Music inspires me. Watching people light up with realizations and insights on their spiritual path inspires me. Observing others in the process of living their dreams inspires me. Being of service inspires me. Hearing feedback from customers’ testimonials and seeing smiles on their faces inspires me. Honesty and vulnerability inspire me. Courage inspires me. This question inspires me!
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being a good father, for being clean and sober for nearly 12 years and for making a living doing what I love.
What rituals keep you balanced and grounded?
While affirmations are more often finding their way into the mix, prayer, meditation and service have never failed to bring me back to what’s important. Surfing, yoga are laughing are rad too!
What is something you wished everyone knew about you?
I wish everyone knew how legendary I am, hah! Anyway, I wish everyone knew that I love surfing. So, if any of you out there love to surf too, hit me up and let’s get some waves!
If it was your last day on earth, what would you want to do today?
Last day? Surf with my daughter somewhere epic, with all my family and friends on the beach, or surfing with us. Then we’d eat some awesome food and play music by a campfire at sunset.
Is there anything you want us to ask you, but haven’t? And what is the answer?
Why yes! Do you have any new products available? And… Did you write guitar for the music score of the Kurt Cobain documentary, ‘Soaked in Bleach’, due out this summer?
- Yes, we do! Goddess in Bloom, our divine female formula and Enter the Dragon, our supreme male formula. Check ‘em out at sleepingmonk.net
- Yes, I did, thank you for asking! Keep your eyes peeled and thank you for your love and support!
