Hello Chrystal, can you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in the natural products industry?
My first career was over 20 years in the gaming and luxury spa hotel market. I loved creating experiences for clients and building relationships with people all over the world. Most of this time I was a single mother, involved in boxing and mixed martial arts, and going to school for my Bachelor of Science in Natural Health (Herbalism). I had some health challenges in my early twenties and quickly learned that a good lifestyle change, including the use of herbs, could significantly improve health. My family moved to a super small town in Oregon and my first career was put on hold to take care of the family. I met Catherine Hunziker at an herbal conference in Austin, Texas. I knew immediately that she was in this industry for the right reasons and I wanted to be a part of it.
You are the operational director at WishGarden Herbs. What are your tasks?
In this role I get to serve the staff by streamlining company goals and assisting with their personal goals. I will have the opportunity to work with both owners to take the company in a direction that makes sense for the company and expand what it means to work for WishGarden.
What does your typical day look like at WishGarden?
Work is already busy at 9am and most employees are busy making medicine. By this time, I usually have at least one goal and initiative meeting with a department head, during which I discuss this year’s performance to celebrate successes and identify opportunities for improvement. It’s helpful to have one-on-one time to discuss personal and professional expectations and performance. I am also involved in providing strategic input on our budgeting goals, marketing plans and operational efficiencies. Succession planning is also an important focus for us at WishGarden. The majority of our WishGardeners (internal employees) are herbalists or herbalists in training. It’s important to see them improve and grow in their careers. I usually go back to my family around 5:30 PM. I always try to walk around and say goodnight to everyone still in the building. WishGarden highly respects family time and promotes a sustainable work-life balance. I love this about my workplace and wish more companies would follow this model.
We are witnessing real growth in the natural products sector. What do you attribute that to?
People are more aware of what they put into their bodies and the long-term effects of the products they consume. It’s not just about what we eat or use, but also about the way it is made. The natural products industry is aware of this and has long encouraged the production of healthy, sustainable products. Companies that promote conventional products are now seeing that consumers are concerned about how a product they use affects others. They have adopted the idea of voting with their wallets. So we see many companies bringing their product to market by providing more transparency in their business practices. I also suspect that many people who may not have been open to a “hippie or tree hugger” lifestyle, the costs of healthcare, are now seeing the benefits of using healthier products.
Where do you see WishGarden in five years?
Five years is a long time. I hope we have made great leaps in our educational and philanthropic efforts. We have a strong foundation to grow on and I believe you can measure success by what you contribute.
What advice would you give to people wanting to work in the natural products industry?
My advice is to find something interesting that brings you joy. I recently met a young woman who wanted to take herbal classes and get closer to plants. We talked about the different options available to her, but I advised her not to overlook her marketing skills. This industry needs everyone. We need farmers, web designers, sales staff, herbalists, and the list goes on. Develop your herbal skills while retaining your current talents to advance the industry in a meaningful way.
Do you have a favorite herb?
These are difficult questions for a herbalist. It’s like choosing your best friend. They change with the seasons of life. Perhaps one of my favorite plants in the early 1920s was nettle. Its existence helped me lay a foundation for some early health issues I experienced. Slippery Elm helped our family when I was in my 30s because my daughter had problems with her thyroid. In my forties I have grown closer to trees – not because of what they can do for me, but because of the breath they give us all. I’ve learned that it’s not always about the “medicinal benefits.” Plants have entire purposes and compounds that are far greater than the chemical constituents that we personally find useful. For me it’s about returning to a lost wilderness that seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I am very grateful that the natural products industry provides our home and I get to be a part of that.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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