Hello Mandi, can you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in the natural products industry?
I started in the natural products industry at MyChelle Dermaceuticals, a leading natural skin care brand. At MyChelle I gained a love and passion for natural products. The importance of understanding the impact of the products we use day in and day out and how they impact not only our personal lives and well-being, but that of our mother earth, has become a cornerstone of my belief system. I truly love the passion and joy that working in the natural products industry has brought to my life. Knowing that I work with like-minded individuals who have such a passion and love for what they do is truly an amazing gift.
You are the Sales Controller at WishGarden Herbs. What are your tasks?
My role at WishGarden Herbs is to guide and encourage the field team towards our goals of increased distribution. I like to say that I’m leading the way in spreading the WishGarden love across the country. I work closely with our sales team to understand their challenges and victories in their territory, and give them the tools they need to be successful. We are sowing many new areas and doing the work to have a successful harvest and create fans and enthusiasts of WishGarden with every interaction we have.
What does your typical day look like at WishGarden?
To be honest, I’m a bit of a numbers and data nerd. I spend my days looking at our results and brainstorming ways we can make the biggest impact on the market. I also explore new distribution points and work with the team to determine new strategies to grow their territory – all while continuing to grow and maintain relationships internally, creating a great team atmosphere.
Have you set goals for the company (that you can share)?
There are many goals we are working towards this year. One I can share is getting distribution east of our home here in beautiful Colorado. The WishGarden team has done a fantastic job with the expansion and I’m here to help take that to the next level. That means bridging the gap between the traditional herbal tincture user and the novice who has never tried liquid herbs – and introducing the idea of quick remedies that are convenient and that you can feel good about putting into your body stops.
We are witnessing real growth in the natural products sector. What do you attribute that to?
I believe awareness of the importance of sustainability and the benefits of using natural products is more abundant than ever before, which is directly impacting the growth of the natural products industry. It’s trendy these days to shop at a natural grocer or farmer’s market. The focus on the quality and impact of our food and goods has really shifted from the idea of ’more for less’ to ‘better for me is better’. We are still a busy and on-the-go society, so the introduction of readily available natural products has helped our conventional customer make the transition to a natural products shopper. We are seeing whole sections of conventional supermarkets switching to more natural products and this is really exciting for the sector.
Where do you see WishGarden in five years?
Five years seems so far away, but in reality it is just around the corner. I see WishGarden being an important part of herbal remedies across the country. Natural and herbal medicines are experiencing something of an explosion in the market. The consumer is looking for something that works quickly and naturally. This is where WishGarden steps in with our unique formulas that contain several herbs that work synergistically to be effective, taste good and be convenient. I think once word gets out about how great these formulas are, we will see the brand grow to new heights.
What advice would you give to people wanting to work in the natural products industry?
I would say: prepare to work hard. The nature industry is not for the faint of heart. It’s a place where you can indulge your passions and realize new ones and where you can learn more about yourself than you ever imagined in a ‘job’. You will meet people who will change your life and the way you think, all for the better. And I can tell you: once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave.
Do you have a favorite herb?
There are so many to choose from, so how do you select a favorite? But if I had to choose one, it would be basil. This amazing herb not only tastes fresh and delicious, it also has so many wonderful benefits. Basil helps restore your body’s natural PH and nourishes healthy bacteria in the microflora of your intestines. Basil has powerful properties that make it ideal for people with oily skin, and it supports a healthy inflammatory response. I like to throw it into my water with a lemon and add it to many of the dishes I make for my family.
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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