Meet Lauren Haynes, an herbalist and Founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs, a company reconnecting people with nature through herbalism.
What does a typical day in the life look like for you? How does it include CBD/Sweet Reason?
Entrepreneur life is definitely glamorized! My days look like lots of computer work, meetings, checking in with our warehouses and manufacturers, managing a team, trying to eat healthy meals, bookended, hopefully, with some mindfulness and rest. I’m definitely reaching for the CBD when I feel a tension headache looming, though I make a point to have a “tea time” break at 3pm each day, and have some calming tea. Lately I’m drinking a blend of holy basil, anise hyssop, lemon balm, lavender and sage.
Social Stigma or Socially Acceptable?
Socially acceptable!
Tip for starting a business?
Buckle up and be prepared to work harder and learn more than you ever thought possible.
What inspired you to start your Wooden Spoon Herbs?
Honestly, I just fell in love with herbalism and knew it was what I was meant to do. I wanted to highlight underdog medicinal plants like nettle, burdock and rose, versus just playing to the trends like adaptogens, superfoods, etc. I wanted to bring some grounded knowledge to the space, and had been studying herbalism for years. One bonus of focusing on lesser known herbs is that it’s way more sustainable, because many of them can be cultivated here in the US so the carbon footprint is lower and they’re more sustainable.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through the process of bringing Wooden Spoon Herbs to life?
Oh gosh, I feel like I’ve learned so much. I’ve changed radically. I think the importance of vigorous goal setting and relentless drive is something I learned about myself. And I think business-wise, it boils down to being nice and working hard and never giving up.
What led you to start your herbal journey?
I was really into home fermentation - kombucha, kraut, kefir. That led me to an interest in wild edibles, as a “value add” to my ferments, plants like nettle and burdock and violet leaf. Through learning more about the wild backyard plants, I saw so much crossover into “medicinals,” which was a totally new concept for me. It just blew my mind. I dove in and never looked back.
What Wooden Spoon Herbs product would you recommend to someone looking to relieve stress + unwind?
Several! Anxiety Ally is #1, and Rose-Colored Glasses is a close second. Country Women is great if you’re looking for a tea.
Favorite moment or memory while building your business?
Driving to California and back with my boyfriend for West Coast Craft in SF and Mercado Sagrado in LA.
Launching a company and a calm, quiet mind usually don’t go hand in hand. What were your go-to tips to handle stress?
Haha! It’s a constantly evolving process. It took me years to get a handle on it. I meditate every morning, cut out coffee, make sure to exercise take magnesium daily.
What does unwinding look like for you?
A good book or awful TV show and a scoop of ice cream. A hot shower. A long, meandering walk in the woods.
Mantra of the moment:
Oh gosh… Maybe just reminding myself there’s no rush.
What does success mean to you?
Achieving all your goals and then setting more
Five things making your life sweet this summer...
1. Evan Healey's Basil Hydrosol
2. Chocolate cherry smoothies
3. Daydreaming on the beach
4. Hollyhocks blooming in the garden
