We are delighted to welcome London-based Wilder Botanics to Lan Jaenicke. This like-minded line offers holistic formulations handcrafted from the purest natural ingredients. Created by master herbalist and naturopath Rachel Landon, using centuries-old techniques, Wilder's oils, teas, and tinctures harness the therapeutic qualities of the earth and nourish the whole. We spoke with Rachel about the remedies and rituals that enhance our daily lives and lift our spirits, beautifying us inside and out.

Creating

When you are developing an herbal formula, do you think in terms of the intended remedy--sleep, stress, female support--or does a product evolve from an herb or floral you're inspired to work with? 

I have incorporated into our Wilder collections formulas that have worked so well with my clients within my naturopathic practice, for issues such as stress, hormonal imbalance, and digestive issues.  I have had the privilege of walking with my clients through many different stages of healing with formulas made specifically for them that I have now tweaked or reformulated for our Wilder audience. 

Landon and her husband and Wilder co-founder, Charlie.

Community

You refer to Wilder as a "way of being." When interacting with your clients, I imagine there must be wonderful conversations about how to extend holistic care beyond the products to life at large, and that this has led to a very rewarding community?

My husband, who is also co-founder of Wilder, and I wanted to encourage our audience to be Wilder (hence the name), to connect with seasonal herbs, and to create healing formulas for themselves, too. We not only promote our products but a form of connection to seasonal foraging--a retelling of centuries old stories and recipes so that they are never lost. Being in our tiny store in Hackney from the very beginnings of Wilder also helped form a community--we have met our clients face to face, conversing about life, herbs, and health!

Empowerment

Lan's philosophy has always been to craft exquisitely simple, quietly luxurious clothes that support and empower the wearer. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is watching the transformation that her pieces can effect: women leave holding themselves differently, more confidently. Does that resonate with your Wilder experience? 

I love hearing this! So beautiful. Yes, we definitely create formulas with the intention of meeting the users’ needs and with a deep sense of holding. We are not just about hydrating or tasting good, we want our Wilder formulas to work deeply and therapeutically, and to create a truly joyful experience.

Mindset

You've written, "I’m not sure I have a secret for longevity, but I do believe it's love, I feel this is the best to keep the heart strong and energy vital and happy." How does this inform the way you run your business?

I was once asked about my thoughts on the best product for longevity, and my  answer was that you can take every supplement, have a daily trainer, etc. but without true feelings of love, then none of these alone will create longevity.

Running a business is tough, I had absolutely no idea before we started this how tricky sometimes keeping the ends meeting would be, but my husband and I often laugh and say, "Well we still love going to work," - and we truly do!

I want to look back at this adventure--if I’m lucky, in my 80’s--and reminisce about all the incredible people we met, became friends with, and learned from on this journey. We have the best team around us, we’re incredibly lucky. 

Recommendations

Would you kindly recommend products specifically for San Franciscans?  People in the Bay Area are very health- and naturopathically-minded, but they're also very driven and typically balancing a great deal (an intense career, family, travel).