Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Mann.
Hi Drew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is Drew Mann, and my wife Georgia and I own herb+leaf! We are both Tennessee natives and love all things holistic and natural. Our business started back in 2016 when research, time, passion, and natural awareness really came to the forefront of my mind to push for more.
I have always loved natural things! Back in college, I made several research papers about topics I was interested in. I would write on Free range vs cage-free, organic, non-GMO, fair trade, you name it I wanted to know what they actually meant. This was 2013 so organic was truly making its way to becoming more popular, and people really questioned if it was any better than normal food. There were a lot of hidden questions, and often circumstances that didn’t live up to the organic promise. I wanted to know more.
I craved something handmade, natural, NEW, every time I was looking for a product. Unfortunately, when I began looking and truly researching not everything was as natural as they claim! Essential oils are extremely beneficial, and one of the greatest tools I think anyone can have. speaking from a natural standpoint, not all oils are the same— and that creates a world of its own.
We wanted clean, better, more natural, we wanted to be a step ahead and cleaner than most brands! We believe in our brand because it is our life! Our passion lives in curating our own recipes and growing our own herbs for the beneficial uses of them! We don’t believe in the use of chemicals in our garden! Harsh fertilizers, weed killers, chemical bug repellents, and more have no home on our property.
We grow just about everything we need for our infused products, which includes, over 20 varieties of herbs, 70 varieties of flowers, several vegetables of all kinds, and so much more! We want to create everything ourselves, and if we aren’t able to grow it, we’re going to find someone with the same passion and love for what they grow in their garden.
Our brand was built on the idea of wanting more. We wanted a better, safer, cleaner product. One you didn’t have to even think twice about using when you picked it up! We don’t believe in fragrances, perfumes, or even harsh alcohols in our products. We also believe our brand is an experience! We want you to come visit our flowers, grab a focaccia bread with our fresh herbs, or even come to one of our herbal cocktail workshops!
Georgia and I both love what we do. It is rewarding every day to connect with people who support small businesses, and really want to see growth in their community. Small businesses are real people, with families, homes, and even real-life conflicts. That’s what makes them special! We are the faces in your community, that want to provide change in our community!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a small business has absolutely not been a smooth road! If it was, I think more people would most likely do it! I set out with great intentions all around, and unfortunately, not everyone has that same mindset. People are willing to copy our hard work or remove our products without conversation for a less natural brand, and to me, that seems wrong. Business is hard, it is stressful, and there are multiple parts to the puzzle that can’t be ignored. But, from one small business owner to hopefully another, respect your brands. Be loyal to them. Some of our most successful adventures have been with the people who have been the most upfront, transparent, and loyal to our brand. We are able to communicate and make the most successful connection that way! It can’t be a hurt feelings situation, but if something isn’t right, we have to address it so we can all become more successful!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our brand specializes in creating and bringing the garden to you. We want to live on our homestead, and share it! We grow everything from heirloom seeds in the springtime so lots of preparation is needed for that! Our greenhouse will become full, and our garden will warm up once again! That’s where I feel my heart lives. When I’m able to be in the dirt and plant all day, I absolutely love it!
I am most proud of the products I created, and the brand I’ve built. It takes time, energy, and like I’ve said passion! Bee Butter was the very first product we created. it is our everyday moisturizer! We use lavender we grow, lavender essential oil, and local bees’ wax!! I’m also extremely proud of our focaccia bread. To be able to experience the herbs we grow in our fresh focaccia is an experience on its own! I have made so many breads, and made so many additions to family dinners it warms my heart!
We stand apart from other brand because there is time, research, and love behind our brand. Our recipes are not found online they are specifically curated from us. We created our recipes as one-of-a-kind staple to stand out. We also use more pure essential oils than most companies which were happy to discuss!! Our brand is immersive, peaceful, and all about creating a good energy through people we connect with!
What does success mean to you?
Success is by far a word I think everyone wants to live up to. Is it money? objects? a status you want to achieve? I’m learning to be happy with where I am. My success is found each and every day. Each day I can think of how far we have grown, the people we have touched, the changes we want to make. To me that is success. Being content and not living on the dreams of other people. Knowing my success is where I am now, and how far I am willing to take myself, excites me! I will never sit here and say I’m the best or most successful because truly we all have room to grow and excel in different areas of our life! Grow into success and your success will grow you.
Pricing:
- Bee Butter – 8oz jar – $15
- Focaccia Bread – $7
- Goats Milk Bar Soaps- $7
- Herb+Leaf Room Spray – $10
- Calendula Bee Bar – $12
Contact Info:
- Email: herbnleaf@gmail.com
- Website: https://herb-and-leaf.myshopify.com/?key=5b5e75a6a0793981cd8aad5ae6c3f26adff0c9a462bc314430935121f7c795fa
- Instagram: instagram.com/herbnleaf
- Facebook: facebook.com/herbnleaf
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCENJoJoyOi3XU4gPVl1xPMw
Image Credits
Drew Mann
