Meet Anna Hackman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Hackman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, there wasn’t a thought process behind my business. Alot of what I produce is dictated by what the farm produces and how I have to figure out to use so it doesn’t go to waste. Case in point, how I started The Naked Botanical.

When I started gardening, I started with five tomato plants 20 years ago. I caught the garden bug and a few years later a small plot of tomatoes grew into a 1.5-acre garden complete with fruit trees, fruit bushes, vegetables, flowers and a ton of herbs. My husband turned to me one day and said what are you going to do with all of your out of control herbs and I said naively, sell them.

So I started off selling bulk herbs on Etsy and noticed pretty quickly, I couldn’t compete with foreign sellers who were far less expensive than me. I pivoted and started developing herbal teas, then bath salts, and the list goes on. I started selling them at farmers markets and really enjoyed the interaction with people. I like to see them smile and learn how my products have helped them.

Again, each product is pretty much dictated by its out-of-control behavior, and I have to come up with a product. Recently I added Apple cider ginger, turmeric shots, and Chai spiced apple cider because my 9 apple trees decided after 10 years to produce a bumper crop. That year I had 75 gallons of apple cider and have to figure out how to use it!

I tell people that having a farm is like raising multiple children with different personalities!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Can you tell us about The Naked Botanical and what makes it unique?

The Naked Botanical is an NJ-certified organic farm that grows and makes herbal products. Our products include herbal teas, salt and spice blends, elderberry tonics, simple syrups, ginger turmeric shots, tinctures, salves, and hydrosols.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and taste. We grow almost 90 percent of our ingredients, ensuring our products are fresh, flavorful, and packed with the goodness of nature. Our unique blend of herbs is carefully curated to provide a refreshing escape from the daily grind, offering our customers a much-needed respite.

What are you most proud of?

Our Morning Mojo Herbal Tea won the Specialty Food Association 2024 Gold SOFI award in the tea category. This was a huge honor and a testament to the use of US-grown ingredients. In addition to the award, MOJO was one of the five finalists in the beverage category, which was truly remarkable.

The SOFI award was a win for us and all the farmers who make products for their farms. It was a big deal since US-grown ingredients are far superior to imported ones.

What has the journey been like for The Naked Botanical?

It has been challenging. Making products with US-grown ingredients is very expensive, and competing with products that are more than half our price has been difficult. Our ingredient, labor, and insurance costs are high, leaving us with slimmer margins than other food companies. However, we attend as many events as possible so that people can taste our products and become loyal customers.

While attending events, we found that people yearn for products free of natural and artificial flavors and high-quality products that don’t need additional sweeteners to taste good. Our products fit their criteria.

We believe in the value of our products, and our customers appreciate the degree of care and quality instilled in each product.

Interviewer: What have you learned from this experience?

I’ve learned that you should never skimp on the quality of your products. Be passionate about what you do, and others will get excited about your products. Always take into account the time you take in figuring out the cost of your products, and most importantly, value what you do.

At The Naked Botanical, our customers’ happiness is our ultimate goal. We take pride in the fact that our products can bring smiles to their faces. If our products can provide a moment of joy that helps our customers regroup and face the world, then our job is well done. This is what truly makes us happy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in an area of New Jersey that is relatively close to New York City, the most amazing city in the world. There is so much to do in both areas. Depending on the time of year, I would take them to the Jersey shore to visit Asbury Park. It has wonderful shops and dining. Or I could take them to Montclair to walk around and eat at one of my favorite restaurants, where they can eat Ethiopian food.

Or I could take them to Princeton University to walk around the stately buildings and eat in Princeton’s beautiful restaurants.

Then, we would go to New York and visit the Museum of Natural History, grab a Broadway show, walk the High Line, or people-watch on the steps of the New York Public Library. And if they love pizza, there is nothing like NYC pizza. If we had time, we would walk around SOHO and the East Village and grab something to eat in one of the many restaurants there,

Last but not least, we would take a carriage ride through Central Park and marvel at its beauty. Then, we would have afternoon tea at the Plaza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone who has encouraged me and been cheerleaders for me from my husband, Bob to my graphic designer, Rebecca Caddell who creates the magic behind the brand. My assistant, Caroline, who enjoys everything about working with the herbs and a great sounding board about the business. Lastly, my loyal customers who greet me with big smiles and encouragement, so my darkest days are much brighter.

Website: https://thenakedbotanical.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thenakedbotanical

Twitter: twitter.com/nakedbotanical

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thenakedbotanical

Youtube: https://youtube.com/greentalker 

Image Credits
group shots of the teas, tonics, and salts. Beachwood Creative All other photos are from Shilpa Iyer Photography including photos of me.