Cultivated Experience
"True wellness isn't about reacting when we're sick; it's about building consistent, sustainable habits that support our health every day."
— Anaya Baines, Founder of The Cultivated Experience
The
What inspired you to begin creating herbal teas and wellness blends, and how did your journey into holistic wellness begin?
My passion for herbal wellness began long before I realized it would become my life's work. As a child, I was naturally curious about herbal remedies and spent a great deal of time watching my elders in the kitchen. Beyond preparing meals and family recipes, my grandparents always seemed to have a tea for every ailment, a homemade tincture tucked away in the cabinet, or a natural remedy passed down through generations.
I come from a long lineage of herbalists and root workers, but I wasn't truly able to begin my own practice until after graduating high school. Returning home to California marked the beginning of my personal wellness journey. I committed to learning more about holistic living, eliminated meat from my diet for two years, and became intentional about caring for my body through nutrition, herbs, and preventative wellness.
The turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly my entire family became ill, while I remained healthy. My father was hospitalized for several weeks, and watching him fight through that experience profoundly changed my perspective. When he returned home, I knew our family couldn't simply recover—we needed to transform the way we approached our health. That experience reinforced what I had been learning all along: true wellness isn't about reacting when we're sick; it's about building consistent, sustainable habits that support our health every day.
Today, that philosophy serves as the foundation of my business. My goal is to honor the wisdom passed down through my family while making holistic wellness approachable, educational, and accessible for others. I believe that when people are equipped with knowledge and intentional practices, they become empowered to take an active role in their own well-being.
Many people are turning to natural wellness products today. Why do you think herbal remedies are becoming so popular again?
I believe people are becoming more intentional about what they put into and on their bodies. Consumers are asking more questions about ingredients, sourcing, and long-term wellness, and they're looking for products that feel more natural and aligned with their values. While conventional medicine plays an essential role, many people are also seeking complementary approaches that focus on prevention, supporting the body's natural functions, and overall well-being rather than only addressing symptoms.
There's also a renewed appreciation for the wisdom of our ancestors. For generations, communities relied on herbs and the healing power of the land to support their health. As people reconnect with those traditions, they're embracing a more sustainable and holistic approach to wellness—one that encourages a deeper relationship with nature and a more proactive way of caring for themselves.
Can you walk us through some of your favorite herbs and explain why you chose them? What role have these herbs traditionally played in supporting overall wellness?
they each have their own purpose and unique gifts. My approach has always been to respect the traditional wisdom behind these plants while educating people on how they can support overall wellness alongside a healthy lifestyle.
Some of my favorites include:
Chamomile – One of my go-to herbs for promoting relaxation and restful sleep. Traditionally, it's also been used to support healthy digestion and help calm the nervous system.
Moringa – Often called the "miracle tree," moringa is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant protein. It's valued for supporting energy, nourishing the body, and overall vitality.
Ginger Root – A staple in my apothecary for its warming properties. Ginger has long been used to support digestion, ease nausea, promote healthy circulation, and provide natural anti-inflammatory support.
Cloves – Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have been used to support oral health, aid digestion, and help support the body's natural immune defenses.
Butterfly Pea Flower – I love butterfly pea flower for both its beauty and its versatility. Rich in antioxidants, it has traditionally been used to support cognitive function, healthy skin and hair, and overall vitality. Its vibrant blue color also serves as a reminder that wellness can be both nourishing and beautiful.
Hibiscus – Beyond its beautiful color and refreshing taste, hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and has traditionally been enjoyed to support heart health, healthy blood pressure already within a normal range, and hydration.
Mullein – A well-loved respiratory herb that has been used for generations to support healthy lung function, soothe the respiratory tract, and promote overall respiratory wellness.
What I love most is that each of these herbs tells a story. They've been trusted across cultures for centuries, and today we're seeing a beautiful return to honoring that knowledge. My goal is to help people reconnect with these traditions while encouraging them to make informed, intentional choices about their wellness journey.
For someone completely new to herbal wellness, where should they start?
I always encourage beginners to start simple. Herbal wellness isn't about buying every herb on the shelf—it's about learning what your body needs and finding herbs that fit your lifestyle and wellness goals.
I recommend starting with the basics by exploring different herbs through their taste, aroma, and traditional uses. Ask yourself, What am I trying to support? Are you looking for better sleep, improved digestion, enhanced focus and memory, stress relief, immune support, or a gentle detox? Once you identify your goal, choosing the right herbs becomes much easier.
Herbal wellness is also a personal experience. Some people naturally gravitate toward floral teas like chamomile or hibiscus, while others prefer warming herbs like ginger or the earthy taste of moringa. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover what you genuinely enjoy—consistency is much easier when you love what you're drinking.
Most importantly, take the time to learn each herb before using it. Understanding its traditional purpose, benefits, and how it interacts with your body allows you to build a wellness routine that's both intentional and sustainable. Herbalism is a journey, not a race, and the more you learn, the more empowered you become to care for your health naturally.
There are so many wellness trends on social media. What's one myth or misconception about herbal teas or natural wellness that you wish more people understood?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that more is always better. People often think a tea has to contain ten or fifteen different herbs to be effective, but that's not necessarily true. In fact, combining too many herbs can sometimes work against the intended purpose, as certain properties may not complement one another. Some of the most effective herbal blends are thoughtfully crafted with just a few herbs that work in harmony.
Another misconception is that detoxing should be something you jump into overnight. Whether you're beginning a cleanse or making any major wellness change, it's important to first prepare both your mind and your body. Gradually easing into healthier habits, staying hydrated, and creating a plan is often far more beneficial than trying to do everything at once.
At the end of the day, wellness isn't about chasing trends—it's about building sustainable habits. Consistency will always have a greater impact than quick fixes. Prevention, intention, and patience are what create lasting results, and that's the philosophy I encourage everyone to embrace on their wellness journey.
How do you personally incorporate herbal wellness into your daily routine?
Herbal wellness is woven into my daily routine in a way that feels intentional and sustainable. I like to start my mornings with warm water and vitamin C powder, followed by either a cup of herbal tea or a fresh, cold-pressed juice to gently nourish my body.
I typically practice intermittent fasting until around noon, which gives my digestive system time to rest. When it's time to eat, I begin with a light, nourishing meal paired with another herbal tea, followed by a more substantial lunch later in the day. In the evening, I keep things simple with light tapas or small bites, and if I'm craving something sweet, I opt for a healthier snack instead of heavily processed desserts.
Whenever possible, I try to finish eating between 7 or 8 p.m. For me, herbal wellness isn't about being restrictive—it's about creating daily rituals that support my body, listening to what it needs, and staying consistent. I've found that those small, intentional habits make the biggest difference over time.
When creating a new blend, what do you consider first—flavor, ingredients, tradition, or the overall wellness experience?
I always consider the client first. Every blend begins with an intention—understanding what the tea is meant to support, whether that's relaxation, digestion, respiratory wellness, cognitive function, or simply creating a moment of peace in someone's day.
From there, I look to traditional herbal wisdom, selecting herbs that have historically been used together to support that specific purpose. Once the foundation is established, I thoughtfully build the flavor profile by balancing the ingredients so the tea is both beneficial and enjoyable to drink.
For me, it's never just about flavor or function alone—it's about the overall experience. I want every cup to feel intentional, comforting, and nourishing, allowing people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and make wellness a ritual they genuinely look forward to each day.
What has been the biggest lesson you've learned as an entrepreneur in the wellness industry?
The biggest lesson I've learned is that authenticity will always matter more than sales. As an entrepreneur in the wellness industry, I believe it's my responsibility to be transparent about what holistic wellness truly looks like. Herbs and teas are wonderful tools, but they aren't magic solutions. Lasting wellness requires consistency, intentional lifestyle changes, and patience.
I've also learned that education is just as valuable as the products themselves. I want people to leave every interaction with more knowledge than they came with, whether they choose to purchase from me or not. If I can help someone make a more informed decision about their health, I've still fulfilled my purpose.
Lastly, entrepreneurship has taught me the importance of actively listening while maintaining healthy boundaries. Every person's wellness journey is different, and I strive to meet people with compassion and grace while staying true to my values and the mission of my business. Those principles have helped me build trust, and to me, trust is the foundation of lasting relationships.
If someone wants to live a healthier lifestyle but feels overwhelmed, what are three simple changes they could make today?
I always tell people that healthy living doesn't have to happen overnight. Small, consistent changes often create the biggest and most lasting results.
My top three recommendations would be:
Drink more water and nourish your body with whole foods. Staying hydrated and incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and minimally processed foods can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
Find one wellness ritual you can commit to every day. Whether it's drinking a cup of herbal tea, taking a 20-minute walk, stretching, or spending a few moments in stillness, consistency is far more powerful than perfection.
Listen to your body instead of following every trend. Wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. Take time to understand what your body is asking for—whether that's better sleep, digestive support, stress management, or more movement—and build your routine around those needs.
At the end of the day, wellness is a lifestyle, not a destination. You don't have to change everything at once. Start with one intentional habit, stay consistent, and let those small choices grow into lasting transformation.
Finish this sentence: "To me, wellness is ______."
The Hot Tea Question
At the end of every Founder Spotlight, we ask one question designed to spark conversation. Our guest chooses onewellness habit from our list that they believe people love to talk about—but often struggle to practice.
-Drinking enough water
-Getting consistent sleep
-Setting healthy boundaries
-Eating with balance and intention
-Taking real rest without feeling guilty
-Staying off social media and being present
-Being consistent instead of searching for a quick fix
Anaya pick was ::
Being consistent instead of searching for a quick fix
The art of living with intention and balance while making healing a daily priority.
