Discover the
Sweet Willow Story
We empower individuals to take control of their wellness through vetted information, quality products, and a personalized approach.
In 2015, Heather Herdman and two friends took a leap and bought a charming little herb store from its previous owner. Since then, we have focused on educating our community and providing quality, locally sourced herbal and natural products. We've moved our store location three times, but our commitment to sustainability and supporting local vendors has remained unwavering.
At Sweet Willow, we partner with local farms who practice sustainable, organic methods and with herbal product-makers who adhere to FDA requirements. Our shelves are only stocked with the products we wholeheartedly recommend and have personally vetted, from bath and body items to natural cleaning products, liniments, and salves. We partner with 17 local farms and collaborate closely with two Wisconsin herbalists, along with several nationally recognized herbalism experts.
Our philosophy has always been to promote “eating food as medicine,” and finding ways to help people support their health and wellness goals. We empower our customers to be intelligent consumers by providing reputable and knowledgeable guidance. We prioritize education and helping people become self-reliant in their health journeys.
In 2023, Kathleen Ratteree joined Heather as her new co-owner, further strengthening our team with her deep knowledge of indigenous healing practices and herbs.
Sweet Willow is dedicated to being a trusted resource in our community. Every product, service, and class exists to help people make informed choices about their health!
Heather Herdman, PhD, RN
Heather’s philosophy as an herbalist is simple: “Stay as close to the real plant as you can, and eat or drink it if possible.” She has studied herbs since 1988 and is constantly learning and growing her knowledge of herbs and plants and their uses in supporting people’s health.
Heather has a BSN from the University of South Carolina, as well as an MS and PhD in Nursing Science from Boston College. At Sweet Willow Wellness, Heather practices as a Clinical Herbalist, using her nursing background to combine Western healthcare knowledge with traditional and contemporary herbalism.
She is an active member of the American Herbalist’s Guild and has taken courses with notable figures in herbalism, such as Rosemary Gladstar, Rosalee de la Forêt, David Winston, David Hoffman, Juliet Blankespoor, Guido Mase, Jim McDonald, Leslie Alexander, Leslie Williams, Tieraona Low Dog, and Pam Montgomery. She is also active on The Herbal Roundtable.
Heather is passionate about helping others learn how to integrate herbs into their daily lives. She believes that by providing the most evidence-based information possible to her clients, she enables them to take control of their own health and well-being, and to make decisions that meet their personal needs and values.
Kathleen Ratteree, EdD, MPH
Kathleen leads Sweet Willow’s efforts to partner with local farmers and growers in Wisconsin, particularly women-owned businesses and Indigenous vendors. She recently completed her doctorate in First Nations Education at UW-Green Bay.
Her passions include teaching, farming, gardening, foraging, and Indigenous knowledge systems. She and her family raise dairy goats, chickens, honey bees, and organic produce on a 40-acre homestead. Kathleen has worked with Indigenous communities for many years.
“I am working to become a better non-Native ally, meaning I hope to use my own spheres of influence and privilege to serve and empower Indigenous communities in Wisconsin!”
Chef Kristina “Krissy” King
Krissy is our in-house chef, who loves taking simple, local ingredients, and treating them thoughtfully: “Roasting a tomato. Sprinkling course chive-blossom sea salt. Incorporating herbs. What an absolute joy! I think my favorite part of working at Sweet Willow is that I get to learn so much every single day.”
Krissy completed “Local, Fresh, Organic” courses at Indiana University and has enjoyed a mentorship under a renowned pastry chef. She also completed an externship with Lox, Stock ‘n Bagel in Green Bay and is a graduate of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, CO.
She also owns Moody Cat Vintage Cookery, a home-based Green Bay bakery, and is a big fan of Sweet Willow’s savory marinated tempeh and the beautiful selection of herbalist-blended teas.
Amanda “The Baking Fairy” Lowther
Amanda started as a Sweet Willow volunteer but soon joined the team - and now she's absolutely indispensable! She has a knack for integrating herbs and mushrooms into her bakery goodies. Our Sweet Willow staff loves Amanda, especially because she lets them taste-test (quality control!) her new creations.
Amanda has been a hobby baker for many years and has enjoyed many jobs in food service. Her favorite Sweet Willow product is the sunshine tea.
“Nothing beats seeing a customer try something new! Their reactions and enjoyment are an awesome part of the job.”
Amanda S.
“I have been here twice in the last week and I love this place. It is warm and inviting and the staff really makes you feel welcome. Not only did I get what I was looking for, but I also got a little education and some friendly conversation. Definitely do not feel like a number here!”
Debbie B.
“I love this store. The products and the ladies are great, very knowledgeable. I have taken several of their classes and leaned so much. Shopping at this store is like visiting friends.”
Kaytie M.
“Cute store with awesome employees. Amanda was super helpful. And suggested an awesome vegan oatmeal cream pie.”