Mountain Rose Herbs Blog

Why Independence in the Natural Wellness Industry Matters

Written by The Mountain Rose Herbs Team | February 7, 2026



In recent years, the herbal products industry has changed in significant, fundamental ways. Most of the herbal product companies we knew have been purchased by private equity firms, investment holdings, and venture capitalists focused on profits. As our industry is increasingly transformed by this profit-driven business model, our herbal products community is shrinking, and it’s more important than ever to hold steady in our independence.

Our success and privately owned business model are what allow us to champion for the planet. To hold to the ethics that are the foundation of Mountain Rose Herbs’ mission—to put people, plants, and planet first. We cannot care about profitability, and yet we must be profitable to have a voice at the changemakers’ table. We balance these two seemingly conflicting imperatives by leveraging our influence to serve the earth. We work ethically with our growers, wildharvesters, and suppliers. We will remain out of stock on botanicals that cannot be grown to our quality or sustainability standards. We invest heavily in employee benefits. We donate to organizations doing real work for the plants and the planet.


Mountain Rose Herbs' independently owned and operated status makes this work possible and allows us to serve the wellness needs of our community, instead of being beholden to the financial needs of shareholders. This is a commitment that has not wavered in 38 years, thanks to Mountain Rose Herbs’ passionate and ecologically driven Owner, Shawn Donnille. Independence is the only way we can ethically move ahead for the betterment of the herbal community. 



Want to Learn More About Shawn's Mission as the owner of Mountain Rose Herbs?

Read His Promise of Permanence

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