Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Buck.
Hi Anne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How and why the recipe was developed: In 2009 I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. To increase my chance of survival, I began treatment at MD Anderson in Houston and quickly switched to a whole food, mostly plant-based diet. It was nutrient dense, very low in sugar and high in anti-inflammatory spices and herbs. I revamped my entire pantry in the process. After five months my scans were clear and I have remained in remission ever since.
That following December (2010) I decided to give glazed walnuts as Christmas gifts. Many recipes called for baking the nuts at a high temperature, which can damage the nuts’ volatile oils and antioxidants found in the other ingredients. They also called for refined sugar (and too much of it), imitation vanilla, egg whites, and only one or two spices.
I didn’t want to give something that I wasn’t willing to eat, so I went to my pantry and pulled ingredients routinely found in cookbooks that focus on an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory diet. Instead of brown sugar, I reached for a three-sugar blend (all unrefined and mineral rich), and adjusted the amount of sugar down by 75 percent. I also took a chance and added a blend of 19 spices and herbs, which was pretty far off the beaten path! I chose omega-rich eggs from pasture-raised hens and I baked the nuts at a low temperature for a much longer time. When I pulled the first batch out of the oven I was astonished by how crispy, unique and delicious they were.
For the next 10 years, many encouraged me to market the nuts, but prior commitments would prevent it from happening.
That all changed when I learned a family member was struggling with drug addiction. His first long-term recovery program cost over $5,000, which would have been unsustainable for us. Some very caring people at our church paid for almost the entire program and I was deeply moved by their generosity. I wondered, “How could I raise money to help others as we have been helped?” Then I remembered the glazed nuts…
In 2020, I teamed up with family friend Rainer Twiford to launch Williams + Worthy. Rainer lost his son Will to an accidental fentanyl overdose. The “Williams” in our name reflect Will Twiford and William Magee, both of whom represent all individuals who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. They are worthy of our love, support, compassion and help! Like all addicts, these two young men had bright futures, but drugs got in the way. To learn more about William Magee and the bright promise of a family’s ability to heal from tremendous loss, I recommend the newly released book, “Dear William,” available wherever books are sold.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Our company was born during lockdown. In November and December of 2020 we were blessed with many orders, but there were reports of spotty shipping issues across most carriers. Most of our customers received their packages on time, but there were a few that were lost in transit, or delayed. Also, there was the uncertainty of who, if any, among our entire team would become sick, and possibly even die from the virus. Thankfully, everyone remained COVID free, but that uncertainty hung over us like a threatening dark cloud.
Additionally, I’ve spent different seasons of my entire post-college years working as a flight attendant, full-time mom, caregiver to my mother-in-law and working as an administrative assistant. Although I gained various skills through these life experiences, I had never taken a business class! So as the new co-owner of a small business, it was quite interesting and a bit intimidating when the need for new skill sets suddenly arose! Thankfully, many people are moved by our mission to help addicts and they offered their time, talents. and resources.
Finally, earlier this year I learned of overseas shipping delays that would affect our packaging reorders, so I switched to an American company, which, at least for now, solves any issues relating to our packaging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have either survived or had a front-row seat to quite a bit of trauma. This includes sustained trauma from my childhood and the turmoil I see in the lives of others. As a flight attendant, I served people from all walks of life. Later I volunteered in maximum security prisons. I have grown close to many addicts and stage 4 cancer survivors, some of whom have died. As a result, a myriad of thoughts and feelings often churn within.
Writing is my strongest skill set. I’ve written several ten-minute plays (two performed and one published), and many articles, essays and cover stories for small publications. I’ve done extensive research in how to increase chances of survival when one receives a cancer diagnosis. So I am best known for my passion to help those who face cancer, addiction, depression, anxiety, low self esteem, fear and other issues. I’ve led workshops on how to prepare healthy meals and I’ve spoken to many groups about how to experience joy and healing in the midst of trials and chaos.
While others help with the business side of our endeavor, I use these speaking and writing strengths whenever they are needed to help our business. For example, I interview recovering addicts so we can share their stories of recovery on our website. I used to be terrified to speak in front of others! Gradually I overcame this fear. Speaking and writing allow me to raise both awareness and people’s expectations of hope regarding our nation’s drug epidemic, and also cancer.
What am I most proud of? I think the thing that gives me peace is knowing that I’m spending the remaining days I have left by keeping my heart locked on those who desperately need our love, compassion and help. Before cancer and addiction visited our family, I lacked understanding and a burden to help addicts and cancer survivors.
Perhaps what sets me apart is my commitment to offer customers a plant-based, gluten-free gourmet glazed nut with pure ingredients. Since that first batch in 2010, I’ve discovered a healthy, plant-based way to coat the nuts in lieu of egg whites. This enables my vegan customers to also enjoy our product. Our pecans and mixed nuts have a lower sugar-to-nut ratio. They have a very exciting and complex flavor profile from the multiple spices and herbs. And, we chose windowless packaging! I’ve done my homework on how light, oxygen, heat and time denature nuts, so we’ve made ingredient, production and opaque packaging decisions based on what I’ve learned.
Finally, our company commits to give at least 30 percent of our proceeds to help addicts afford recovery. We look for excellent recovery programs with proven treatment methods, high long-term rates of sobriety and strong, long-term follow up programs. We’ve found that many who experience long term recovery finally reach a place where they’re willing to set pride aside and commit to a spiritual pilgrimage and lean into the promises and power of a personal God who has the power to help and heal, Some take baby steps while others take giant leaps toward this “higher power” discussed in most recovery circles.
My business partner Rainer and I spend countless hours behind the scenes helping those who struggle with addiction. When tragedy struck Rainer’s family through the loss of his son, he turned to God for help. And I’ve done the same. Rainer has spent many years “in the trenches” and he is my source of inspiration. We have both experienced God’s power to transform, and we can’t help but pass it on to those who may be encouraged.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Yes, I took a risk by helping to launch Williams + Worthy! But my entire life has involved risk after risk. I used to struggle with social anxiety, for example, and had to learn to take risks by showing up in social settings. Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth and wanted to crumble to the ground in a pool of perspiration, and other times I felt completely at ease. Over time, I learned that when I take my eyes off myself and place them on others, all is much better, if not entirely well! Looking back, I see how this intentional practice of thinking of others helps to propel me forward with meaningful purpose.
Creating a business during lockdown and launching it during a pandemic carried multiple risks, but like Rainer, I look to God for strength and wisdom. I was wired from birth to face adversity as a “glass is half full” person. So instead of focusing on pandemic-related risks, all I could honestly think of were the unfathomable, herculean efforts required for addicts to stay sober and not die. I thought of how they long to build back trust, restore broken relationships, resolve mounting debt, re-learn lost life skills and get their lives back.
Additionally, 10 years of friends’ rave reviews of our nuts helped divert my mind from the risks. I was confident that customers would love our product.
I believe that risk is valuable and necessary before you experience personal growth AND business success.
Pricing:
- Our 3-oz. packages of nuts are $9 per package
- Our 8-oz. packages of nuts are $22 (coming soon while we await 8-oz. packaging)
- Our 1-lb. pouches of nuts are $32
Contact Info:
- Email: info@williamsandworthy.com
- Website: williamsandworthy.com
- Instagram: williamsandworthy
Image Credits
Josh Norris Studio
Rusty Hill Photography
Anne Buck
