Leading the Saffron Movement

Welcome to the Saffron Movement, where tradition meets innovation in the pursuit of holistic wellness. We sit down with THE FULLEST founder and first-generation Iranian American Nikki Bostwick, who brings a unique perspective to the world of saffron—a spice revered for centuries not just for its culinary allure but also for its remarkable medicinal benefits.

This Q+A delves into the story behind THE FULLEST’s saffron-based supplements, our commitment to quality, and how we’re making saffron’s profound benefits accessible to you through our innovative products.

Q: Share with us your background knowledge with saffron. How are you so aware of saffron’s benefits (go into your Persian culture)?

A: I am a first-generation Iranian American, born in California but raised in a deeply Persian environment. I didn't speak English until I was five, as I was surrounded by my Persian family—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. This upbringing immersed me in traditional Persian medicine. I learned about Iranian cuisine, which is crafted to maintain balance through warming and cooling herbs, spices, and foods.

My mother frequently used saffron in her cooking and kept saffron tinctures in our fridge for easy addition to any dish. I was so fond of the tincture that I would sneak into the fridge and drink the entire tincture. My mother would half-jokingly warn me that I would die from a laughing attack, but really, she wanted me to stop drinking her saffron tinctures because they were very expensive. This is how I first learned about saffron's reputation as the " happy spice."

In our culture, saffron is not only a key ingredient in many dishes but also used medicinally, especially during the postpartum period, to help with the " postpartum blues." Its antidepressant properties are well-recognized.

Q: Can you share with us your journey and inspiration behind founding a saffron-based supplement company?

A: As I grew older, I developed a strong passion for wellness and began studying yoga, eating organic food, and reading about various healing modalities. My focus expanded to include the emotional aspects of wellness, and it became clear that mental health is the foundation of living a fulfilling and purposeful life. While turmeric was gaining attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron, which has been extensively studied over the past 20 years, was underrepresented in the wellness space despite its potential as an effective alternative to various pharmaceuticals.

Q: As a first-generation Iranian-American, how has your cultural background influenced your approach to saffron and its benefits?

A: Many people only know saffron as a spice used in rice dishes and are unaware of its broader benefits. My cultural background has deepened my appreciation for saffron's full range of uses, both culinary and medicinal. This has driven my commitment to raising awareness about saffron's therapeutic potential.

Q: What are some of the unique properties of saffron that drew you to create supplements based on this spice?

A: What excited me most about saffron was the alignment of my early knowledge with recent scientific research. Studies have confirmed the therapeutic dosage needed to experience saffron’s benefits, leading me to develop a convenient way to consume it. This realization inspired us to create our saffron-based latte.

Q: How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of saffron used in your products?

A: The saffron industry is plagued by counterfeit products, so it is crucial to trust your supplier and conduct third-party testing for identity, heavy metals, bacteria, and mold. We test every batch and educate our suppliers on our rigorous standards. This commitment to quality control allows us to offer the best saffron supplements available. We price our products accordingly, avoiding shortcuts and setting a high standard for the industry.

Q: Could you describe the process of sourcing saffron and the regions you work with?

A: Saffron is primarily grown in the Middle East, India, Spain, and Morocco. We initially sourced saffron from Afghanistan but have since expanded to include multiple regions. Currently, most of our saffron comes from Spain, where it is cultivated and extracted by a family farm. By working with multiple suppliers, we avoid overburdening any single farm and ensure quality without compromising their standards. We value these global partnerships and the mutual learning they bring.

Q: What separates your saffron from other saffron on the market?

A: Our saffron is provided in therapeutic doses, ensuring that each serving delivers the full benefits—whether through our latte, capsules, or threads. Unlike culinary saffron, which may not be third-party tested, our products adhere to supplement standards, exceeding FDA requirements for food. As a B Certified Corporation, we also emphasize our social and environmental impact, using glass and compostable packaging and integrating philanthropy into our company culture. We support community mental health and holistic healing through content, conferences, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.

I'm so grateful to be in a position where I can share the medicine of my ancestors. It feels so right for me to bring saffron's wisdom and healing benefits to others, and I am honored to be a leader in this movement. If you use our products, I hope you enjoy the noticeable and more discreet benefits in your day-to-day life.

If you have yet to try our products, we offer a complimentary 3-day supply of our Warm Feelings® saffron latte—all you need to pay for is the shipping and fulfillment cost. You can purchase the 3-day supply here.

Nikki Bostwick is the founder of THE FULLEST and a co-founder of several other brands. Passionate about inspiring others to prioritize their well-being and happiness, Nikki also hosts the NIKKI BOSTWICK UNFILTERED podcast. She is a mother of two, happily married to her high school sweetheart, and resides in Laguna Beach, CA, near her large Persian family. Nikki is deeply involved in philanthropy, wellness, and health advocacy. Through her work, she aims to inspire others on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and making a positive impact in the world.