How a Local Herbalist Turned her Knowledge into a Business
The Virginia food and beverage scene features a creative and diverse lineup of entrepreneurs. From cider makers to foodie tour guides, we love seeing how passion can lead to a business. Corey began her journey as an herbalist and created a line of products to share her love of functional medicine with the world. Her botanical tonics, teas, and elixirs have become pantry staples for many across Virginia, myself included!
We had the opportunity to do a little Q&A with the founder of Red Root & Co. to talk about the spark behind the brand, the products she reaches for every day, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a maker yourself or you love supporting Virginia-grown brands, her story is full of inspiration and wisdom.
What inspired you to launch Red Root & Co.?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I was often scheming little business ideas–craft shows, bake sales and restaurant menus. And all of my life, I’ve been drawn to preparing kitchen goods for loved ones. It was natural for me to think of honing a craft and starting a business, but nothing fully resonated until after I was trained as an herbalist. After being trained as an herbalist, I was inspired to create supportive herbal products, bringing botanical goodness to foods, beverages and herbal remedies. I knew I wanted to craft botanical goods with great care and thoughtfulness for both the environment and social world. It was a challenge to step out and start a small business, but at the same time it felt like a natural progression, to create a space where I could share the best of the botanical world and the craft of herbalism with others.
Which products are your favorites?
This is a hard question, because I have incorporated many of these herbal goods into my daily life. I enjoy the lift and brightness of Fire Cider, plus the warming and immune-supportive herbs. I make Peace & Rest Tea regularly; it helps relax tension and soothe the mind. We incorporate Oxymel into our meals daily, and Elderberry Syrup is a staple in our home. And, bitters are always on our kitchen table to use as needed.
Have there been any surprising pivots or learning moments?
I don’t come from a business background, so I have many learning moments. One thing I learned early on was that the transition from selling a product at a farmers’ market to selling wholesale requires a different perspective and approach. For example, the product and packaging in a grocery store need to be able to tell the story, whereas at a market, I can tell the story. That was a big learning curve, and it is something that does not end. It is ever evolving.
What advice would you give to other food- or wellness-brand entrepreneurs starting out in Virginia today?
Having a small business takes stamina and passion for your idea. It can be tricky to navigate, taking your idea and manifesting it into a vision, and there are many aspects of a business that will vie for your time. Delegate what you are able and make sure to compensate yourself fairly. Connect with other folks working in similar spaces. Fellow entrepreneurs can be a source of camaraderie as you journey with your business.
If you want to try Red Root & Co., you can order from their website, visit their herb house (919 Virginia Ave | Harrisonburg, VA 22802), or shop at one of these local retailers:
- Burrow & Vine – Staunton, VA
- Ellwood Thompson’s– Richmond, VA
- Friendly City Food Co-op- Harrisonburg, VA
- Gift & Gather– Occoquan, VA
- Good Health Herbs– Midlothian, VA
- Greenwood Gourmet Grocery – Crozet, VA
- Kinloch Farm Store– The Plains, VA
- Massanutten Resort- Massanutten, VA
- MediaNoche- Richmond, VA
- MOMs Organic Market– VirginiaÂ
- Nalls Produce- Alexandria, VA
- The Hamilton Mercantile- Hamilton, VA
- The Homestead Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard- Winchester, VAÂ
- Townsend Draft Goods – Monterey, VAÂ
- Seasonal Roots- Charlottesville, VAÂ
- Scratch Pasta- Lynchburg, VA
- Shop Made in VA- Alexandria, VA
- Stoney Run Artisans & Highland Designs- McGayhesville, VAÂ
- Virginia Mercantile– Clifton, VAÂ
