Modern apothecary
to have its debut at Chingawassa
Staff writer
A new herbal wellness business will make its debut this weekend at Chingawassa Days.
Jamie Thompson of Lindsborg will launch Lotus and Willow Garden at the festival.
The styled modern apothecary will offer a wide variety of products designed to promote health and wellness.
Chingawassa will serve as the company’s first public event since filing LLC paperwork in March.
The business grew out of years of creating herbal products for friends and family, Thompson said.
The venture also will help support her son’s college education as he prepares to attend Hesston College as a track athlete.
“The more I was telling friends and family or making them different lotions or teas to help them with their health issues, they just kept on saying, “Man, you should really just start a business,” Thompson said.
Thompson continues to work as a McPherson County 911 dispatcher while her spouse serves as a sheriff’s deputy. The business offers discounts to first responders and military personnel.
Chingawassa was selected as the company’s launch event after Thompson sought an opportunity close to home and was encouraged by a coworker familiar with the festival and Marion County.
Products available at the festival will include organic tea blends, herbal body butters, shower steamers, and custom herbal blends.
Thompson said years of research, classes in herbology, and product testing helped shape the business.
Festival-goers can find Lotus & Willow Garden under a dark green tent with a white banner. Thompson said visitors would be encouraged to sample products and learn more about herbs and wellness.
“We want to help whoever we can,” she said.
Among the products Thompson is most excited to showcase are an immunity tea blend, magnesium body butter, and a skin-care butter that has become popular among friends and family.