After getting my feet wet (sometimes literally) in the farmer’s market scene, I decided to try my luck at craft shows. It seemed like a logical next step—people were buying my herbal blends at markets, so surely a craft show would be a great place to introduce even more people to Backyard Patch Herbs.
With high hopes and a very flat display, I set up at my first craft show in Carol Stream. I carefully spread everything out on the table in what I thought was an enticing way (spoiler: it was not), then sat back and waited for the sales to roll in. And waited. And waited. At the end of the day, I had sold so little that I didn’t even make back the $20 booth fee.
Just as I was packing up and contemplating whether I should stick to growing herbs instead of selling them, a customer approached me and asked if I did home shows. Home shows? That had never even crossed my mind. But I figured, why not? And let me tell you—home shows turned out to be a game-changer. Instead of hoping for sales at a crowded event, I had a captive audience in someone’s home, sipping tea and learning about my herbs. I ended up doing a lot of home shows, and they were far more profitable than craft fairs.
Elmhurst Garden Walk and Faire 2017
That said, I never fully abandoned craft shows, especially outdoor ones. There’s something about an open-air event, the mix of vendors, and chatting with people who love gardening and herbs as much as I do. One of my favorites was the Elmhurst Garden Walk & Faire, which I participated in annually for about 30 years. Unlike my first craft show disaster, I eventually learned how to create an eye-catching display (turns out, height and baskets help!) and talk to people in a way that made them excited to try my blends.
My first real lectures at the Wheaton History Center in 1996.
Over time, my passion for sharing herbal knowledge led to something I really hadn’t planned for—giving lectures. It started small, just answering questions at shows and home parties, then evolved into official presentations at garden clubs, libraries, and special events. Now, educating people about herbs is one of my favorite things to do, whether it’s through lectures, workshops, or hands-on programs.
So, what started as a flat table in Carol Stream has grown into a decades-long adventure of markets, craft shows, home parties, and presentations. And while I may not do as many home shows these days, I still love getting out and talking about herbs—with a better setup than that first attempt.
