Hidden Markets

Meet Holly. She's a clinical herbalist, which means she makes teas and potions out of herbs she collects or grows.

I met her at a gathering of food-related start-ups - caterers, small organic food growers, ethnic foods makers -- organized by an outfit called DC Grey Market. The monthly events aren't advertised but rather, you join a distribution list and the address of the next gathering (along with participants) is sent to you by email. A bit of a gimmick but it's cute, highly personal, and gives these wannabe entrepreneurs some exposure, so why not.

As for Holly, she sold me an 'acute allergy relief' potion for my husband. He grudgingly swallowed the bitter liquid before bed. Let's see if it works! :)