Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Bush.
Hi Melanie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Germany, I grew up in a family that relied on traditional herbal remedies and natural healing practices passed down through generations. These early experiences inspired my passion for holistic wellness and eventually led to the creation of Appalachian Wild Market.
In 2022, my family relocated from Germany to Abingdon, Virginia, following my husband’s military service. While the military move brought us to Southwest Virginia, we likely would not have settled in Abingdon if it had not been for Angie, my husband’s sister. Angie had already established roots in the community and has since built a successful dog treat business in the area. Her encouragement and connection to the region played a significant role in our decision to make Abingdon our home.
15 years ago, before moving to the United States, I owned and operated a wellness retreat center in Germany. At the time, I believed I was ready to move away from entrepreneurship and no longer wanted to be self-employed. However, my passion for wellness and helping others never faded. Over time, I realized that my roots were leading me back to the same work I loved, inspiring me to build something new while drawing on my previous experience.
The business I operate today reflects that evolution. While my wellness retreat center in Germany focused on facials, manicures, and other spa services, my current approach centers on healing from the inside out. Through herbal remedies, wellness education, and natural products, I help individuals support their health and well-being through nutrition, traditional plant-based practices, and holistic lifestyle choices.
As founder and owner of Appalachian Wild Market, I oversee product development, sales and marketing, operations, workshops, vendor relationships, and financial management. Through the business, my goal is to share the benefits of traditional herbal wellness while creating a welcoming community space where customers feel at home. Appalachian Wild Market has successfully grown through farmers markets and community events, building a loyal customer base and a strong foundation for future expansion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has not always been a smooth road, although it has been an incredibly rewarding one.
One of my biggest challenges today is managing time. I am a wife to a military service member, a mother to three daughters, and I work full-time at a community college from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to my career and family responsibilities, I dedicate time to Appalachian Wild Market every single day. Whether I am harvesting herbs, traveling to neighboring farms to source ingredients I do not grow myself, creating medicinal baked goods, attending farmers’ markets, teaching workshops, or developing new products, there is always something that needs my attention.
Like many parents, our evenings are often spent supporting our children’s activities, which include ballet, gymnastics, and other commitments throughout the week. Balancing family life, a full-time career, and a growing business requires careful planning and a great deal of determination.
Another challenge is space. Appalachian Wild Market has grown significantly, and we are now at a point where expansion is necessary. I am actively seeking funding opportunities that will allow us to create a larger space that aligns with our long-term vision. My dream is to develop a wellness and healing garden that serves not only our business but also our veterans and the broader community.
This healing space would feature medicinal herbs, nutrient-dense vegetables, walking paths, and natural areas designed to promote relaxation and wellness. I envision a place where people can learn about the healing plants growing in their own backyards, discover how food impacts their health, attend educational workshops, and reconnect with nature. Most importantly, I want it to be a welcoming community gathering place where visitors can sit, relax, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and savor one of our medicinal pastries while experiencing the restorative benefits of the garden.
While the journey has certainly come with challenges, each obstacle has reinforced my commitment to this work. Seeing people improve their health, gain confidence in using natural remedies, and build connections within the community makes every long day worthwhile. As Appalachian Wild Market continues to grow, my goal remains the same: to create a space that nurtures health, education, and community for generations to come.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
If I had to choose, I would choose all of the categories, because each one reflects an important part of my life and career.
As a business owner, I am passionate about growing my company and hope to expand it further by building a strong team of employees who share my vision and values. The Business category reflects my entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating quality products and experiences.
The Practice category represents my commitment to teaching traditional German practices related to medicinal herbs, natural remedies, and wellness techniques. I enjoy sharing this knowledge with others and helping people discover the benefits that nature can provide.
Although I own a business, I also identify with the Employee category because I consider myself a lifelong student and servant of both nature and God. There is always more to learn, and I believe humility, faith, and service are essential parts of personal and professional growth.
The Artist and Creative category also describes me well. I love creating flavorful and beneficial tea and spice blends, as well as tasteful packaging and attractive displays. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, from developing new products to creating memorable experiences for others.
What I am most proud of is simply being who I am and caring for others, no matter who they are or where they come from. I love having people around me, and everyone is always welcome. Kindness, hospitality, and making meaningful connections with others are values that guide both my personal and professional life.
I specialize in blending spices, crafting unique teas, and creating distinctive baked goods such as wildflower breads, specialty cookies, and other flavorful treats inspired by nature and tradition. I enjoy combining quality ingredients, creativity, and craftsmanship to create products that are both beautiful and enjoyable.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to bring together education, tradition, creativity, and genuine care for people. Whether I am teaching about medicinal herbs, creating a new tea blend, baking something special, or welcoming someone into my community, my goal is always the same: to share knowledge, create meaningful experiences, and help others feel valued and appreciated.
My career is a unique combination of business, education, service, artistry, and creativity, all working together to support my mission of sharing the benefits of herbal knowledge, natural wellness, and heartfelt hospitality with others.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Support can come in many forms, from purchasing my products and attending workshops to sharing my work with others and helping spread awareness of the benefits of herbal traditions and natural living. I also welcome partnerships with local businesses, artisans, bakers, growers, and wellness practitioners who value authenticity, community, and creativity.
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to connect with people, share knowledge, and create meaningful experiences. Whether someone becomes a customer, student, collaborator, or friend, I appreciate every opportunity to learn, grow, and build a stronger community together.
Contact Info:
- Website: We are working on getting a grant for a webpage.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/appwildmarket/
