Our Story IT ALL STARTED WITH 20 LB. OF GINSENG
It’s 2010. Adaptogens are trending. It’s becoming increasingly clear that our ancestors were right: that nature holds the key to optimal living. So, imagine my surprise – hey, Ken here! – when I faced difficulties finding a reputable and trustworthy North American ginseng brand right here in Toronto, Canada–even though the herb is native to the country! The gap in the market served as kindling to my already-present entrepreneurial streak (thanks to Mom and Dad, who I saw worked tirelessly on their business). Off to the local farms, I went. It was eye-opening. Witnessing just how unorganized and unreliable the North American ginseng trade was gave me the validation I needed that this was something worth doing.
So, I left with 20 lb of North American ginseng. Thinking back, it was a somewhat crazy decision; even my wife, Grace, had her doubts. But much to our surprise, the North American ginseng sold out within 2 months with our friends’ help! Of course, I had to go back to the farms. 60 lbs., 100 lbs., so on and so forth–till today. Amidst that, I picked up the skill of trimming and categorizing ginseng, to ensure that I only provide the best quality ginseng to my customers. That said, my entrepreneurial journey has not been all smooth-sailing. Not at all. I entertained the thought of quitting many times. But the heart-warming support and encouragement from our customers and friends kept me going. Till today. And that’s the birth story of Grace Mountain.
