Lori's Emporiyum: A Passion for Food, Wellness, and Community

Lori's Emporiyum: A Passion for Food, Wellness, and Community

December 8, 2025 | Farmers markets · Member features · Specialty Food & Drink

Lori’s passion for food and natural wellness has always inspired her, long before Lori’s Emporiyum LLC ever existed. As a certified herbalist, she took online courses to understand exactly what herbs do for the body, knowledge she now applies to every product that she makes. Her blends of spices and teas are simple, clean, and intentional — with no extra additives. A true foodie at heart, Lori loves sharing how herbs can support health, and she brings that enthusiasm to every conversation with her customers.

Lori’s Emporiyum LLC began with spice blends and cookies. The business took its first step to grow while she was vending with her husband and noticed a vacant building across the street. In September 2022, they decided to open a storefront in Augusta, Kansas. She filled the space with her products as well as other vendors' locally made goods. Lori’s Emporiyum faced challenges during COVID which ultimately led to the closing of its location. But with Lori’s strong spirit, she revived her vision earlier this year in a commercial space. She uses this space to make her products and put them into nearby stores. She says, “the most satisfying thing about the job is watching people get back into locally hand-crafted things.”

One of Lori’s favorite things about her job is getting to interact with the customers and showing them ways to explore flavors, learn about herbs, and discover how natural foods can support the body. After 10 years in aerospace, following her passion for food has been a rewarding shift. Cooking started as something she did for herself, but with encouragement from her husband, family, and friends, she expanded her love for food wellness into a well niched business.

Vendor markets have become her favorite part of this business. She regularly attends the Old Town Farmers Market in Wichita, Kansas, will soon be selling products in the Market Wagon in Kansas City, Kansas, and is opening her website so customers can place orders online. She states, “I love seeing regular customers return and try something new.” Her favorite event of the year, in 2025, was Orrie’s Garlic Fest in September, where she featured several blends along with two unique garlic teas — her V6 and Triple G.

Beyond her business, Lori continues to grow her skills and community. She recently joined the Master Gardeners program where she enjoys surrounding herself with people who share her passion for plants, food, and learning. Lori is excited for the upcoming market season and ready to introduce new products to her customers. She has been encouraged to also start a recipe book — something she is considering — with her favorite recipe being sweet potato chili!

For those wanting to follow along, learn more, or see where she will be next, follow her on Facebook.

Written By: Ainsley Pecenka, From the Land of Kansas Intern

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