Posted Jun 24, 2025
Some years ago, Felisha Orchid first began experiencing dizzy spells, she had no idea it would lead her to launch her own business. After undergoing a series of tests pointing towards multiple sclerosis, Felisha began researching the disease, which led her to learning more broadly about holistic approaches to wellness, including the power of food and nutrition.
“I read the Wahls Protocol and learned about how nutrition could alleviate symptoms of MS,” Felisha shared. “I also found a doctor in Texas, whose work is centered around helping patients avoid surgeries through better nutrition.”
Though her diagnosis eventually ruled out MS, the experience planted the proverbial seed that would lead Felisha to starting her own microgreen business called Seed Living – and eventually her Certified Naturally Grown division Seedwise – ultimately bringing her to Green City Market.
Felisha launched Seed Living at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-taught grower, she watched hours of educational videos on how to grow microgreens. One thing led to another, and Felisha eventually applied and secured a grant with a church in the Chicago suburbs that kickstarted her work in feeding the community, where she began growing and distributing microgreens to food-insecure families.
“I knew I could help,” Felisha shared. “I had the face shield, the gloves, the whole setup. It was early pandemic days, but I got to teach people what microgreens, how they could use them as I handed them out. It was amazing.”
Felisha later secured another grant to teach 30 youth, grades 3rd through 8th, how to grow their own microgreens. She taught classes at her church and eventually expanded into local farmers’ markets, starting small, with a market near her home in Tinley Park. But pretty soon, word about her microgreens began to spread.
“One of my neighbors at the market told me about Frankfort Farmers Market. Then my daughter, who helps with the business, discovered Green City Market.”
Joining Green City Market required Felisha to get third-party certified as part of the organization’s dedication to lifting up growers and food producers who are committed to environmental stewardship and responsible treatment of animals and the planet.
For Felisha, obtaining this certification was a sign of professional growth, where she took the steps to have her microgreens be Certified Naturally Grown, a peer-reviewed certification for farmers and growers that prioritize transparency, direct relationships, and collaboration.
“I had to go through the inspection process and enjoyed learning from other farmers,” Felisha shared. “It was challenging but a very rewarding and cool experience. I’ve learned a lot from other farmers who have already been through the process.”
Felisha’s “farm” doesn’t look like a traditional one — she grows her microgreens in a compact indoor green room— but that hasn’t stopped her from growing her business and thriving in the market space.
“Green City Market has really elevated my game,” she shared. “People at the market ask about certified seeds, organic practices, and sustainability. It’s made me take things up a notch.”
Felisha’s own personal background as an ordained minister and motivational speaker is deeply intertwined with her work operating Seed Living. From balancing speaking engagements to leading workshops, things aren’t always easy, but Felisha says it’s worth it.
“It gets a little nutty sometimes,” she shared, laughing. “But I love it. I get to talk about health, faith, and purpose — and I get to help people.”
Felisha has even developed a wellness program that she brought to corporate groups, teaching employees how to lead a balanced life and prioritize their health.
“I’m proud that organizations are inviting me to teach nutrition and microgreen education as part of their health initiatives,” she shared. “It helps with retention, reduces healthcare costs leaving people feeling like their companies care about them.”
Out of all her accomplishments, Felisha’s pride and joy are her workshops that teach participants how to grow their own microgreens at home. Her mission is to make growing food accessible, joyful, and deeply personal.
“Some folks come to my workshops convinced they have a brown thumb,” she said. “But I promise them they’ll grow a tray of microgreens — and they do! Then they come back to the farmers’ market to show me their trays and what they’ve grown. It’s the best feeling.”
“The thing that excites me most is seeing people who thought they couldn’t suddenly realize they can,” she continued. “And now they’ve got microgreens right on their countertop. They’re harvesting their own nutrition.”Looking ahead, Felisha is continuing to expand Seed Living’s impact through new workshops, business partnerships, and community outreach.
Her ultimate goal?
“To help people advocate for themselves, improve their health, and transform their communities — one seed at a time.”
Learn more about Felisha Orchid here and Seed Living/Seedwise here. You can find Felisha and Seedwise at GCM West Loop every Saturday from 8 am-1 pm at 900 W Monroe St (just north of Mary Bartelme Park).
At Green City Market, we believe farmers' markets are a powerful instrument of a local food system, and we're dedicated to creating widely accessible marketplaces for local food in Chicago where farmers can make a living wage and connect directly with their customers.
Visit our calendar for upcoming market dates and support our nonprofit work to deepen support for Midwest farmers like Felisha here.