A Community Rooted in Healing and Hope
By Jessica L. Knouse | Photography by Melissa Ring
A small business with a big mission is transforming lives through holistic wellness, community engagement and an unshakable commitment to generosity. The Olive Branch, founded by Rachel Greenholt, is more than just a store—it’s a movement. With a product line of affordable, handmade, organic home and body essentials, a thriving nonprofit arm and a steadfast belief in serving others, The Olive Branch has become a beacon of hope and healing.
The Beginning of a Healing Journey
Rachel’s journey to founding The Olive Branch was born out of necessity and a relentless desire to help others. With a background in biology and a passion for research, she was no stranger to understanding how things work at a cellular level. However, her true calling emerged when her daughter developed severe eczema.
“Nothing was fixing it,” Rachel recalls. “We tried anything and everything you could think of.” Faced with frustration, she took matters into her own hands. “I dove into research to figure out what would be antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial—what would help with skin regeneration, reduce inflammation and lock in moisture.”
From that research came her first product, a healing balm that not only treated her daughter’s eczema but also worked wonders for bug bites, burns and various skin irritations.
That balm (called “The Healing Balm”) is now a staple at The Olive Branch and the beginning of what would become a thriving enterprise.
From Kitchen Experiments to a Community Staple
Rachel’s passion for holistic wellness only deepened in 2017 when she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease. Battling inflammation and a weakened immune system, she turned once again to research, discovering the immune-boosting properties of elderberry syrup. What started as a remedy for herself quickly gained traction within her community.
“I made a post about it on Facebook,” she says. “I had a dozen friends and family asking if I could make them some.” Within weeks, demand skyrocketed. “The first batch, I sold 20 jars. The next week, 40. The next, almost 100. It was a need that our community had.”
By the time she officially established The Olive Branch as an LLC, she had already built a loyal customer base. People not only trusted her products but also resonated with her mission to provide affordable, nontoxic, handmade goods that prioritize health and wellness.
A Business That Gives Back
Unlike many commercial ventures, The Olive Branch operates with a higher purpose: to serve and uplift. “Everything we do is rooted in community,” Rachel explains. “The store funds Olive Branch Ministries, our nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping and encouraging women to move forward in their lives.”
From the outset, Olive Branch Ministries has focused on building relationships and fostering personal growth. Their flagship event, The Gathering, started in 2023 as a free, monthly night of connection, food and encouragement for local women. “The first month, 175 women showed up.
By July, we had almost 500,” Rachel shares. The overwhelming demand led them to implement a registration system, ensuring that each month, 165 women could attend in a more intimate setting.
In addition to The Gathering, The Olive Branch hosts The Vine and The Branches, a smaller, mentorship-focused event limited to 80 participants. Their Connect Groups offer semester-based small groups where women dive deeper into personal growth, faith and empowerment.
Expanding the Vision
The rapid growth of both the business and nonprofit prompted Rachel and her team to expand multiple times. What started in her living room evolved into a 10,000-square-foot space, complete with a production facility and a storefront. Each step of expansion came with challenges, but the unwavering support of the community—and a bit of divine intervention—kept them moving forward.
“When we needed a retail space,
I walked into this building, and I knew it was the one,” Rachel says. “The owners of the building believed in us so much they handed us the keys and said, ‘Do what you need to do.’” Their generosity and faith in the mission allowed The Olive Branch to flourish.
Today, the store produces thousands of products weekly, including its best-selling organic elderberry syrup, botanical soaps and nontoxic candles. Customers from across the United States and even military bases overseas trust The Olive Branch for safe, effective, ethically-made products.
A Culture of Growth and Purpose
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Olive Branch is its work environment. “My calling is to cultivate growth,” Rachel shares. “Not just in products, but in people.” She takes pride in fostering a workplace where employees are encouraged to develop their strengths and step into their purpose.
“We have a staff of over 25 people, and many of them have grown with us over the years,” she shares. “It’s a family.”
Looking ahead, The Olive Branch has ambitious plans, including launching a podcast and expanding its event space. “We know our next big undertaking is building a separate space that will house a larger retail store, production area and event venue,” Rachel reveals. “It’s a huge step, but we believe in taking it one step at a time.”
The Power of One Step
Rachel’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders is simple yet profound: “Just take the next step.” Reflecting on her journey, she admits, “Had I known how big this would become, I might have been too scared to start. But when you focus on the next step, doors open.”
For the women of Hanover and beyond, The Olive Branch is more than a store. It’s a place where healing begins, where community is fostered and where faith and purpose guide every decision. As Rachel puts it, “We want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, valued and taken care of. That’s the heart of The Olive Branch.”
In a world often driven by profit, The Olive Branch stands as a testament to the power of generosity, faith and the unwavering belief that when a business is built on love and service, it can truly change lives.
