Dot and her husband, Bob, began their journey in Beltsville, Maryland, where they worked at the USDA. During this time, Dot delved into the study of sterilizing cannabis seeds under the mentorship of Dr. James Duke, a renowned herbalist and author of The Green Pharmacy and Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs. Dr. Duke's groundbreaking work at the USDA led to the creation of Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, comprehensive resources offering valuable insights for pharmaceutical, nutritional, and biomedical research, as well as the study of alternative therapies and herbal products.
Profoundly inspired by Dr. Duke’s expertise and her burgeoning passion for botany, Dot made a life-changing decision to move to West Virginia in 1975, embracing the back-to-the-land movement. Settling on Smoke Camp Road, she learned traditional herb cultivation and usage from her seasoned neighbors, integrating these practices into her daily life.
In the rustic 1800s cabin on her property, Dot started a small business that blossomed into Smoke Camp Crafts. This cabin, a symbol of her entrepreneurial spirit and connection to the land, still stands and is proudly featured in the company’s logo. Dot's creative capacity was boundless, leading to the development of hundreds of diverse products under her brand. Her extensive knowledge and innovative approach to traditional herbal uses were later encapsulated in her published book, Modern Uses of Traditional Herbs, further cementing her legacy in the herbal and craft community.
Kara Vaneck, who trained directly under Dot, has since picked up the torch. Under her stewardship, Smoke Camp Crafts has significantly expanded, broadening its product scope and reaching new markets, all while continuing to honor Dot’s original vision and deep respect for traditional herbal wisdom.
