How the Best Friend Duo of Kellie Brown and Jessica Washington Are Shaping Wellness and Skincare

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kellie Brown and Jessica Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kellie and Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know, the idea of Love Apothecary really took root during the pandemic. I mean, those were some tough years for all of us, right? We were stuck at home, learning new ways to adapt and cope with the craziness going on in the world. And that’s when it hit us – self-care was more important than ever. We were all craving a bit of relaxation, a moment of tranquility in the chaos.

So, even though Jess and I had been tinkering in our “kitchen lab” for years, it was during those pandemic days that we thought, “Hey, let’s take this to the next level.” Making soap, body butter, skincare, and all these fantastic self-care products just felt like the right thing to do. It was our way of sharing some much-needed self-care love with the world, and we’ve been on this incredible journey ever since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Kellie’s Perspective:

You know, my journey into entrepreneurship started with a love for crafting natural wellness products in my kitchen. It was a fun hobby, but during the pandemic, when we were all stuck at home, it became a real lifeline. Self-care suddenly took center stage, and I realized there was a need for what we were doing. That’s when Love Apothecary was born.

Now, during the day, I wear a different hat as an Operations and Logistics Manager at a global tax firm. It’s a demanding role that’s taught me a lot about efficiency and teamwork. But what sets me apart is my ability to blend my corporate experience with our passion for self-care and wellness. It’s this unique combination that drives Love Apothecary.

In addition to my corporate journey, I’ve also had experience in teaching and Chemistry tutoring. I’ve even had the privilege of leading in the retail industry. These diverse experiences have enriched my perspective and added a layer of versatility to our Love Apothecary venture.

Balancing the corporate world and our self-care venture hasn’t been a walk in the park. It’s meant burning the midnight oil, but when you’re doing something you’re truly passionate about, it’s a labor of love. I’ve learned that patience is a virtue in building a brand, and success doesn’t happen overnight.

What I want the world to know is that Love Apothecary isn’t just about products; it’s a lifestyle. We’re all about spreading the joy of self-care and making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a mom, dad, a student, or anyone looking to indulge in self-care, we’re here for you.

Jessica’s Perspective:

My journey has taken me through the world of healthcare as a registered nurse in dermatology. It’s a field that’s all about skin health, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact of self-care on overall well-being. But it was during those long days of the pandemic that the idea of Love Apothecary really took shape. We wanted to offer self-care solutions that went beyond skincare.

In my nursing career, I’ve learned resilience and compassion, qualities that have been invaluable in our Love Apothecary adventure. It hasn’t been easy juggling a demanding nursing career with our self-care venture, but with Kellie’s unwavering support, we’ve made it work.

I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the top dermatologists in the Philadelphia area, gaining valuable insights into skincare and wellness. Additionally, I have experience in an inpatient unit, taking care of mothers and babies after delivery, which has deepened my understanding of holistic well-being.

Adaptability has been a crucial lesson, and I’ve realized that when you’re passionate about something, you find a way. What sets me apart is my deep understanding of skincare from a medical perspective, and I’m excited to bring that knowledge to Love Apothecary.

So, what do I want the world to know about us? Love Apothecary is where self-care, wellness, and skincare converge. We’re not just here to sell products; we’re here to educate and inspire. Our goal is to make self-care a beautiful journey to self-love, and we’re making it fun and accessible for everyone, regardless of where they are in life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If our best friends were in town for a week, we’d immerse ourselves in the world of self-care, which is at the heart of our company brand, Love Apothecary. Self-care is a deeply personal journey, and we understand that it takes on diverse forms for different people. So, during this special week, we’d explore the rich tapestry of self-care practices we’ve encountered while running our business. Infusing our shared passion for supporting small businesses into the mix, this week promises to be an unforgettable celebration of self-care in all its beautiful variations.

Our adventure would begin with a personalized self-care treasure hunt, courtesy of Love Apothecary, setting the tone for a week filled with relaxation and exploration. We’d savor delectable treats at local bakeries, indulge in farm-to-table delights at charming restaurants, and immerse ourselves in the local art and culture scene with gallery visits and live performances. Of course, spa days would be on the agenda for some well-deserved relaxation.

But here’s the exciting twist – at each of these stops, our best friends would discover Love Apothecary’s products, thoughtfully and creatively placed as part of our treasure hunt. It would be like a self-care scavenger hunt, adding an extra layer of fun and surprise to our adventures. Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt filled with gifts?

So, while Love Apothecary may not be a physical place you visit – yet (heavy on the yet, as we speak this into existence), our self-care treasures would be right there with us, enhancing every moment of the week-long journey. Given that Kellie lives in Dallas, TX, and Jessica lives in Philadelphia, PA, we’d love to call out some of our favorite small-owned businesses in both cities. Along the way, we’d make sure to visit remarkable spots like Dope Botanicals, Hakim’s Bookstore, The Plant Project, Staycation Cafe, Black Lit, Darnel’s Cakes, Hibiscus Cafe, Slutty Vegan, Hutchins BBQ, and Rex at the Royal. And, of course, we’d capture it all with the help of our favorite photographers in both cities, Larry Wright Photography (based in Philly) and Lucy Thornton Photography (based in the DFW Area). At the end of the week, we’d want our best friends to leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and with a heart full of beautiful “captured” memories to look back on.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, absolutely! There’s no way we could have gotten Love Apothecary off the ground without our incredible support system. Our family and friends have been our biggest cheerleaders from day one, helping us stay motivated and believing in our vision. They’ve gone above and beyond, even volunteering to work pop-up shops in various cities on our behalf, spreading the Love Apothecary brand far and wide.

Also, the Love Apothecary journey wouldn’t be what it is without our fantastic customers, who we lovingly call our “Self-Care Tribe.” They’re the heart and soul of our business, and their support and feedback have been invaluable.

As for books, we want to give a big shoutout to “The Self-Care Revolution” by Suzy Reading, and we’d also like to highlight “Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind, and Spirit” by Queen Afua. Queen Afua’s book has been a powerful source of inspiration, focusing on self-care and holistic well-being within the black community, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

And last but not least, the Love Apothecary team! Jess and I make a dynamic duo, and our combined passion and creativity have made this self-care dream a reality. So, this shoutout is for all of them – our families, friends, customers, and our incredible team. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

Website: www.theloveapothecary.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theloveapothecary/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-apothecary

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theloveapothecary

Other: Shop our products in-store at @phillyshared in Willow Grove Mall, PA

Image Credits
Lucy Thornton Photography Whitney Rogers Photography