Hello, hello!
I’m Christine and my business is Christine’s Apothecary, although, to be honest, it was an ‘accidental’ business…you have heard the old saying, never do business with friends or family? Well, I most certainly agree with that! And after 30 years plus in the publishing industry, and at 49 years old, I had to completely re-invent myself and create a brand new business. Literally overnight…and literally in the truest sense of the word!
Enter Christine’s Apothecary (so named because we’d just seen Schitts Creek!). I began with candles, whipped soap, Fizz-a-Loo’s and lip balm but quickly added LOADS to that! I still am not entirely sure what to say when people ask what I do, mostly I say I make lovely smelly things to make people feel good…
I love rainbows, colour and sparkle as well as history and mythology so I have incorporated all that into my business…the first lip balm was ear wax you know! Don't worry, mine isn't!
I also get very enthusiastic and excitable, so learning an entirely new industry has been SO much fun! I joined loads of overseas groups and am inspired by them and their trends.
All my products are handmade by me and chemical free, they all have positive names as I want to help people feel good. All colours and fragrances have meanings so I include that on every label. I am extremely proud of my work, I only use high quality ingredients and enjoy finding quirky packaging as I don’t want to be like everyone else. I will not create or sell anything I don't use myself. I often leave things about for my husband to test without knowing (he's not incredibly observant all the time) and I get very honest feedback from him.
I add fairy lights to any gift box, so that when people open them it’s all lit up and pretty, and all my packaging is re-useable.
I deliver locally by horseback and at Halloween or Christmas we sometimes dress up to deliver that way too!
I also do markets and host parties (corporate and private) where everyone can make their own products, professionally label them and have fun - as I really do think that more people need to have much more fun!
I live with my husband, two horses, a pet goat, our dogs, cat and chickens. I work from home and they keep me sane! I find it’s true, that if you are doing something you love it really doesn’t feel like work…plus they all help me too!
Christine :)
ps...I'm also very proud to be a finalist in the Local Business Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as a finalist in the Australian Small Business Awards in 2023.