Five Questions with Yalu Apothecary

Written by Rhiannon Mapstone
on 30 April, 2018

 

Rhiannon in her debut STALL AT FINDERS KEEPERS melbourne SS17 – CAPTURED MARK LOBO

Yalu Apothecary debut STALL AT FINDERS KEEPERS melbourne SS17 – CAPTURED MARK LOBO

We’re re-visiting some of our favourite features of 2018 over the break, which is always the perfect time to catch up on some reading, and fall in love with new makers! So grab a cup of tea (or a mojito?) and learn about the wonderful energy behind Yalu Apothecary.

Working with crystals, aromatherapy, and medicinal herbs to craft healing tea blends, natural perfumes and green beauty goodies, it’s hard not to get lost in the treasure-trove world of Yalu Apothecary.  Today, we chat with Naturopath Rhiannon and discover how she draws inspiration for her natural handmade products, from not only poetry, music and art but of course, mother nature with her kaleidoscope of colour.

How did you come to be a seller at Finders Keepers? 

I started Yalu Apothecary two year ago with a strong health focus in mind, I’d just come out of busy clinic work as a Naturopath specialising in women’s health and I felt I needed to help more people – I needed to leave that industry to create products that would enrich people’s lives in a broader sense. I wanted to create products that would connect with people on an emotional, spiritual and functional level. Working with crystals, aromatherapy, and medicinal herbs to craft healing tea blends, natural perfumes and green beauty goodies.

My life before Naturopathy and perfumery was as a singer-songwriter which still plays a role in my creative process. I’m really inspired by my contemporaries and a love of music, so much so I’ve dedicated perfumes to Prince, David Bowie and Joni Mitchel whom I adore.

I’ve been going to Finders Keepers in Melbourne for the past few years being inspired by the wonderful makers and was fortunate to be a debut stall last year. So many amazing and talented people in one place, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a high caliber of creators.

perfume oils and face mask – by Yalu Apothecary

Rhiannon creating and serenity perfume oil by Yalu Apothecary

Talk us through a typical day in the life of Yalu Apothecary.

So Yalu is my full-time gig now. My husband Gerry also plays a vital role in keeping Yalu in motion. He is with me every step of the way.

Working for yourself takes a lot of self-motivation and preparation, every day is different but my daily rhythm starts with a coffee (because coffee is life), gym (when I’m feeling it), walk our dog Frankie and then head into my apothecary. There is always music, the occasional smudge session to clear the space, sometimes I like to draw an oracle card for the day or it could be just one long day of watching John Hughes movies and creating stock.

One of the coolest things about running a small business is meeting and connecting with other creators. For example, just recently we teamed up with local Sydney stylist Paige Noelle and Tanya Zouev. We didn’t know each other, but they reached out to create some stunning photographs of our products. Small business is full of taking chances. It’s also this kind of loving and supportive network that makes each day exciting and fulfilling.

Yalu Apothecary debut STALL AT FINDERS KEEPERS melbourne SS17 – CAPTURED MARK LOBO

 

Yalu Apothecary debut STALL AT FINDERS KEEPERS melbourne SS17 – CAPTURED MARK LOBO

What has been your proudest business moment to date?

It was rather recently actually. It stars Alanis Morissette…Yes, that Alanis Morissette. She bought one of our Kali oils while she was here in Melbourne a couple of months ago. It totally blew my mind! She posted about it as part of her self-care Sunday. Dorky story alert, the very first competition I ever won was my high school talent quest singing her songs. So I thought it was rather serendipitous that all these years later she would find something I made and use it to feel good.

Tell us about your inspiration for creativity?

I draw inspiration from poetry, music, icons, travel, film, art, and of course, mother nature with her kaleidoscope of colour is an inspiration on the daily.
I do a lot of Rhi-search also. Most afternoons you can find me with my head in a book, reading about natural perfumes and herbs. Our next big step here at Yalu is to start working with alcohol-based perfumes. So I’ve been spending a lot of time at the perfume organ creating luscious new scents for this range. It’s pure joy. Seriously, I can’t even believe this is my ‘job’..

Naturopath, Rhiannon Mapstone creator of Yalu Apothecary

handcrafted products – by Yalu Apothecary

What goals do you have for your business over the next five years? 

I’m incredibly passionate and curious about exploring the realm of natural scent. I want to marry my love of herbal medicine with my perfume creations. I’ve already started to create our own signature tinctures for some toxic free, vegan-friendly perfumes. Learning how to fuse the top, middle and base notes to create a symphony of glorious botanical scents. Gerry and I are headed to Paris in early June for a massive ‘smellathon’ of all the perfumeries. You should see my list! it’s getting ridiculous! I mean if you can’t find inspiration in Paris?

I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I love the pace I’m traveling at and the space I have to create. I don’t need world domination, I’m just after happy days filled with sunshine, perfume, tea and good times.

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Yalu Apothecary debut STALL AT FINDERS KEEPERS melbourne SS17 – CAPTURED MARK LOBO

 

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