Hidden Gems: Meet Kelsey Epstein of Mortar and Pestle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Epstein.

Hi Kelsey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! I am the owner/operator of Mortar and Pestle Compounding Pharmacy in Flagstaff, AZ. We are an independent non sterile compounding pharmacy licensed in and serving all of Arizona.

I grew up in Flagstaff and attended NAU. I was working on getting my degree in chemistry and deciding where I wanted to go next when a family friend suggested pharmacy school. I then started working at Mortar and Pestle in 2010 while I finished my degree at NAU.

I applied and got into University of Colorado School of Pharmacy, with the plan of returning home to Flagstaff. After graduation in 2017, I purchased the pharmacy from the previous owner Lauren.

My husband and I live here with our two dogs. He works at NAU as a geologist while I continue to run the pharmacy. In 2024, we purchased and renovated a building and moved Mortar and Pestle to accommodate growth.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Unfortunately in the world of pharmacy, rules and regulations are constantly changing. The main struggle I had to overcome was figuring out how to tackle new guidelines regarding the compounding of hazardous drugs.

When I purchased the business, we rented a small unit in a strip mall, which served us well for many years. However, due to updates in regulations, I had to figure out how to remodel the space to accommodate a negative pressure clean room, with very specific requirements. Long story short, it took about two years from purchasing the building to having it all up to code and us moving in. It was honestly the hardest project I have ever had to plan. Everything from the finances to design was a struggle, but I am so proud of our current building!

We’ve been impressed with Mortar and Pestle , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mortar and Pestle is a local compounding pharmacy. We are independently owned (by me!), which is becoming more and more rare in the world of pharmacy.

We are a non sterile compounding pharmacy, which means we can make just about anything besides IV medications and eye drops. Once a prescription is made we can send it via USPS to anywhere in AZ!

Compounding pharmacy is a speciality practice that makes medication specifically for each patient. Specifically trained pharmacists develop formulas using the raw active ingredients, manipulating it into a capsule, cream or many other dosage forms. The goal of compounding pharmacies is to fill the gap of traditional manufacturing of medicines. Whether someone needs a different dosage form or dose or has an allergy to one of the ingredients in a medication, compounding pharmacies can provide the appropriate and safe medication.

Mortar and Pestle specializes in hormone replacement therapy for women and men as well as veterinary medicine; although we do just about everything in between too!

I am very proud of my business and the people who work with me. We show up every day and work extremely hard to fulfill the needs of our community . We can continue to grow and I like to think we are an important part of our small community.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I truly believe that if you can keep your staff happy, everything else falls into place. Though I am sure I have my moments of being difficult to work for, making sure my employees are happy is extremely important to me. The longer people stick around, the better. One of my employees has actually worked here longer than I have! I could not do what I do without the amazing humans around me.

What I wish I would have been more aware of is the fact that owning a small business takes away a lot of personal freedom. While I wouldn’t have it any other way, being the owner can be draining and exhausting. You are the one that everyone turns to for every question, every issue, and you must be ready to jump into a 50-60 hour work week even if you were planning on being out of town. I think the allure of owning your own business often entices young entrepreneurs (as it should), but just be mindful of the fact that personal sacrifices will always be a part of your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mortarpestleflagstaff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortarandpestleflagstaff/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MortarPestleFlagstaff/

Image Credits
Lynn Salce and Valerie Caro