Meet Ashleigh Rubin of L’Apothicaire Natural Handcrafted Products in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Rubin.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashleigh. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
As a child, I was fascinated with how everything was made. From the candies I sneaked behind my moms back, to the stars in the sky, I just wanted to know how things came about, and how I could replicate them. I touched and misplaced everything around the house trying to figure out how things worked. This is how I was dubbed with the nickname “Sticky Fingers,” by my loved ones.

I always loved to use my hands to create, and then boom! I became an adult. So if it didn’t sustain me, I had to put that passion on the back burner. 2015 was the year that completely changed me. I had an accident that nearly took my life, and left me with substantial injuries that gave me some time on my hands and a new outlook on living.

I remembered getting in trouble for dipping my hands in my mom’s expensive candles as a child and being fascinated with how nice my skin smelled and felt afterwards. So I researched and saw that most store-bought candles are full of toxic ingredients. I decided I would make candles that are good for the skin, your home, and the environment.

That lead me to find my special fragrances, waxes, oils that are safe for your home and your skin. Even the wooden wicks are from a company that supports Trees.Org with every purchase. L’Apothicaire means The Apothecary. I try to incorporate healing through my products, so they all carry a special blend of essential oils and oils.

Since 2015 it has expanded to Body Butters, Perfumes, Oils Natural Deodorant, and Gold Flaked Candles. Each is scented with fragrances that are reminiscent of a place I traveled, or a feeling I felt. I am proud to say each item is handcrafted with my “Sticky Fingers.” 🙂

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Making the decision to quit a job that had unlimited paid vacations to pursue this business full time, was a huge struggle. I was comfortable and had benefits.

But I knew if I wanted to be successful I needed to step outside of my comfort zone, so I said my goodbyes and started paving my own way. Having to now be the boss, the employee, accounting, etc. is a huge struggle.

Sometimes I want to fire myself. LOL

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the L’Apothicaire Natural Handcrafted Products story. Tell us more about the business.
I make products with natural ingredients, and they include Alcohol-Free Perfumes, Body Butters, Scrubs, Room Sprays, Wax melts, and of course Candles.

One of my biggest sellers is my La Rochelle candle, it’s flocked in gold flake and Rose petals, and the scent is long lasting and strong. Also, my Perfume oils can be used all over your body, so my rollerballs are a huge hit here.

Tyra Banks stopped in Gather PHX downtown and bought one of my Perfume oils, so that was a HUGE moment for me!

Soy candles usually look the same, and the creator has to rely on the container to stand out. I found ways to incorporate colors in unique patterns and swirls that almost put on a show when you burn them.

All my products are affordable, so a budget-wise millennial can afford a good quality hand made product.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Being able to chase my passion is my definition of success. Not everyone is afforded that opportunity for various reasons, and I am lucky to be apart of the few.

I met a successful business owner on a plane once. Somehow we struck up a conversation, and he told me that if you fill a void, success will always come. He left a lasting impression on me that I will never forget. So far it’s working for me!

But you have to have the generic markers! Set goals, be patient, and get ready for 80 hr work weeks. The road to success is not easy, so buckle up.

Pricing:

• Soy Aromatherapy Candles $30
• Alcohol-Free Perfume $27

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lapothicaire.org
• Phone: 7605273257
• Email: info@lapothicaire.org
• Instagram: @lapothicairenaturals
• Facebook: @lapothicairenaturals

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.