Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tatiana Boland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tatiana, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have always had very dry skin. No matter the climate I lived in, my skin was tight and often itchy it was so dry. As a young person I used increasingly higher quality lotions and skin care, but they never provided lasting relief. Lotions and face cream would deliver temporary relief but did not last the length of the day, leaving me frustrated.
Eventually, in my late 20’s, I began working in the natural food industry and tried cleaner, more natural products that were supposedly for my very dry skin type. Time and time again I was disappointed.
I learned how to make soap from my friends in Washington state and was introduced to the idea of formulation. We made “super-fatted” soap which had more oil than was necessary for the chemical reaction of saponification. This unincorporated oil acted as a moisturizer, and the idea of making my own products to meet my own needs took root.
In 2013 I returned to Omaha, where I was raised, and started assembling the tools, equipment and materials I would need to make soap. I took in as much information I could find about making a variety of personal care products, expanding knowledge and the product line I was offering.
In 2017 I completed an online course from an accredited school in Natural Skincare Formulation. I was able to fine tune my formulation skills, explore the purpose of a variety of materials and ingredients, and dial into the demographic I was targeting my product line to. As my brand and business grew I heard repeatedly from other people like me who wanted to use high quality, natural products that genuinely provided relief to their dry skin. Today I have loyal customers who swear by Apothecuryous products and who thank me for creating something that actually works for their dry skin needs.

Tatiana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I tell people that I have an Adult Onset Interest in Chemistry. After trying what felt like everything under the sun to deal with my dry skin, I learned how to properly formulate natural skin care, as a way of solving my own problem. I had (and still have) high quality standards about the skin care I use, and wasn’t finding relief for my dry tight skin. I didn’t want to compromise on quality, and after working in the natural food industry I saw many people come in looking for products they could use as they had recently found out they were sensitive to certain ingredients in products they had been using. I helped people read and understand body care product labels, and identified what would be suitable for their changing needs.
My friend group in Washington state taught me how to make Cold Process soap and we would make soap together annually for personal use and gifts. I remember feeling like a chord had been struck deep inside my soul the first time I made soap. I fell in love with the process and it reminded me of candy-making with my grandmother, Elouise. She could make anything. She struck a perfect balance between good process and precision, with the artistry of being mindful of how ingredients work together to become part of a whole. I lit up as I started to explore perfumery, blending essential oils into well rounded scents and applying a similar artisanal mind to scent blending. Brain storming names for new scent blends or products enables me to utilize my degree in non-fiction writing. I make it a point to choose positive language in my brand because these products may be seen in your house everyday. I’m doing what I can to infuse some positivity into everyone’s life. It’s a crazy world, but at least your deodorant is reminding you of the good.
Today Apothecuryous uses all certified organic herbs, oils, butters, waxes and more. Products often feature botanical extracts and are scented exclusively with essential oils, if they are scented at all. I try to formulate products that do not contain common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, glycerin, nuts and more. Some products include these materials, but not all of them. This consideration allows people who have some of these common allergies to have some options available to them.
Today Apothecuryous is known for our best selling product, Handsome Hands cream. This Shea butter base cream absorbs quickly, penetrates the skin deeply and doesn’t vanish as soon as you wash your hands. Daily face creams Seed the Dream Cream and Divine Cream are equally popular with clients who report long lasting relief that isn’t too heavy, absorbs quickly and lasts all day.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After being in business for a few years I started hearing from customers that they wished my products were available in more sustainable packaging. I agreed that it was more aligned with my brand and priorities and decided to convert all of my packaging to glass/metal/ or paper. The glass jars I sourced were a capacity of 50 or 100 grams, rather than 2 or 4 ounces. Due to this difference I had to update product labels and adjust pricing. At the same time I decided to make my line entirely plant based, rather than mostly vegan with notable exceptions. I recognized that the Vegan community was underserved at the time and that there was opportunity there.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Most people find Apothecuryous at Omaha area farmers markets and other seasonal events. Customers often have questions about a potential sensitivity or something new that has happened with their body or skin. Sometimes people are looking for a natural alternative to something they are already using. Others are just curious about the wide variety of products. Provided I have the time, I am happy to share information with people and steer them toward solutions. I readily admit when I don’t know something, as that opens the door for me to learn. I prioritize giving people good information in order for them to have a better understanding of their options, rather than talking up a mediocre option just to get a sale. I don’t make guarantees, I’m not a snake oil salesman and I don’t pressure people to buy. I’d rather empower people with information, so if they aren’t able to buy from me, at least they are operating from a place of knowledge about what they need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.apothecuryous.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apothecuryous/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Apothecuryous/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@apothecuryous

  https://www.pinterest.com/tatianaboland/apothecuryous/

Image Credits

All images taken by Tatiana Boland