Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Vashakidze.

Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, my name is Maria Vashakidze, and I’m the owner and formulator of Seagrape Apothecary, a company I founded in 2009 out of a deep love for scent and self-care. I run a community-oriented brick-and-mortar shop in Portland, OR, offering a full line of in-house made bath products, as well as handcrafted ritual and home adornment goods. The inspiration for this venture began during my college years when I was studying painting and working part-time in a feminist adult shop. You might wonder what these experiences have in common, and I’ll tell you: PLEASURE.

I’ve always been guided by pleasure, desire, and the intriguing nature of intimacy—both with ourselves and with others. My paintings focused on themes of sexuality, desire, consent, and the myriad ways humans connect and find companionship. As a sex educator, the conversations I had often revolved around these same topics. People would come in seeking more intimacy with their partners, and soon, our discussions would delve into their own fears and desires around sex.

This is how Seagrape Apothecary was born: a beacon of pleasure magic aimed at creating space for sensuality, self-care, and the realization of our desires.

Seagrape Apothecary came to life through trial and error on the floor of my college apartment 15 years ago. As I taught myself to formulate the products I envisioned, I also fell in love with botanical perfumery. Aphrodisiac scent combinations remain my favorite to create, and we still hand-make every Seagrape house line item at our shop today.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m fortunate not to be a linear thinker, and while running a small business hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned to view every hardship as an opportunity for growth. When I moved to Portland, I didn’t initially plan on opening a retail location. However, on a whim, I decided to turn my production studio into a retail space, and I’ve never looked back!

The hardest challenge has been navigating through the pandemic and a world experiencing continual heartbreak. During these tough times, I consistently return to my core values and rely on the support of the community that loves the shop. Staying aligned with my values and leaning on my community has been my compass through it all.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Over the years, I’ve developed countless recipes, changed my mind, discontinued products when ingredients became scarce, hired employees for the first time, stretched outside of my comfort zone, and continually refined my values. Along the way, I’ve formed deep connections with the community and experienced so much growth.

One of my greatest pleasures and achievements has been watching each person in this community create a life they love. Seagrape cultivates a space where everyone can lean into self-care and magic in their own unique ways. It’s an incredible gift to support folks on their journey back to embodiment and pleasure and to provide the tools that support that journey.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has always been an integral (and inevitable) part of my journey, and I view it as a necessary element for growth and innovation. I believe that stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing uncertainty can lead to the most rewarding experiences and discoveries.

One major risk I took was deciding to turn my production studio into a retail space on a whim when I moved to Portland. I had no prior retail experience and no concrete plan, but I felt a strongly that it was the right move. This decision was a significant leap of faith, and it transformed Seagrape Apothecary into the vibrant community hub it is today.

Another significant risk was navigating the challenges of the pandemic. The uncertainty and upheaval required me to pivot quickly and adapt to new ways of operating. It was a daunting period, but it also pushed me to innovate and strengthen my connection with the community.

I don’t necessarily see myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe in the power of calculated risks. For me, it’s about weighing the potential benefits against the possible downsides and trusting my intuition. Taking risks has taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying aligned with my values, even in the face of uncertainty. One of my favorite quotes is “Do what you can with what you have”, and I’ve really ran with that over the years.

Ultimately, I think risk-taking is about embracing the unknown and trusting that you’ll find your way, no matter what challenges arise. It’s about being open to growth and change and having the courage to pursue your vision.

Pricing:

• Seagrape Coven Membership $33/mo
• Our Newsletter is free!
• Workshops $15-65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://seagrapeapothecary.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seagrapeapothecary/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6jzjE2LP-D88FW6A1wcqg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@seagrapeapothecary

Image Credits
headshot: Thermosa Studio Photo 1-2 Maria Vashakidze Photo 3-8 Nightflare Creative