It’s Indie Friday! This week’s guest: Ellen Rowland of AmberLuna Apothecary.
Posted on 3rd June 2022
This week’s Small Business star is Ellen from AmberLuna Apothecary, who also provides consultancy to environmental organisations. Have a read!
If you are interested in sharing your love for indie, please contact Geraldine.
Please introduce yourself and tell us what you’re up to at the moment
I’m Ellen, a clinical aromatherapist and herbalist, and founder of AmberLuna Apothecary. I’m also a marketing and communications strategist / consultant for environmental organisations in the private and non-profit sectors.
Day to day, you’ll find me consulting with environmental business leaders on their marketing strategies, developing aromatherapy and herbal potions in my apothecary, giving aromatherapy massage treatments, teaching workshops in botanical gardens or developing courses! I also write for a number of publications that focus on plant-based therapies.
Please tell us why you love shopping with independent businesses
I love the variety, the uniqueness, the care that goes in to making small-batch, carefully considered products.
The designs are often really original, materials unusual, and it’s great to get the feeling that I’m supporting someone else like me – an independent business owner who pours their heart and soul into what they do. I really appreciate the work and love that goes into making their products.
Have you got favourite indie makers and brands you’d like to share with us?
I currently love La Luna candles – they’re based in Cornwall and make the most gorgeously scented candles using natural plant waxes and aromas. As an aromatherapist, I’m particularly sensitive to harsh chemical smells, and I’m from Cornwall, so this brand really speaks to me!
I also recently bought an amazing bag from Prior shop – it’s by a designer called Emma Phillipa Maeve, and it’s a modern style with velvet fabric and abstract coloured digital print, I think. I adore it! it’s so soft and also the design is really individual. It’s the perfect size, too.
Do you visit markets regularly? If so, please let us know which ones and why you love them?
YES. I love a market, in person or online! Whilst sometimes it’s hard to avoid the big shops, it always feels much more special and personal buying from indie shops. You can ask the maker questions about how they source their materials, how they make their products, and generally get to know their ethos.
It makes it much easier to make ethical purchasing decisions when you can really hear someone’s story.
About Ellen
Ellen Rowland is a clinical aromatherapist, herbalist, and founder of AmberLuna Apothecary, a Bristol-based social enterprise offering natural wellbeing services for the community. She runs regular in-person workshops and holistic therapies, and is currently developing an online course.
Ellen has also worked in strategic marketing and communications for environmental organisations across the private and public sectors, and has a passion for community, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship.
Find Ellen on Instagram @amberluna_apothecary or at www.amberluna.co.uk/
Visit our Makers Marketplace for more amazing Bath, Body and Soul products.
Author: Mandy Stephens
my bio