Village People: Little Urban Apothecary
Retail Row is home to Shelley Bartlett’s Little Urban Apothecary, where you’ll find an incredible lineup of handcrafted products for the all-natural lifestyle enthusiasts out there.
We sat down with her to hear her story, understand what inspired her to start her business, and see what she thinks about being part of the Container Village.
Q: What’s your favourite colour?
A: Purple, any kind or shade of purple.
Q: Where did you get the idea for your business?
A: I had the opportunity to work down here a couple of summers and sell my brand, Little Urban Apothecary, in another container. One of my business goals was to eventually have my own little boutique. I love the concept of the container village and the people that come here.
Q: How did you come up with the name of your business?
A: Through a lot of hard work. I had a business in the past called Little Crickets and LadyBugs, and I liked having “little” in the name. My product line is kind of apothecary-type, with brown bottles like in the early 1900s and 1800s. I’m mixing potions together, so I came up with the word “apothecary.” I needed a middle word, so I chose “urban” because it fits the location.
Q: Did you have a different job before you opened your business? What did you do?
A: I still have another job. I have a business background in human resources, working for a large telephone company. Currently, I’m the Executive Director of a non-profit working with people with mental health challenges and addictions, providing a safe, family-oriented center.
Q: Is your Waterfront Container Village location your first brick-and mortar retail shop?
A: Yes. I’ve done tons of markets, and here it’s like a co-op with 12 to 18 vendors. I’ve always enjoyed working with and empowering other women, so I love being able to do that more now with my space.
Q: Why did you want to set up shop at AREA 506?
A: I love it down here. I love the culture, the artwork, and meeting all the people who come through with their stories.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a hairdresser. Then I switched to the corporate world, which has significantly helped me run my own business.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
A: I would have started sooner. I’d say to anyone creative and wanting an opportunity like this, just take the risk. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and everything works out in the end.
Q: What do you consider your biggest success?
A: This boutique is a huge success for me, transitioning from markets to having my own space with lots of positive feedback.
Q: What’s next?
A: This is my retirement plan. I’m going to slow down and be here more. I just wish the Container Village was year-round.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a business that you think would be a good fit in the Village, email hidden; JavaScript is required — we’d love to chat!