The story behind Pretty Apothecary and the joy of discovering beautiful things.
Welcome to the very first edition of the Cabinet of Curiosities.
It feels fitting that our first blog post is about the story behind Pretty Apothecary. Over the past two years, this little shop has been filled with firsts, from opening our doors for the first time on July 6, 2024, to growing into our beautiful new home in Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts. Every milestone has been made possible by the incredible people who have chosen to shop small, support small makers, and believe in this dream right alongside me.
I don't know that I've ever been more excited, or more nervous than I was the morning we unlocked the door for the very first time. Seeing people walk through the shop, explore the shelves, and discover something that made them smile is a feeling I'll never forget.
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Why Pretty Apothecary?"
The first part is easy, Pretty is my last name. But the second part has always meant something much bigger.
When I was dreaming about this shop, I kept coming back to the idea of old apothecaries. They weren't simply places to pick up medicine. They were places where people gathered, discovered new things, exchanged ideas, and found carefully chosen goods they couldn't find anywhere else. There was a sense of curiosity about them. A feeling that something unexpected might be waiting just around the corner.
That's exactly the feeling I wanted to create. Pretty Apothecary isn't just a gift shop in Rochester, NY. It's a thoughtfully curated collection of gifts, home décor, books, personal care, locally made goods, vintage finds, kitchen favorites, and little treasures that make everyday life feel just a bit more magical.
Every item is chosen intentionally. I spend countless hours searching for makers, artists, and small businesses whose work feels special, timeless, and beautifully made. Some are right here in Rochester, while others come from talented creators across the country. Together, they create a collection that is uniquely Pretty Apothecary. One you won't find anywhere else.
More than anything, I hope the shop feels like a place where you can slow down for a little while. Somewhere you can wander without rushing, discover something unexpected, find the perfect gift, or simply treat yourself. Because you deserve it.
Choosing Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts as our home felt just as intentional. I've lived in Rochester since college, and I've always loved NOTA. It's one of those rare neighborhoods where art galleries, museums, coffee shops, restaurants, and locally owned businesses all exist side by side. There's an incredible creative energy here, and a genuine sense of community. It's a place where artists, entrepreneurs, and neighbors support one another, and I'm grateful that Pretty Apothecary gets to be a small part of that story.
This blog is an extension of the shop itself. Here in the Cabinet of Curiosities, I'll be sharing gift guides, stories behind some of our favorite products, spotlights on the incredible artists and makers we work with, seasonal inspiration, behind-the-scenes looks at the shop, and plenty of reasons to explore Rochester and the Neighborhood of the Arts.
Whether you've been visiting since our very first shopping event or you're just discovering Pretty Apothecary today, thank you for being here. And if you've never stepped through our front door, I'd love to welcome you in. Come explore, take your time, and discover something unexpected.
After all, that's what curiosity is all about.