&Sister shares with The Owl & The Apothecary

We have always been intrigued by the beautiful well-being brand Owl & Apothecary and so we are delighted to have finally been able to connect and interview Katy for &Sister shares! 

Katy is a true inspiration, using heart-break as a catalyst to shift into a life she loves. We’d love for you to get to know her and fall in love with there brand as much as we have. Aligning with some fabulously positive energy, their mission is to empower you to create a life you love through mindful action. Like us, the O&A celebrate a high vibe, happy life creating unique, wild and wonderful experiences and moments, they also make the perfect Christmas presents!

  1. Where does the name ‘The Owl & The Apothecary come from?

    It was a serendipitous moment on a train… I was writing down all the words that I love to try and capture the essence of what I was creating with my business. The Owl is the harbinger of change and transformation and our ethos is about inspiring women to create positive change. I love the twilight-ness of these animals – the balance of night and day, dark and light. The Apothecary was the means to bring these themes to life in the form of products and ritual kits. 

  2. What inspired you to create The Owl & The Apothecary and your magical products?

    I was living and working in East London and I had a big heartbreak. I got a bit stuck and so I started researching tools & techniques to help me move forward. I discovered a love of ancient rituals – I loved the act of quietly doing something.
    This sparked some big and wonderful shifts in my life… I mended my broken heart and left a loved job to move from London to Dorset. I took the path of IVF as a solo mother and now live with my lovely little boy. I created the business all through my pregnancy and launched The Owl & The Apothecary two weeks before I had my son!

    I am really proud of un-sticking myself – and it gives me such pleasure to be helping others find their happy happenings too.
  3. What are your top three tips for living well this winter?
    Creating meaningful memories. Choosing or making decorations that will last a lifetime. I inherited the “Theakston Family Christmas Twig” from my Mum eight years ago. I love the annual tradition of dusting off the spiders and hanging our ancient heirlooms onto the branches. This twig has been central to many Christmases and I hope it will last for many more!
    Forage for your foliage Go natural with your Christmas decorations and bring the outside in. For a truly wild vibe, fill your home with rosehips, pine branches, bay and rosemary. Being in nature will help clear your mind – and for extra ritual richness, I will set my intentions for a calmer Christmas as I gather my greenery.
    Choose natural candlelight Candles are an essential part of making a home feel cosy during the winter months, so look for natural soy or beeswax candles (rather than paraffin based candles). The aromatic essentials oils in our Midwinter Crystal Candle is perfect for this time of year… better for air pollution and better for your wellbeing.
  4. Can you share one favourite, everyday wellness ritual you practice?
    Smudging – or burning herbs for ceremonial purposes – is one of my favourite rituals. My favourite is gathering herbs on a new moon whilst setting my intentions. I keep them all around the house as a reminder of my promise to myself. I then burn them as part of a full moon ceremony, to release all the wonderful energy.
  5. What do rituals mean to you?
    A ritual is the act of quietly performing a set of actions with the intent to nourish & nurture yourself – and all that’s around you. Rituals offer a sense of grounded-ness & familiarity – the perfect partner to create a little time for self-care to boost your physical, mental & spiritual wellbeing.
  6. Describe your ideal dream wellness retreat
    I run my business and parent solo handedly, so my dream wellness retreat is something that is totally restorative. A weekend with some beautiful yin yoga, a massage, delicious and nutritious vegan food, a big walk and a long bath totally suits me!
  7. Christmas gift
    With eyes on a more mindful approach to Christmas this year, I want us all to forget about the throwaway items and consider extraordinary experiences for friends family… something mindful, something with a little bit of midwinter magic. My girlfriends – who are my absolute world – will get something from The Midwinter Collection (I’m obviously a fan!).