FRIENDS OF THE KUOTES
Kuotable Women: Antica Farmacista Founders Susanne Pruitt & Shelley Callaghan
Hey cuties! I hope your 2023 is off to a fantastic start. I know mine is because I am so excited that we are picking our Kuotable Women content series back up–starting with the founders of Antica Faramcista, Shelley Callaghan and Susanne Pruitt!
One of my favorite things about being an entrepreneur and owning my own business is connecting with other women throughout a variety of industries who are working hard and building amazing, inspiring companies. Antica Faramcista is a female-founded home fragrance brand based in Seattle; they started in 2003 and basically can take all the credit for introducing home ambiance scent diffusers to the US. Seriously!
“I have been a devoted Antica Farmacistsa shopper for years–anyone who knows me knows that their Orange Blossom Lilac & Jasmine scent is one of my obsessions–and I so admire their commitment to quality, old-world luxury, and timeless elegance. Read on to learn more!”
Hi Shelley and Susann–welcome to The Kuotes! As you know, I’m a longtime fan of the brand, but for any of our readers who are just meeting you, tell us about Antica Farmacista and your mission and core offering.
Antica Farmacista was born out of a shared vision to inspire newfound delight in familiar spaces. We were the first brand to introduce the home ambiance diffuser to the US market, from there expanded into a full collection of home and body products.
“We currently have over 20 alluring home fragrances, extending to bath and body products. 2021 will see the launch of our personal perfume collection Antica Facets, a decade in the making, the frontier of our approach to scent as it touches skin.”
Chatting with fellow female entrepreneurs about their business journeys is one of my absolute favorite things–I’d love to hear about some of the personal and professional milestones that brought you each to where you are today as successful business owners?
Susanne Pruitt: Professionally, I think my background in the financial business for 20 years before we founded Antica Farmacista was instrumental in helping us launch the brand. It definitely gave me a thorough understanding of cost of goods, margins and operational costs.
My personal milestone was probably my breast cancer, which was diagnosed in 2003. When this happened to me, I changed my career, I changed my outlook about life and I wanted to begin a more meaningful, inspirational journey. Helping to develop a business that offered fragrance into people’s lives seemed to bring joy to others and certainly was more motivating than selling stocks!
Shelley Callaghan: I’ve always been a creative soul and my work prior to Antica Farmacista was in a creative field. I had a boss who became an incredible mentor early on and I think I attribute much of my creative and management style to her.
She showed me how to be clear, creative and confident with my decision making, yet kind. She was incredibly curious and always searched for the best solution. She taught me how to “keep pushing” while pushing others in a collaborative manner. Watching her had a material impact on my management style which I think has really helped mold my own personal business style.
Antica Farmacista co-founder Shelley Callaghan
Home fragrance is such a personal and powerful thing–can you speak to why this home category is meaningful to you?
It’s scientifically accepted that our sense of smell is directly linked to our memory and emotion. Simply put, when we smell something, we feel something. A scent can conjure a forgotten memory from our childhood or from years past: the aroma of an apple pie baking, the tang of the ocean, the metallic scent of snow, the scent of a mother’s perfume or a father’s aftershave.
“A scent can make us feel at home or on a wild adventure. Scent is the first thing our brain recognizes; it’s not a thought, but a feeling.”
When we think of fragrance in the home, we recognize that is your most intimate space, the place where you welcome loved ones, and find moments of peace throughout the day. We feel so fortunate our community trusts us to develop fragrances for their most cherished spaces!
What are your personal favorite scents and Antica Farmacista products in your current assortment?
Susanne Pruitt: I tend to like the spicy, woody, and green fragrances. Cask is my absolute favorite because the leather and tobacco notes are soothing, sexy, and intoxicating. It also works well in almost every room. People always comment on the scent when they walk into my house.
Shelley Callaghan: Considering I do the creative development on all products and fragrances, this is a tough question–sort of like asking me for a favorite child. But Prosecco is a special fragrance, both as one of my earliest scent creations, and the fact that it truly appeals to so many. Desert Sage is my current favorite since it takes me back to the Palm Springs desert, a deeply personal place for my family history.
Antica Farmacista co-founder Susanne Pruitt
Where–or from whom–do you find inspiration?
Susanne Pruitt: I love to cook, travel, and discover wines. In all aspects of these passions, there is inspiration for fragrance and brand development.
Shelley Callaghan: I always get inspired when I reflect on scents I know and love. For example, I just developed a scent that was based on a childhood memory of visiting my grandparents in the desert.
I love that you’re also both mamas! What are some of the joys and challenges of being mothers and entrepreneurs?
Susanne Pruitt: It was certainly a lot to juggle children and a career when the kids were younger, but Shelley and I both have two boys and we made a joint decision early on that we would ambitiously pursue our new business adventure, but our families would always come first.
“We have been fortunate enough to be able to achieve a wonderful balance with both career and family.”
Because I work in the home and interiors industry, I have to ask about your interior design styles! Tell us a bit about your respective homes and how you make your space feel special?
Susanne Pruitt: My design tends to be very clean and simple. I am not a clutter person! Lighting and flooring are important to me. They set the tone for a room. Of course, adding candles and diffusers to the space make it complete!
Shelley Callaghan: When it comes to my interior design style, I would say I am an Eclectic Hedonist. Nothing in my home is precious. Even if it’s “valuable”, I want it to be used and enjoyed. I love a blend of eras, ethnicities, color and texture. I shy away from things that “match”, in the traditional sense.
I have been a collector of home “things” since I can remember and when I fall in love with something…a pillow, a piece of art, a vase, a tray, a chair, a rug, they all have a place in my home, forever. I am incredibly sentimental about my belongings and it brings me great joy when there is a story behind the interior that surrounds me and my family.
Any tips to share for fellow female entrepreneurs–and especially fellow working mamas–who are working on finding that elusive sense of balance in their lives?
Susanne Pruitt: I heard this one day and have loved it ever since: “The best way to engage and stay balanced throughout your day is to honor the ordinary and unexceptional moments.”
Shelley Callaghan:I am blessed to have a full life…I just have to remember my dad’s advice to “stop and smell the roses.” This helps me strike balance with my work, my family and my friends.
What are your favorite ways to relax and recharge after a long work-week?
Susanne Pruitt: This question could go two ways for me, on the “healthier” side, I love to golf, hike, cycle, and ski. On the other end of the spectrum, I would love to be sommelier someday, and a good glass of vino always helps me unwind!
Shelley Callaghan: For me, I love to relax after a long week by spending time in my kitchen, preparing a meal for my family. I always cherish catching up with my loved ones over a beautiful meal.
What’s new from Antica Farmacista that our readers should know about?
We have a new scent coming out mid-February that is inspired by Aperol Spritz! It will be glowing fusion of orange and sweet sparkling Prosecco. An unmistakable citrus spectrum—featuring bitter orange, grapefruit, and tangerine—meets a cheery floralcy balanced with a dash of bitters. It’s a bright, bouncy scent that will be perfect for spring!
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Kathy Kuo Home Design Services
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
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