Lipstick and Perfume Making Party

Hello, hello!I’m Christine and my business is Christine’s Apothecary, although, to be honest, it was an ‘accidental’ business…you have heard the old saying, never do business with friends or family? Well, I most certainly agree with that! And after 30 years plus in the publishing industry, and at 49 years old, I had to completely re-invent myself and create a brand new business. Enter Christine’s Apothecary (so named because we’d just seen Schitts Creek!). I began with candles, whipped soap, Fizz-a-Loo’s and lip balm but quickly added LOADS to that! I still am not entirely sure what to say when people ask what I do, mostly I say I make lovely smelly things to make people feel good… I love rainbows, colour and sparkle as well as history and mythology so I have incorporated all that into my business…the first lip balm was ear wax you know! Don't worry, mine isn't!All my products are handmade by me and chemical free, they all have positive names as I want to help people feel good. All colours and fragrances have meanings so I include that on every label. I am extremely proud of my work, I only use high quality ingredients and enjoy finding quirky packaging as I don’t want to be like everyone else. I will not create or sell anything I don't use myself. I often leave things about for my husband to test without knowing (he's not incredibly observant all the time) and I get very honest feedback from him. I also do markets and host parties (both corporate and private), where I bring absolutely everything to you... I decorate the table, and bring all the ingredients, each person has their own work station and information sheets. Then everyone can make their own products, whether it's perfume, lipstick, shower steamers, spell jars, sun catchers or sand candles. Once made it's all professionally boxed and labelled by them. And all the while they are having fun - as I really do think that more people need to have much more fun! I live with my husband, two horses, a pet goat, our dogs, cat and chickens. I work from home and they keep me sane! I find it’s true, that if you are doing something you love it really doesn’t feel like work…plus they all help me too!I deliver locally by horseback and at Halloween or Christmas we sometimes dress up to deliver that way too! Christine :) ps...I'm also very proud to be a finalist in the Local Business Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as a finalist in the Australian Small Business Awards in 2023.