My Entrepreneurial Story

How It All Began: A Quarantine Hobby Turned Business

It started pretty simply. I was bored, and I wanted to do something creative. My parents said I had to do something that wasn't just playing video games so I thought I'd start a lemonade stand. Unfortunately, we were living in Los Angeles during covid, so a lemonade stand was out of the question. Somehow, I got the Idea to do an apothecary even though I didn't know what that would mean. I’d always loved bath products—bath salts, scrubs, all of it. So, I decided to make some of my own by experimenting with things like Epsom salts, essential oils, and sugar, and it felt amazing to create something with my own hands. The best part? They smelled incredible and made great gifts.

My mom loved them so much but they were taking over the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, so she told me to sell them!

At first, I didn’t really think anyone would buy bath salts and scrubs made by a 10-year-old. But after a while, I thought, "Why not try?" So, I posted on Facebook and started selling my creations. I remember the first order coming in, and I was SO excited. I had no idea what I was doing, but it felt like magic.

Being the overachiever that my family and I are, my parents gifted me a book, the Toilet De Flora circa 1774. I ended up going down a deep rabbit hole experimenting with 18th century makeup and skincare.

The Mountain Witch and the Magic of Tea

Around this time, something magical happened. I got a special gift from a local herbalist known as The Mountain Witch from Big Bear, California. She was in the process of moving industries and she gifted  me a few historical recipes for herbal teas, blending herbs that I had never heard of before.

These recipes were everything. They felt like they came straight from the earth, and I just knew they would be something special.

I started experimenting with those recipes, and the tea blends became part of what I offered. I also began learning more about herbs, their healing properties, and the world of natural wellness. This was the moment that Sage & Folly really began to take shape—no longer just bath products, but a full apothecary with teas, herbal remedies, bath salts, and even 18th century beauty and skincare items.

Taking It to Riley’s Farm

At this point, I knew I needed to get my products out into the world more. So, my family and I packed up my products and went to Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California. It was the first time I had a real table, and I’ll never forget how nervous I was. I was just a kid, selling stuff to strangers—how would they react?

But it worked! People, reenacts and visitors loved the products, and it felt so good to meet others who shared my passion for natural, handcrafted items. Seeing people’s faces light up when they bought something from my booth made me so fulfilled.

From Booths to the Stage: Orem, Utah

The next big step came when I was invited to Orem, Utah, for a four-day event. Not only would I be selling my products, but I was also asked to speak about my business. I’ve always been pretty outgoing, but the thought of speaking in front of an audience as an expert was nerve-wracking. But once I started talking about everything I've learned in herbal remedies, beauty products, and apothecaries, it was easy. That event taught me how much I loved reenacting and how important it was to share what I had learned. 

A Dream Come True: Colonial Market Days at Mount Vernon

And then came Mount Vernon—yes, Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington in Virginia. I could hardly believe it when I received an invitation to showcase my products at their Colonial Market Days. It felt like everything I had worked for had finally come full circle. Mount Vernon is such an iconic place, and to be invited to showcase Sage & Folly Apothecary there was honestly a dream come true.

"We set up our booth at Mount Vernon, and it was everything I hoped for and more. People from all over the country came to my booth and told me how much they loved my products."

It was more than just selling—it was about connecting with people who appreciated the craft behind each item. I felt like I was part of something much bigger than just myself, and that experience gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

Now, Sage & Folly Apothecary is no longer just a small project. It’s my passion, my dream, and my business. I’ve learned so much along the way about herbal remedies, the importance of self-care, and how hard work pays off. But I’m not stopping here. I’m constantly working on new products, new tea blends, and ways to grow my brand.

If you’re a young person reading this and thinking, "Can I really start my own business?"—the answer is yes. If I can do it, you can too. There’s no age limit to following your dreams, and every step forward is worth it.

Want to follow my journey or try my products? Check out Sage & Folly Apothecary online or follow me on Instagram for updates on new products, events, and more!