WBD had the pleasure of sitting down with Pharmacist and Founder of Vancouver based Apothekari Skincare – Sharmani Pillay. South African born, Alberta raised and now a BC resident, Sharmani shares her story, her favourite Apothekari products and her recent shift in niche to skin care for 40+.
Tell us your story, how was Apothekari Skincare born and how did you come up with the name?
I’ve been a pharmacist for more than 30 years and involved in skincare for over 15 of those. There are so many mixed messages when it comes to skincare and we are encouraged to use more and more products, especially as we get older. As a pharmacist, I knew this wasn’t a good thing. I knew that women wanted skincare products that were both safe and that of results oriented products made with high concentrations of active ingredients and designed to deliver results, especially for mature skin. Less is definitely more!
The name Apothekari comes from ‘apothecary’, the precursor of today’s pharmacies, and which speaks to my pharmacy roots. Our modern-day boutique is filled with products designed to nourish the skin on your face and body and promote beautiful, healthy skin!
What is one thing you love about Vancouver?
Love the green, proximity to the water and that we don’t get much of the white stuff!
What are your top 3 personal favourite products of your line and why?
Like most women, I’m pressed for time so I love multi-tasking products and these two serums – 1 for the morning (Bespoke Vitamin C Serum) and 1 for nighttime (A is for Anti-Aging) fit the bill. They’re loaded with combinations of actives that help to correct imperfections, reverse damage and protect it from further damage.
And because it was a personal pain point to create a natural deodorant that actually works, I love ours of course. I’m a fan of all the scents, but seem to reach for the Lavender Bergamot or Sandalwood Myrrh most often.
Apothekari recently shifted their niche to skin care for 40+, tell us about that.
I’m a pharmacist, but I’m a woman first. And, like so many other mature women, I was frustrated, confused and overwhelmed when my skin started to change in my 40s. I couldn’t find effective products or treatments to help my skin (and my self-esteem!) feel better.
I definitely wasn’t interested in products being pushed by 20 somethings who still had collagen production and hydration in their favor – these products weren’t going to do anything for my skin and I knew that other women were in the same position I was. I was looking for targeted treatments designed to address the needs of 40, 50 and 60+ skin. Plus, I wanted products to treat ALL the skincare changes that a woman may experience as she ages, from dryness (on your face or down there), to body odor, to skin that’s looking dull and has lost its glow. My new focus helps to address mature skin needs on all a body’s places with serums, deodorants and intimate care products that help women age with confidence, comfort and grace.
As a pharmacist, I saw too many patients who didn’t get better because they stopped taking their medication or because their regimen was too complicated. I knew that just like medication, great skincare products don’t work if you don’t use them. So, I got rid of unnecessary, extra products and redundant steps that often make skincare routines overwhelming.
My goal is to make it easier for you to stick to a simple skincare routine that actually works.
Who are some skin care professionals who you look up to and inspire you?
As a pharmacist, I look at everything with a critical eye so I trust and admire professionals/experts who rely on facts when they convey information. On Instagram, I love Dr. Jen Gunter – she’s a gynecologist who dispels myths about women’s health, Amanda Howell, who’s a public health professional that gets the facts right and I love to follow Caroline Hirons, because she’s got years of experience in skincare and she’s hilarious too!
Covid has affected us all in different ways. Can you share with us how this time has affected you and your business? And do you have a message to share with the community?
Yes, Covid has definitely taken a toll on so many, especially those who have lost their jobs or loved ones. Being primarily online, it’s had a smaller impact on us than many other businesses and I’m very grateful for that.
So, I’ve been trying to focus a lot on gratitude. Life often throws curve balls at us, Covid being a really big one of them! We often can’t escape them so we have to deal with it. Look for the little sparks. I feel grateful that I live here in BC, which hasn’t been as impacted by the pandemic as many other parts of the world, that I have a roof over my head and that my family is safe. There’s a lot that we’ve had to give up but it’s so much better for our mental health to focus on what is good. I know that I’m more fortunate than others and for that I’m so so grateful.
My message would be to reiterate what our own Dr Henry says – be kind. You have no idea what someone else is going through.
What’s coming up for you that you’re excited about?
We recently launched a new website and although we are still tweaking it, I’m so excited that it’s finally live! I’m always working on products behind the scenes and currently in development with a range of products including an eye treatment, oil cleanser, a lubricant to support our vaginal moisturizer.
SHARMANI PILLAY SHARES FUN FACTS!
- Our first product was the Bespoke Vitamin C Serum (which actually started off as a different Vitamin C and has been reformulated since).
- The brand was originally called Apothekari Dermaceuticals, but people struggled with it so we changed it to Apothekari Skincare.
- I’m passionate about women’s wellness and started Apothekari to help women navigate wellness issues. But, they kept coming to me for skincare!
- I paid little attention to my skin until well into my 40s.
- I love the heat, including tropical destinations and hot yoga. And, listening to music from the 70s and 80s, especially while I’m cooking.
For more info:
Website: www.apothekari.com
Instagram: @apothekariskin
Twitter: @apothekariskin