Who We Are
Rooted in Resilience, Crafted by Hand
Duke Apothecary was born from a journey of healing and a deep connection to nature. After surviving cancer, Julie sought holistic ways to nourish her body and care for her skin—turning to the power of plants for pure, effective self-care. As a certified aromatherapist, she deepened her knowledge of botanical healing, blending science with tradition to create truly transformative formulations. What began as a personal pursuit soon evolved into something more—a shared passion between Julie and her daughter, Matia, to help others discover the power of plant-based self-care. Together, they built Duke Apothecary, combining Julie’s expertise in botanical remedies with Matia’s artistic vision to craft a brand rooted in nature, wellness, and creativity.
Located on San Juan Island, WA, their apothecary is built around the land they cherish. They hand-harvest and distill lavender from their own field, and botanicals from their gardens and local farms and then use the hydrosols and essential oils in their toners, lotions, scrubs, face and hair oils, lip balms, and aromatherapy blends. Every product is crafted in small batches, using locally sourced and fair trade botanicals to ensure the highest quality while honoring the environment.
Beyond the formulas themselves, Duke Apothecary is also a work of art—literally. Matia hand-illustrates all the floral artwork for the brand, capturing the beauty of the botanicals they use. Their products are more than just skincare and aromatherapy; they are a reflection of their love for the natural world, crafted with intention to nourish both body and spirit.
At Duke Apothecary, Julie and Matia believe that true self-care should be clean, effective, and rooted in nature. Their commitment to cruelty-free, vegan, and handcrafted products means that everything they create is made with integrity—from plant to bottle. They invite you to experience the restorative power of their island-grown botanicals and discover skincare that nourishes, soothes, and inspires.
Find Out More About Our San Juan Island Lavender →
The San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a uniquely remote and breathtaking region, where everything arrives by ferry or air, fostering a deep connection to the land. With a mild maritime climate, abundant sunshine, and well-draining soil, the islands offer ideal conditions for growing lavender. The cool ocean breezes and long summer days enhance the plant’s natural oils, producing exceptionally fragrant and vibrant blooms.
