In the heart of Paris, renowned artisan and holistic wellness expert Shade has dedicated her career to creating natural skincare products and empowering women through energy-balancing practices. Her unique approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern holistic techniques, exemplified in her brand, SHADE’S APOTHECARY. This neo-herboristerie offers a range of products, from comforting teas to botanical oils, each crafted to harmonise body and mind.

As part of the RR collection, Shade’s work stands out for its commitment to purity and intentionality. We had the pleasure of sitting down with her to delve into the world of herbalism, feminine energy, and the meticulous process behind her creations. In our conversation, Shade shared insights into neo-herbalism—a philosophy that blends ancient plant wisdom with contemporary wellness practices—and discussed how her products serve as rituals of self-care, inviting women to reconnect with their inner light.

1. What inspired you to create SHADE’S APOTHECARY, and how does it reflect your philosophy on wellness and beauty?

SHADE’S APOTHECARY was born from a deep desire to guide women to reconnect and bring out they inner light. I’ve always believed that true wellness isn’t just about the body but also about mind and spirit.
In today’s fast-paced world, so many women carry an invisible weight, mental overload, emotional fatigue, and a sense of disconnection from themselves.
Herbalism, for me, is a way to restore that balance gently and naturally.
Through SHADE’S APOTHECARY, I want to offer more than just products, I want to create rituals of self-care, moments of pause, and deep nourishment. Every oil, hydrolat, or botanical blend is crafted with the intention of supporting women on their journey to feeling more grounded, aligned, and at peace. Beauty, in my eyes, isn’t about perfection but about inner light that comes from feeling good inside and out. This is why my approach, blends herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and energy work, creating a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life. It’s an invitation for women to slow down, listen to themselves, and embrace their own rhythm of well-being.

2. Why do you believe clean and holistic skincare is essential in today’s world?

Our skin absorbs everything we put on it, so using pure, plant-based ingredients is a way to honor both our health and nature. In a world filled with stress and environmental toxins, holistic skincare isn’t just about beauty, it’s about restoring balance. Natural and simple formulas nurture the skin while their botanicals also calm the mind, helping women reconnect with themselves through simple, intentional rituals.

3. Can you explain neo-herbalism and how it differs from traditional herbalism?

Neo-herbalism bridges ancient plant wisdom with modern needs. While traditional herbalism focuses on remedies passed down through generations, neo-herbalism integrates new research, aromatherapy, and energetic healing. It recognises that plants do more than heal the body; they support emotional and spiritual well-being, making them powerful allies in today’s fast-paced world.

4. How do you incorporate neo-herbalism into your products, particularly your oils and botanical waters?

I blend traditional botanical knowledge with a deep understanding of energy work and aromatherapy. Each oil and hydrolat is chosen not only for its skin benefits but also for its vibrational properties, helping to restore balance on a deeper level. My process is intuitive yet intentional, ensuring that every drop nurtures both the skin and the soul.

5. What sets your products apart from other skincare brands?

SHADE’S APOTHECARY isn’t just about skincare; it’s about self-care as a ritual. Every product is crafted with intention, blending herbal wisdom with energetic healing. I source high-quality botanicals, infuse them with purpose, and design each formula to be more than just effective; it’s a moment of reconnection with yourself.

6. What role do plants and botanicals play in promoting not just skin health but overall well-being?

Plants carry an intelligence that goes beyond physical benefits. They soothe the nervous system, uplift the spirit, and bring us back to the present moment. Whether through scent, touch, or ingestion, botanicals create harmony between the body, mind, and emotions, making them essential for holistic wellness.

7. Can you share a favorite ingredient you use and why it’s so transformative for the skin?

Aloe vera is one of my favorite plants; its soothing, hydrating, and healing properties make it a true skin ally. It calms irritation, deeply nourishes, and helps restore the skin’s natural glow. For inner balance, I love Damask Rose in tea. Its delicate aroma opens the heart, eases emotional tension, and brings a sense of calm and softness to the mind and body.

8. How do your products support different skin types and concerns?

Rather than treating just “skin types,” my products focus on balance. By using whole-plant extracts, they work with the skin’s natural rhythms, whether it needs hydration, calming, or detoxification. My approach is about supporting the skin’s own intelligence rather than forcing it into a category.

9. Do you have a ritual or routine you recommend for maximizing the benefits of your skincare?

Yes: mindfulness. I think skincare should be a mindful ritual, not a chore. Start by cleansing with intention, breathing in the botanicals as you apply them. Massage your oil into the skin with a gentle touch. Take a moment to feel gratitude for your body. This small act of presence transforms skincare into self-care.

10. Your work extends beyond skincare to healing women and stabilizing their chakras. How did this become a focus for you?

Women carry so much: physically, emotionally, energetically. I’ve always felt called to help them release this weight and return to themselves. Through my own journey, I discovered that plants, scent, and energy healing are powerful tools for balance. My work is about guiding women to reconnect with their inner light and wisdom.

11. Can you explain how balanced chakras influence physical and emotional well-being?

Chakras are energy centers that affect everything from our emotions to our immune system. When they’re balanced, we feel grounded, confident, and in flow. But when blocked, we experience stress, fatigue, or even physical discomfort. Supporting them through plants, scent, and intentional practices can restore harmony on all levels.

12. What are the unique challenges women face today that you aim to address through your healing work?

Mental overload: women today are overstimulated and overburdened; we’re expected to be everything to everyone. This creates stress, emotional exhaustion, and a deep disconnection from self. My work is about balancing, harmonizing, and soothing, to help women release this pressure, find moments of stillness, and rebuild a sense of inner peace and clarity.

13. What advice do you have for women looking to embrace a more holistic approach to self-care and energy balance?

Listen to your body and inner voice (intuition); it speaks to you all the time. Slow down, breathe deeply, and trust what you need. Start small: a botanical tea, a mindful skincare ritual, or a simple meditation. The more you nurture yourself, the more aligned and empowered you become.

14. Do you incorporate any of your products into chakra healing practices?

Yes, every product is infused with energetic intention. My botanical oils and hydrolats correspond to different chakras; for instance, rose for the heart, or lavender for the third eye. Using them in meditation, on pulse points, or in daily rituals enhances their healing effects.

15. Your smudging sticks are a unique offering. Why did you choose those three particular types, and how do they specifically support women’s energy?

Each smudge blend is chosen for its unique energetic signature: clearing, grounding, or uplifting. I focus on white sage but also incorporate other French plants (rosemary, lavender, purple basil) that gently cleanse without overwhelming, helping women reset their energy while staying connected to their intuition and emotional well-being.

16. What does a day in your life look like? Do you have personal rituals that keep you grounded and inspired?

My days blend nature, healthy cooking, creation, and inner work. Mornings start with tea and intention-setting. I spend time with my plants, crafting blends, or writing. I always make space to cook fresh food for my family (husband and two sons) and take time for stillness, whether through a walk, meditation, or simply inhaling a favorite essential oil. These moments keep me connected to my purpose.

17. If you could leave one transformative piece of advice or a ritual for every person who experiences your products or healing practices, what would it be?

Make self-care sacred. Whether it’s a cup of herbal tea, a deep breath, or a skincare ritual, let it be a moment of presence. True transformation happens when we slow down, listen to ourselves, and honor our needs. Healing isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more in line with who you truly are.