My Journey from Gypsy Magic to Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary

Change often arrives unannounced, shaking the foundations of our lives and inviting us to grow in unexpected ways. For me, this transformation began in 2016 with the birth of Gypsy Magic, a passion project rooted in herbal wisdom and natural healing. Being one of the first CBD bath bomb companies to emerge in the industry, my team and I made our mark and experienced more success and growth than we could have imagined. But we also faced many setbacks, especially during Covid-19. Then, in 2021, a major life shift took place when my significant other passed away. Exactly a year later, I moved from sunny San Diego to the picturesque forests and rivers of Longview, Washington. I needed time to heal and rediscover who I was. Who am I kidding? I had a nervous breakdown. 100%. BUT, this move marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, leading to the creation of Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary four years later.

Starting with Gypsy Magic

When I started Gypsy Magic in 2016, it was not just a business venture; it was a calling. My goal was to share the healing benefits of herbs, CBD, and natural remedies, inspired by traditional knowledge and my personal experiences. The early days were filled with magic, excitement, and discovery. I crafted bath bombs, body butters, oils, and bath salts, each with care and intent. Connecting with customers who valued natural wellness and benefited from my products absolutely fueled my passion. It made me so happy to know that my products were making people feel good and improving their quality of life. Gypsy Magic quickly became a space where people could find support for their health and self-care routines in a holistic way.

I faced many setbacks in my business, mostly due to my inexperience on the business end. Most of my workdays were filled with making products, fulfilling orders, and running errands. It was difficult for me to run every aspect of a business at 100%—there just weren't enough hours in the day. But I also accomplished so much within six years, thanks to a really amazing team.

2018 was a crucial year for Gypsy Magic. Marijuana became legal for recreational use, presenting new challenges for hemp CBD companies like mine. Most of my business came from dispensaries in Southern California, and the new regulations prevented these dispensaries from carrying hemp products, requiring all products to contain THC. Obtaining a license and permit to produce THC products cost a lot. Politics made it so that small businesses like mine could never financially obtain a license, pushing us out. As a result, I lost about 75% of my wholesale business, which was the largest part of my operation.

To explore a new sales channel, in October 2018, I opened a physical store in the Talmadge neighborhood at the corner of Winona & El Cajon Blvd in southeast San Diego. This was particularly meaningful to me because I was a boulevard kid; I grew up on 56th and El Cajon, just half a mile away. It was very important for me to give back to the community, and I couldn't have achieved this without the help of Jackie Alvarez, my assistant and right-hand man.

Retail stores are well-known for facing challenges, especially during the first two years, which are the toughest. Unfortunately, the store was already having difficulties when Covid hit, leading to its closure. I then operated my online shop from home for the next two years until I decided to pursue something new and moved to Washington.

Creating Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary: A New Vision

With the move came a new beginning. I rebranded my work as Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary, a name that better reflected my changing philosophy. Lilith symbolizes strength and independence, while Pope is the name of one of my cats. When Pope recently fell seriously ill, I created a special set of bath bombs to raise emergency funds. The feedback I received was incredibly inspiring and motivational, and I realized how much I missed making bath bombs! It was liberating to allow that aspect of my freedom and creativity to flourish again.

Lilith & Pope is more than a name; it’s a commitment to deepening the connection between passion and resilience, healing and learning, and plants and people. It's the embodiment of self-care, self-love, and self-healing.

Monthly Crafting: A New Adventure

Each month, I'll be crafting a special menu available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a new venture for me, and I'm thrilled to try it out. Having handcrafted over 55,000 bath bombs, the process can become quite repetitive and dull when making the same items repeatedly. So, this is something that I'm really excited about! I'm also over the moon about offering subscription sets, so you don't miss out on any of the monthly collections.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary is still growing and evolving. I am excited to explore new herbal formulas, skincare tips and tricks, and deepen community connections. Most of all, I'm just excited to have fun with it and create new things for you all the time.

Change is not always easy, but it is necessary for growth. By embracing it with openness and intention, we can create something richer and more authentic. My journey from Gypsy Magic to Lilith & Pope Herbal Apothecary is a reminder that transformation is possible at any stage and that every ending can lead to a new beginning.

If you are on your own path of change, remember that you are not alone. Trust the process, stay connected to your purpose, and keep moving forward. Embrace the journey, and let your spirit guide you.

In this ever-evolving world, I invite you to explore the magic of herbal wellness with me. Together, we can create a sanctuary of healing and self-love, one handcrafted product at a time.