Beauty Boss: Shelley Callaghan, Creative Director and Co-Owner of Antica Farmacista
Shelley Callaghan.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Shelley Callaghan, Creative Director and Co-Owner of Antica Farmacista—a luxury fragrance brand for the home and body. Based in Seattle, she and her longtime friend Susanne Pruitt founded the company in 2003 to offer consumers transportive and artfully composed fragrances. They drew inspiration from timeless interiors to source elegant vessels for their offerings, and they were also the first brand to introduce the home ambiance diffuser to the U.S. market—a unique delivery technology breakthrough that is sustainable, convenient and effective.
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Antica Farmacista currently has more than 20 unique and alluring home fragrances in scents ranging from prosecco to desert sage, and their products can be found in the world’s most iconic hotels such as The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air (both of which they have collaborated with to create signature hotel candles).
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Since the brand’s inception they have also expanded their line beyond home diffusers and candles to include fine fragrances and body care products, along with a line of luxury accessories like acrylic trays and other stylish items. We chatted with Callaghan, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
When was Antica Farmacista founded and what does the name mean?
Antica Farmacista was founded in 2003, and we feel so fortunate to be celebrating our 20-year anniversary this year! Antica Farmacista means “antique pharmacy” in Italian, and we really try to honor the Italian approach of living in both our products and personal life. We take cues from Italian art, fashion, food and landscape, along with many other facets of inspiration!
What inspired the creation of the brand?
Antica Farmacista was born out of a shared vision to inspire newfound delight in familiar spaces. We were the first brand to introduce the home ambiance diffuser to the U.S. market, and from there expanded into a full collection of home and body products.
Antica Farmacista is a luxury home fragrance brand that is made up of more than 20 different fragrances and features candles, diffusers, bath and body products, and more.
Does Antica Farmacista have a hero product?
Our Prosecco diffuser is often how people first come to the brand! Prosecco is our most popular fragrance, and our diffusers are our most popular product. We find people are drawn to the celebratory nature of the product, especially those that love to host!
What are your favorite products from the brand?
Considering I do the creative development on all products and fragrances, this is a tough question–sort of like asking me for a favorite child. But Prosecco is a special fragrance, both as one of my earliest scent creations, and the fact that it truly appeals to so many. Desert Sage is my current favorite since it takes me back to the Palm Springs desert, a deeply personal place for my family history.
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Where are your products sold?
You can shop Antica in a variety of ways! We are available in major retailers such as Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus, as well as in independent boutiques, online on Amazon, and of course, our own website! Shopping directly with us on our site is also the best way to ensure you are shopping our full line of products and taking advantage of our loyalty program.
Future plans for the brand?
I’m really excited about some launches we have coming up in the fall! We are going to be playing with some new shapes for our diffusers, as well as launching an entirely new product line—stay tuned!
What inspires you?
I always get inspired when I reflect on scents I know and love. For example, I just developed a scent that was based on a childhood memory of visiting my grandparents in the desert.
Antica Farmacista’s Aperol Spritz Collection includes diffusers, candles and more featuring the alluring scent of zesty orange and sweet sparkling prosecco.
Secret to success?
I’ve always been a creative soul and my work prior to Antica Farmacista was in a creative field. I had a boss who became an incredible mentor early on and I think I attribute much of my creative and management style to her. She showed me how to be clear, creative and confident with my decision making, yet kind. She was incredibly curious and always searched for the best solution. She taught me how to “keep pushing” while pushing others in a collaborative manner. Watching her had a material impact on my management style which I think has really helped mold my own personal business style.
Beauty secrets?
Rather than getting caught up in the trends, I’ve come to find you can never go wrong with a timeless classic. Whether that’s a lip color, loafer or jean, I always strive to find pieces and looks that feel effortless and elegant.
Wellness tips?
I am a huge believer in transcendental meditation. It’s one of my favorite ways to keep my creative energy flowing and energy centered. In fact, when we were all in the office I would often lay down in my office and do a quick session to rejuvenate, even a short amount of time really works!
Best advice?
I am blessed to have a full life…I just have to remember my dad’s advice to “stop and smell the roses.” This helps me strike a balance with my work, my family, and my friends.
Favorite way to relax?
I love to relax after a long week by spending time in my kitchen, preparing a meal for my family. I always cherish catching up with my loved ones over a beautiful meal.
For more information, visit Antica Farmacista’s website and follow on Instagram: @anticafarmacista
[Images courtesy of Antica Farmacista]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk