Beauty Bosses: Scott Formby and Jennifer de Klaver, Co-Founders of Figaro Apothecary
Jennifer de Klaver and Scott Formby.
Our latest Beauty Bosses are Scott Formby and Jennifer de Klaver, Co-Founders of Figaro Apothecary—a botanical wellness brand that celebrates the magical properties of nature. While both leading busy careers, they joined forces to create a line of wellness products inspired that would support calming and balance while enabling them to find deeper meaning in their own professional lives.
Each product is carefully formulated with the purest ingredients that use groundbreaking science to deliver the ultimate in synergistic results. Nature-lead yet science-forward, the company combines the strengths of both worlds to create products that heal and rejuvenate, and two of their formulations (Cannacomplex™ and Agavaplex™) are proprietary to the brand and have been carefully designed to provide nourishing and healing results. Their patented Green Echinacea, which is grown on Figaro Apothecary’s own farms and 300 times more powerful than other echinaceas on the market, acts as a booster to amplify the organic botanicals in Cannacomplex™ and produces incredible results.
Figaro Apothecary also supports The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental nonprofit, to help fund and bring awareness to conserving the world’s beautiful botanicals and waters. We chatted with Formby and de Klaver, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
When was Figaro Apothecary founded and what does the name mean?
Figaro Apothecary was founded in 2019 as a botanical wellness brand that celebrates the healing properties of nature, art and music. We believe transformation is optimized with a holistic approach that incorporates ALL the senses—sound, taste, sight, scent and touch—and that nature is its great activator.
We find the beauty and richness within the arts integral to the process of healing and chose our signature Gaspard Dughet landscape painted in the magnificent Tuscany countryside for its love of nature from a simpler time. Our name was inspired by a playful melodic opera written by Mozart.
At the beginning of 2023, we launched a full collection that harnesses the synergistic effects of premium organic botanicals to activate and reconnect you to your senses using old world botanicals + science-led formulations.
Figaro Apothecary is a wellness brand that activates the synergistic effects of organic botanicals and the powerful healing properties of nature, music and art.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
The journey of Figaro Apothecary began with a yearning for balance in our daily lives. In 2019, while immersed in creating successful brands for large corporations, we struggled to keep our heads above water and maintain our health. Although wellness and holistic living were significant priorities for us individually, they seemed confined to a single aspect of our lives. To find deeper meaning both personally and professionally, we knew we had to fully embrace this lifestyle.
Our shared love for nature, beauty, and enriching experiences inspired the creation of Figaro Apothecary. Scott's lifelong passion for botanicals, historical art and exquisite interiors melded with Jen's inspiration from painting, her daily meditation practice, and connection to the healing effects of sound. Together, we became obsessed with pure, high-vibrational ingredients (such as our patented organic green echinacea and organic agave) and intentional formulations that promote the rhythm of healing through all the senses.
Does Figaro Apothecary have a hero product?
No—it’s like choosing a favorite child!
What’s your favorite product from your brand?
Jen: That is hard! I really use everything daily, but I can’t live without my combo of Cannacomplex™ Nourishing Serum and Agave Stem Cell Moisturizer. And my morning really doesn’t really doesn’t start without our Agave + Fruit Extract Cleanser—I love the scent and gentle feel.
Scott: Sheer Botanical Body Oil and Relief Balme.
Where are your products sold?
Our products are sold on our direct-to-consumer website.
Future plans for the brand?
Jen: Continue to spread transformative healing through product expansion (stay tuned for more body products..!) and expand internationally. We see rituals and connection as a big part of our vision—including physical spaces for an immersive experience through touch, sound and art.
Scott: Our pie in the sky dream is to have our own spa/boutique hotel where we can create a total wellness experience and environment.
Figaro Apothecary Relief Balme ($65) combats post-workout soreness, cramps, strained muscles and everyday aches with powerful healing organic botanicals.
Who inspires you?
Jen: Abstract artists: Frankenthaller, Twombly, Rothco and so many more. Wellness leaders: Michael Singer, Ram Dass, Bobby Klein, Mama Medicine, Thich Nhat Hanh. My father. Mother Nature.
Scott: Gardeners and painters. Pepe Mendoza metalwork. Textile designers. Guido Gambone ceramics.
Secret to success?
Jen: Always be learning + inspired. Follow your heart. Be open and present and cultivate positive relationships.
Scott: Find your tribe and cultivate them. Stay curious and let an occasional interloper into your tribe. Hard work always has rewards.
Beauty secrets?
Jen: Best secret is to smile—it will always make you look 100 times prettier! Figaro tip: In the afternoon for a pick-me-up, I rub our Sheer Botanical Body Oil between my hands and breathe in, leaving a little on my forehead and nose.
Scott: Still waiting for someone to whisper these in my ear.
Wellness tips?
Jen: Start the day with warm lemon water and meditation. I have been meditating for years and it makes a huge difference in my energy. Plus try and get a little movement every day + a soak in the bath.
Scott: My “go-to” is bath-time, even when traveling. I also use our Relief Balme on my temples to relieve occasional headaches. Animals also always help reset and relieve stress.
Best advice?
Jen: Get quiet, follow what instinctively resonates.
Scott: Measure twice, cut once.
How do you like to relax?
Jen: Painting in my studio, learning new things, traveling—especially in Europe, especially in the sun, meditations, sound baths, and being silly with friends.
Scott: Music at the Hollywood Bowl, art exhibits at Hauser and Wirth, dinner at Mozza.
For more information, visit Figaro Apothecary’s website and follow on Instagram: @figaro_apothecary
[Images courtesy of Figaro Apothecary]
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