Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Bomo, Founder and CEO of Ann & Eli Apothecary, located in Montreal, QC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Ann & Eli Apothecary is a Montreal-based wellness brand committed to empowering women to lead healthier lives through the benefits of plant medicine. Our mission is to provide 100% natural and handcrafted herbal tea blends, tinctures, and self-care products that enhance women's well-being during all stages of life. From menstrual and reproductive wellness to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, lactation, menopause, and general health, our range of products is designed to support women's natural journey.

We take pride in our unique formulation process, which involves sourcing organic medicinal herbs from across Canada and the world. Our herbalist formulates each product with great care to ensure that they are both safe and effective. Our handcrafted blends include only the highest quality natural ingredients, ensuring that each product is free of harsh chemicals and artificial preservatives.

At Ann & Eli Apothecary, we believe that every woman deserves access to natural wellness solutions that are both safe and effective. With our commitment to quality, education, and sustainability, we strive to empower women to take control of their health and wellness naturally.

Tell us about yourself

The inspiration behind Ann & Eli Apothecary comes from my personal journey toward natural healing. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and uterine fibroids, both of which can greatly impact a woman's fertility. After undergoing two surgeries and being told by doctors that my chances of having children naturally were slim, I began exploring natural alternatives to improve my overall well-being.

Through my research, I discovered the transformative power of medicinal herbs and holistic health. Within just six months, the majority of my symptoms had disappeared, and I was thrilled to learn that I had become pregnant naturally. The birth of my daughters, Ann and Eli, became the driving force behind my decision to leave my journalism career, retrain as an herbalist and health coach, and launch Ann & Eli Apothecary in 2019. My ultimate goal was to help other women who, like me, struggle with reproductive health disorders such as PCOS, menstrual cramps, PMS, infertility, and more. I wanted to provide natural and effective solutions that would ease their symptoms and help them lead happier, healthier lives.

I also believe that true wellness is about more than just physical health. That's why we also offer coaching programs and educational resources that take a holistic approach to menstrual and reproductive wellness. I want to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to build sustainable self-care routines that support their overall well-being.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, my greatest accomplishment has been building a company that truly makes a positive impact on people's lives. Every day, we receive heartfelt testimonials from women who have used our products and services to manage conditions like period cramps, PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis. Hearing about the transformative effects that our natural solutions have had on their lives is truly humbling and inspiring.

I am proud to say that Ann & Eli Apothecary is more than just a regular business - it is a company that is dedicated to improving the lives of women everywhere. Many of our customers have shared how our products have significantly decreased and even eliminated their menstrual pain, giving them the energy and freedom to live their lives to the fullest. Building a company that has such a positive impact on people's lives is truly an amazing feeling, and I am grateful to be able to do this work every day.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As a business owner, one of the toughest challenges I face is balancing my big vision for the company with limited resources. In today's economic climate, securing funding can be a major hurdle, and it can be tough to make the hard decisions necessary to keep the business running smoothly.

As a mother of two, achieving a work-life balance can be especially challenging. Even when I'm not physically at work, my mind is always buzzing with new ideas and ways to improve our products and services. As someone who is passionate about pouring into people and caring for them, I sometimes struggle to remember to prioritize my own self-care. However, I know that taking care of myself is crucial to being able to show up fully for my customers.

Despite these challenges, I remain deeply committed to my vision for Ann & Eli Apothecary. I believe that everyone deserves access to natural, effective solutions for their reproductive health, and I am proud of the positive impact that our products and services have had on the lives of so many women. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this work, even on the tough days, and I remain optimistic about the future of the company and our ability to continue making a meaningful difference in the world.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

As an entrepreneur who has experienced the ups and downs of building a business, I have three tips to share with anyone looking to start, grow, and run their own company:

  1. Start with your "why." Knowing your purpose and what drives you is crucial to staying motivated through tough times. Having a clear mission also makes your business more relatable to customers and helps you build a loyal following.
  2. Have a clear vision for your business. Take the time to envision where you want to go and what you want to achieve, then work backward to create a roadmap to get there. This will help you stay focused on your goals and make strategic decisions that will move you closer to achieving them.
  3. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Building a business is a team effort, and it's impossible to do everything alone. Hiring the right people at the right time can make all the difference in the success of your company. Don't be afraid to seek out mentorship, advice, or partnerships that can help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively. Remember, it's okay to delegate and trust others to help you grow your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://anneliapothecary.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreabomo444
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreabomo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andreabomo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabomo/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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