New Business Spotlight: The Apothecary of Shelton

Mason County, WA – July 6, 2026 – Cota Street just got a bit more vibrant with the addition of The Apothecary of Shelton, owned and operated by Desiree Santos. Desiree originally found herbalism through her own health journey and decided to study it while experiencing life on the road, traveling from town to town.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest before spending part of her teenage years out of state, Desiree eventually returned to Washington after college and spent several years in Seattle managing a mom-and-pop wellness business. Still searching for where she wanted to plant roots of her own, she set out on a two-year journey across the country, exploring scenic byways, small towns, and national parks while studying herbalism along the way.

During her travels, Desiree noticed that many rural communities lacked access to wellness resources that were readily available in larger urban areas. Although she never planned on returning to Washington, the mountains and coastline eventually called her back. After settling in Kitsap County, she found herself frequently spending time in Mason County, hiking local trails, visiting small businesses, and getting to know the community.

It was those connections that ultimately inspired her to stay.

"When I came here, people talked to each other," Desiree shared. "Whether it was at QFC, local businesses, or community groups, people were always willing to have a conversation."

After selling her home, Desiree decided to invest in both herself and the community she had grown to love. With support from the Mason County Economic Development Council and conversations with downtown business owners, the vision for Apothecary of Shelton began to take shape.

Since opening on March 20, the response has been overwhelming.

"I put out my sign, posted on Facebook, and was swamped that whole first weekend," she said. "It showed me this was something the community wanted and needed."

Today, Apothecary of Shelton offers teas, tinctures, Washington-made supplements, natural baby and children's products, skincare, gifts, and home goods. The store is uniquely organized by body system, making it easier for customers to navigate and find products that support their specific wellness goals. The layout itself was inspired by customer feedback.

One of Desiree's favorite services is creating custom tea blends. She also welcomes special product requests and plans to offer workshops and additional community events in the future.

More than anything, Desiree wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning about their health. The shop was intentionally designed to be accessible and family-friendly, featuring ADA access, room for wheelchair users, and activities for children including chalk, bubbles, stickers, and a small kids' table.

Visitors often stop in for a quick purchase and end up staying much longer.

"People tell me the shop feels safe, comfortable, and welcoming," she said.

That sense of connection is what Desiree values most. For her, Apothecary of Shelton is about more than products on shelves. It's about creating a place where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to make informed decisions about their own well-being.

"A community thrives if everyone's supported," she said. "Let's all be connected rather than disconnected."

Whether you're new to the world of herbalism or have years of experience, Apothecary of Shelton is here to support your wellness journey. Located at 620 W. Cota Street in Shelton, the shop offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and explore products that support your well-being. Visit their website or social media pages for current hours and updates, and be sure to stop by and welcome this delightful new business to our community.