workshop apothecary
Our Story
Originally opened as Leaders Soap & Apothecary (2009) in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood by Tanya Tucci, an Oncology Massage Therapist, working at Rush Hospital, who became concerned with her patient's dry, irritated skin. Returning to simpler times, the use of her own kitchen & garden, she created her very first soap from scratch — Chamomile, perfect for sensitive and inflamed skin. This led to experimenting and creating over 30 different soap varieties. (A Converse shoe box lined with wax paper was used to form the original soap loaf).
Workshop Apothecary opens in 2019. In what was once a tire shop, it's now the current home today! Original mural, ladders, and oil shelves are currently in use as well as repurposed wood taken from interior walls, are used to hold our tea & herb jars. A very magical space!This is where all the workshops began, especially our most popular Perfume Making Workshop. We have tripled the number of sales for this workshop from 2023 to 2024 and could not be happier. Thank you everyone! Our retail hours are shortened to accommodate workshops. We can host you & your guests on any day of the week, not just weekends!
Workshops
Make Your Own Perfume or Wellness Blend Workshop
Learn the basics on how to formulate perfume! Have fun while sampling over 100 fragrances and blending your own custom scent. Add dried floral to your perfume bottle to make it visibly appealing to the eye. This workshop is great as a solo activity, date idea, team-building activity, children's event or party (birthday, bridal shower/bachelorette party, and other celebrations). Our workshops are also children and teen-friendly!
-
Individual or Group (maximum of 50 guests)
-
$65 per person
-
Duration: 2 hours
-
Call or email to schedule a date
-
Children & teenager friendly!
-
Food/BYOB is allowed for an additional fee
Mindfulness + Candle Making Workshop
Let's practice mindfulness while enjoying making soy wax candles! Add colors, dried botanicals, crystals, palo santo chips & scents!
-
Individual or Group (maximum of 15 guests)
-
$60 per person
-
Call or email to schedule a date
-
Food/BYOB is allowed for an additional fee
Basics of Glass Dipping Pens & Japanese Ink
Looking for something unique? Put the cell phone down and try this very relaxing and fun experience! Glass dipping pens are not just fine writing instruments, but works of art that allow you to truly express your inner personality. Whether it is the simplicity of writing your name, drawing flower petals or writing a love note, the possibilities are endless.
-
Individual or Group (maximum of 10 guests)
-
$40 per person
-
Call or email to schedule a date
-
Children & teenager friendly!
-
Food/BYOB is allowed for an additional fee
Plant Therapy Workshops
Learn the basics of building a terrarium with our wide variety of succulents. We also offer fun miniature figurines to add to your terrarium. Prices vary depending on terrarium sizes. This is a very relaxing workshop especially for relieving stress. It is also fun for children ages 7 and up.
Another option is to learn how to grow your own starter plant. Learn to plant using seeds, soil, moss and your choice of starter pot. Our Seed Bank offers a wide selection of seeds to choose from. This is also a fun activity for kids to learn the basics of planting.
-
Individual or group (maximum of 10 guests)
-
Prices vary per person (anywhere from $10 to $50)
-
Duration: 1-2 hours
-
Call or email to schedule a date
-
Children (age 7+) and teenager friendly!
Mobile Perfume Lab -We Can Come to You!
While we offer all of our services on-site at our storefront location, we also offer MOBILE PERFUME WORKSHOPS where we travel to your home or venue! We will bring all of the necessary ingredients and supplies to your location so that you can enjoy the experience with ease. Please note that this option requires a travel and set-up fee.
-
Please call or email to schedule a date adn to discuss rates for our MOBILE perfume workshop
-
Travel and set-up fee: ranges from $75 to $300 based on Chicago-land location; the fee is typically higher for locations outside of Chicago city limits
How it Works
-
We travel to your destination, bringing all of the ingredients and equipment needed
-
Our aromatherapist will educate and guide your guests through their sampling and formula creation
Event Types
-
Corporate events
-
Charity events
-
Weddings
-
Bridal showers
-
Team-building
-
Festivals
-
Markets
-
Birthdays and other celebrations
-
Anniversaries
Package Includes:
-
A variety of 40 different fragrances to choose from (we will guide you on creating your own unique scent!)
-
3 oil bases to choose from
-
One choice of a 2 ounce perfume, mist, or roll-on glass perfume bottle for each guest
-
A choice of dried botanicals to put inside of your perfume bottle
Book a Party with Workshop Apothecary!
Upcoming Events
Take a look at some of our upcoming events around the Chicagoland area!
Fri, Feb 14Workshop ApothecaryTreat yourself to a 60-minute instructional facial using all natural ingredients. You will also learn the basics of aromatherapy as you create your own wellness blend roll-on perfume! https://checkout.square.site/merchant/NH06DXN1CJB0K/checkout/CTBA4UREBR5HKMAJBDFUMXL6
Thu, Feb 13Never Have I EverJoin us at Never Have I Ever -Chicago's Agave Den and Night Club -more information can be found on their Instagram and website! Featuring DJS, vendors, and cocktails/food!
Thu, Feb 13Hotel Sofitel ChicagoJoin us at Le Bar for a festive Galentine's Day celebration with Hotel Sofitel. Create your own signature scent, with a glass of complimentary bubbly and great company! Tickets are just $20 -reserve your spot today at https://www.exploretock.com/sofitelchicago/event/526337
Sat, Feb 08ChicagoA market featuring local artists, makers, and farmers with goods for purchase at the Ramova Theater. For ages 21+. RSVP at https://ramovachicago.com/event/ramova-community-market-february/ramova-theatre/