Check Out Patrick & Lucas Stoffel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick & Lucas Stoffel

Hi Patrick & Lucas, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fox Naturals began as a passion project, but the dream of running our own business was always there—especially for Patrick, who knew from a young age that he wanted to create something of his own. The inspiration stemmed from a mix of influences: a sense of entrepreneurship, an appreciation for the folklore of plants and herbs (passed down from his grandmother), and a desire to craft products suited for sensitive skin. What started with making bars of soap at home soon evolved into a full range of botanical body care and custom perfumes.

With Lucas’ support from the very beginning, we took small but steady steps over the years—starting with an Etsy shop, then local pop-ups, launching our website, and collaborating with other local businesses. The natural next step was finding the perfect retail space, which we did on Wealthy Street. Our brick-and-mortar store allows us to create an immersive, personalized experience for customers exploring scents and skincare.

Our combined professional backgrounds have been essential in shaping the business. Patrick brings over a decade of experience in retail management, design planning, and creative development, while Lucas has a strong foundation in retail banking, finance, and graphic design. Lucas officially joined full-time in 2022, allowing us to expand operations, and in 2023, we were able to hire two full-time employees—an exciting milestone for our growing team.

From a small side project to a thriving business, Fox Naturals has been a labor of love. We’ve grown intentionally, always focusing on creating high-quality, inclusive, and eco-conscious products while fostering genuine connections with our community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
What business isn’t without struggles? Growth comes with its challenges, but we’ve always believed that it’s about the effort you put into making yourself better and turning your vision into reality. For us, navigating these challenges has required honest internal conversations, mindful decision-making, and, most importantly, strong support from each other as business partners.

From the early days of bootstrapping and learning everything firsthand—sourcing ingredients, refining our formulas, and building our customer base—to expanding into a brick-and-mortar space, every step has come with its own set of challenges. Transitioning from an online and pop-up model to a full-fledged retail space was a big leap, requiring careful financial planning and trust in our vision. Hiring and growing our team was another milestone, and while leadership comes with new responsibilities, it has allowed us to build something bigger than ourselves.

Through it all, we’ve stayed committed to our core values—creating high-quality, inclusive, and eco-conscious products while fostering real connections with our community. Every challenge has been a learning experience, and in the end, the struggles have only reinforced our passion and drive for what we do.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Fox Naturals has evolved from crafting small batches handmade soaps in our home to creating one-of-a-kind scent blends and perfumes that bring joy, imagination, and self-expression to our customers. Our work goes beyond just making products—we curate vibes, set moods, and craft experiences infused with a touch of magic.

We’re most proud of how our creations resonate with people. Seeing customers connect with a scent, watching them light up when they find something that feels uniquely them—that’s what fuels us. Whether it’s a custom perfume that captures a personal memory or a body care product that makes someone feel their best, we love being part of those small but meaningful moments.

What sets us apart is our approach. We keep it fun, we follow our hearts, and we’ve built a space that’s welcoming, inviting, and inclusive for all. Fox Naturals is more than just a brand—it’s an experience, a creative outlet, and a place where self-expression thrives.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One of the most surprising things for people visiting our shop for the first time is just how many different products we make in-house. Many are also excited to discover that they can create their own custom, one-of-a-kind perfumes with us during after-hours booking appointments—it’s an experience that allows for personal expression in a way they might not expect.

Another surprising aspect is how much of our brand is built entirely in-house. From graphic design and marketing to creative direction, our full team is hands-on in shaping the look, feel, and experience of Fox Naturals. Our seasonal offerings are another way we keep things fresh—by rotating through different concepts, we stay innovative and expressive while gathering real-time feedback from our customers to shape future launches.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fox-naturals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fox_naturals
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fox-naturals-grand-rapids-3
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@foxnaturalsapothecary