Life & Work with Elena Bozzi Ardagna

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Elena Bozzi Ardagna.

Hi Elena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve crafted my whole life and sold items like friendship bracelets in 3rd grade and beaded lizards in middle school. I’ve always loved to share my creations.

I wanted something special to remember my pregnancy, something cozy that ignited special memories, stories, and my love of nature. I chose candles.

I spent ages searching out the best ingredients. My nose had grown intensely sensitive, and any wonky chemicals screamed discomfort. Only the highest quality ingredients are still available to this day.

I spent hours blending new scents. I shared my favorites on Etsy ~ Lavender Forest, Forest Spirit, Wolf Pack, Sacred Space, Earth Mother, and Jasmine Spa (that has been renamed River Spirit). We’ve moved into our own website since then. The originals all remain strong sellers to this day.

I fell in love with mixing new scents and sharing them. I started going to craft shows, which just empowered the phoenix that I was becoming. People told me they believed in me and what I was doing, and I’m so excited to see what comes of it all.

I started making soap, and that fit in so perfectly with everything I was surprised I hadn’t started earlier (though I had always secretly dreamed of it). I am incredibly grateful to do this and to have people enjoy my products and love the art and stories. It’s truly a dream come true. I keep having to pinch myself.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has been healing and empowering in infinite ways. I’ve never taken a smooth road, but I’ve taken lots of interesting ones. And this one is fascinating.

Becoming a business owner and a mom at the same time was a juggling act that challenged every aspect of me, made me find reserves I didn’t know I had, redefine the meaning of failure and lessons, relearn how to self-talk as a best friend, and the true power of sleep. I don’t always know where I’m going, but I’m on my way.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make artisan soap and soy candles, celebrating nature and the imagination. I’ve been creating a world around Earth Berry Apothecary and the hidden trails of Mosswood Forest.

It’s a weaving of scents and stories influenced by input from customers. People have been asking for more art, so I’ve been developing some new interesting items.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love our locally-owned businesses. We have so many wonderful independent businesses run by passionate people who also love what they do. Least? That I don’t have an endless backyard for the orchard of my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.earthberryapothecary.com/
• Instagram: @earthberryapothecary
• Facebook: @earthberryapothecary