For more than 16 years, Jessica’s Apothecary has been part of Ann Arbor’s health and wellness community, offering facials, body treatments and botanical skincare in a space designed for personalized care and relaxation.
Jessica Flora, a licensed esthetician with 25 years of experience, opened her business after seeing a gap in how skincare was approached locally.
“I was motivated to become an esthetician to help people improve their skin and support better relaxation in their life. Sixteen years ago, there wasn’t a lot of talk about holistic or botanical skin care, so I wanted to bring that perspective to Ann Arbor,” she said.
Finding her calling
Her interest in plant-based remedies began while studying in Flagstaff, Arizona.
“Someone gave me a book on essential oils, and there was also an herb shop in town that customized herbal remedies. I was really inspired by that,” Flora recalled.
Later, she encountered acne in her early twenties, which led her to an esthetician in Ann Arbor who encouraged her to pursue the profession herself. By age 26, she had completed her training and embarked on a career in skincare.
Growing a business
Jessica’s Apothecary began as a single-room practice in a yoga studio and gradually expanded. She explains that the “apothecary” aspect of her business has evolved over time.
“I originally thought I would do more customization of body oils, aromatherapy oils, and body scrubs, but now the apothecary side of the business is more about personalized attention and routines, including botanical home care regimens,” she said.
Among her services, Flora highlights the Organic Facial as central to her spa’s identity.
“While it’s not the facial that most of my clients receive, it is the most important for the spa because it allows people to get in the door and experience the benefits of botanical skincare. It also allows us to earn their trust through conversation,” she explained.
Managing the business comes with both rewards and challenges. Flora noted that her favorite moments are not in management tasks but in direct interaction with clients.
“What I find most rewarding is my one-on-one time with clients. When they really relax into a facial, they enter a calmer state that helps the body cope with stress. Brainstorming and talking with them about their home care routine is also very rewarding,” she said.
The pandemic presented a significant challenge, prompting operational adjustments and staffing changes.
“I was able to get the PPP loans forgiven, which was very helpful in keeping the business open. Staff turnover was another challenge, particularly with receptionists, so now all of my team personally greets clients rather than relying on a receptionist,” Flora explained.
Commitment to education
Education and ongoing professional development are central to Flora’s work. She regularly conducts her own research, draws from scientific publications and teaches an online course for holistic estheticians. She also works closely with Eminence Organics, a key product line at the spa.
“They provide excellent education and help us stay informed about new developments in skincare and wellness,” she said.
For those interested in a career in skincare, Jessica offers practical guidance. “I would recommend that someone work for an established practice for at least three to five years before considering opening their own. Working on a team provides invaluable experience,” she advised.
Personal life
Outside her professional life, Flora remains connected to nature and her community.
“I have a little farm with a community garden where I grow herbs for our herbal soaks. I used to have goats and chickens, and now I have a duck. I am also active in the native plant community here in Washtenaw County, supporting biodiversity and pollinator-friendly gardens,” she said.
Some of her personal interests include roller skating and spinning yarn.
“I roller skate to stay active, and I also spin wool and mohair into yarn. Recently, I started lifting weights at the YMCA. I’m trying to get healthier and stronger in all ways,” she said.
Visit Jessica’s Apothecary
Jessica’s current spa location reflects her vision for the business. Designed with stucco walls and a Southwestern-inspired atmosphere, the space features a copper tub and treatment rooms centered on rest and restoration.
“It is our dream spa. It is designed to help reset the nervous system, and that connection between the nervous system and the skin is part of what holistic skincare is about,” she said.
From its beginnings in a single room to its current location, Jessica’s Apothecary has grown into a business that combines personalized skincare, botanical treatments and community involvement, providing Ann Arbor residents with a holistic approach to health and wellness.
