Ten Years today!
On February 1st 2011 I (Jo-Anna) took my very first appointment, in my very own Salon, Flipp Salon- Apothecary. My first client, David, is still a faithful client and every year I gift him a product or good from our Apothecary as a token of thanks, and to honor the relationship we have.
TEN YEARS TODAY!!
Anyone who knows me and has been with me from before we actually opened knows every detail of what I had in mind and the vision I so badly wanted to make a reality.
I opened during a recession, and shortly after painfully separated from my husband. Coming from a humble background, my father was a metal worker, my mother, a seamstress. I was lucky to have a father that believed in my vision and took out an equity loan on his home to help get me started. It was small and most went to redo the floor, I’m super savvy on finding lovely things that are good quality, and I’m also good at keeping a smart budget. So it began!
My vision was to take all of my art forms, Haircraft, Reflexology, Herbalism, and Music. To have them all live and thrive in one space, after all if you look closer, these forms are in fact symbiotic. The goal was also to eventually take on other artists to work with me. A Salon and Apothecary?? ABSOLUTELY.
The Space
I wanted to create an art studio that bridged together all of my passions and occupations in one space. To recreate the original concept of what a “Salon” actually was once upon a time. A place of gathering where one’s knowledge of things would increase through insightful conversation and people came to gather for a cultural and entertaining exchange, held by a host. The environment would be fashionable and “elegant”, a meeting place for artists and accessible to all. A place to create all things beautiful, feeding all the senses. Food for the mind, body and soul.
Here we are, ten years later. So much has happened over the last decade! We have hosted so many artists of various media on our “gallery” walls, and have had so many amazing musicians play at our Flipp by Night evenings. The actual design of the studio has changed a few times, in color scheme, furniture and some accessories. Our first version was super Space Age, meets 60’s Sci Fi, meets the 5th Element. I will post up some before and after pics in the coming days to bring you through the different variations. One common theme that is forever and always a staple in the design is our mid century vibe, and if I do say so myself, the new mural on the large wall (tri colored 70’s stripe) is soooo my favorite wall to date (that GOLD!). The furniture is a combo of mid century (mostly from Rocket to Mars) or custom made here in Providence, by Jessica Brown (TheLadyJBrown). That “Star Trek” like bench at the reception area was designed by yours truly, and crafted by Top Stitch.
The FlippFam
I have the most incredible crew and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by the most amazing talent. Check our social media, each have their own “Highlight” bubble on Flipp’s Instagram page so you can see individual work. They each create in a multitude of ways, and the creativity ranges from drawing, to wood work, to music. Each of them are individually amazing and collectively make me so proud. I even have a couple of budding Herbalists!
So, what does the next ten years look like? Well, sooner or later we will be out of this pandemic. For now certain things have been suspended, like our Flipp by Night live music nights we would hold every six weeks. Our tea/coffee service we would provide with each visit is also on hold, as well as botanical cocktail/mocktail nights. Our Monthly TeaTime gatherings to learn and discuss all things herbs and beyond whilst enjoying some wonderful brews and infusions are virtual for the time being. All of these things will surely return with a vengeance once it is safe to open it all up again. We still maintain our gallery experience and host local artists of all mediums and genres on our walls in a 3-4 month rotation, and still offer a wide range of things in our Apothecary.
Ahhhhhh...The Apothecary
I am officially the Herbalist/Entrepreneur in residence at Shewatuck Farm in Exeter. As some of you may remember, I was growing and farming medicinal herbs at a small Urban farm on the South Side at the Avenue Concept. I was there for about 3 years total and the experience has totally prepared me for what I am about to take on a Shewatuck. I will be growing all of the herbs I use for Flipp, for my own product line Botanic providence, and also working with the farm for their endeavors. I am beginning a more serious Herbal practice and will see folks on a clinical level (finally put to work the years of intense studying I have done) and develop a wide range of products and services both for Botanic, and for Flipp. My approach will be that of the Vitalist tradition based on the teachings of one of my most absolute favorite teachers and schools I have done, The School of Evolutionary Herbalism. It is the program I have found closest to my personal philosophy and practice as an Herbalist, and I have studied with many! Of course I will still work in one of my favorite creative mediums, haircraft, and continue to paint and sculpt while holding community with you all! But the next decade is all about incorporating the Apothecary how it was always intended to work. In the spirit of the original Apothecaries and philosophy of eclectic healing. Many new services will be born out of this. Be sure that I will keep you all posted in our newsletters on all things Flipp/Botanic and the farm.
As always, the Apothecary will remain stocked with brands that we are aligned with from an environmental, and philosophical standpoint, and we are making it a priority to continue to work with local makers, and introduce some national makers of all things beautiful for the body, mind and soul.
I firmly believe these things; that haircraft is healing through touch, design, connection, conversation, community, and trust. Herbalism brings the experience to a whole other level, by expanding opportunities to look deeper into one’s well being and awareness, offering an alternative to the toxins we are exposed to in everyday life, and offering the opportunity and education to weave our plant allies into our routines. Music is medicine. It is an integral part of my life to the core of my being and will forever be infused with the life of the salon. This is what Flipp Salon Apothecary is.
With Thanks!
Last but not least, I THANK YOU from every chamber of my heart. It has been one crazy ride, especially this last year and your continued support is the bloodline of giving breath to my vision. I am ever more passionate and on fire to take us to the next phase, the next decade of wonderful conversation, community, healing, artistic expression of the self, beauty from the inside out. Onward and upward my friends!! Let’s do this!!!
