Welcome
to our
botanical haven…
Embark on a whimsical journey where herbal magic meets everyday wonders. Nestled in the heart of Amherst, NH, we are more than just a store—we are a community sanctuary dedicated to your health and well-being. Allow us to introduce ourselves: we are Jon and Nancy Mitchell, the passionate duo behind this herbal wonderland. We both grew up in the region and have a deep love for the local communities we serve.
Meet Nancy
Nancy Mitchell, our spirited founder and store manager, embarked on her natural products journey in the mid-90s. Armed with the wisdom of a Reiki Master Teacher and the passion of an amateur herbalist, Nancy ventured to sunny California, where she thrived as a Natural Living Manager for Wild Oats Markets. She was a part of a team that opened two large stores for the chain. It was here where she dove deep into the world of herbs, nutritional supplements, and holistic health. From herbalism to Ayurveda, Nancy’s path has been enriched by inspiring connections and endless learning.
After spreading her wings in California, Nancy returned to the East Coast, bringing her expertise to Vermont’s Healthy Living Market. She wore many hats as a member of the management team, all while nurturing her passion for helping others. Her journey continued as a natural products broker, a Bioenergetic Health Coach, and, most recently, as an integral team member at a natural pharmacy on the NH Seacoast.
Today, Nancy channels her extensive experience into Natura Apothecary. With a heart full of passion and a vision to inspire, she is the guardian of the magical realms at Natura curating a beautiful collection of high-quality natural products and gifts. She strives to cultivate an atmosphere that is soothing to the senses and nourishing to the body, mind, and spirit.
Meet Jon
Jon Mitchell, co-owner and behind the scenes financial wizard. Although he holds a full-time position with another company, he spends nights and weekends split between managing our books and doing property improvement videos on his tractor. His love for spreadsheets comes close to rivaling his love for his fire pit and his beautiful gardens.
Together, we are a dynamic duo dedicated to creating a holistic and enriching shopping experience for you. At Natura Apothecary, we blend our love for natural health with our commitment to community, offering you a unique space to explore, learn, and thrive. Come visit us! We can’t wait to share our sanctuary of botanical delights with you!
Meet Molly
Molly Branch, one of the visionary founders of Natura, plays a key role in our management team as both Herbalist and Assistant Store Manager. With her magical touch, she assists in carefully curating our collection of botanical treasures, crafting the most beautiful and flavorful tea blends and herbal-infused creations you can sample daily in our store!
A clinically trained folk herbalist from the New Hampshire seacoast, Molly brings her passion for plant medicine to Natura Apothecary, helping customers discover the perfect remedies for their needs. Whether through personalized one-on-one sessions with custom herbal formulations, educational workshops, or her delicious plant-inspired recipes, Molly weaves the magic of nature into everything she does. Her creations span from enchanting tea blends to herbal-infused baked treats that are as delightful as they are healing.
Molly’s inspirations? The rich Celtic traditions, folklore, music, her beloved cats, and her deep connection with plant spirit medicine. Stop by to experience her plant wisdom firsthand!
Meet Vendy
Vendy Eskind is one of the four founding women of Natura and serves as a member of our management team as one of our Apothecary Guardians. She manages front of house operations, trains our wonderful guides, and makes sure our guests receive the absolute best service!
Vendy”s adventure into the realm of herbs and natural foods began in 2022 at an herbal pharmacy on the NH seacoast. Always drawn to medicine and healing, she found her true calling there, diving deep into discovering the incredible health benefits of herbs, vitamins, and nutrition. Under the guidance of folk herbalist Molly Branch, Vendy has been soaking up ancient wisdom and modern know-how.
Currently, Vendy is studying Liberal Arts with a focus on Science at Southern Maine Community College, while also exploring the mystical side of plants through a Plant Spirit Medicine course at HyllanTree in Hope, ME. Her future is filled with dreams of herbal apprenticeships, reiki classes, and delving into spiritual ecology. She’s got big plans to transfer to a larger university and pursue a BA in Biology, Ecology, Natural Medicine, or Mycology.
When she’s not studying or concocting herbal remedies, you’ll find Vendy expressing her creativity through art, connecting with nature, and creating sacred spaces that nourish her soul.
Meet Olivia
Meet Olivia Saurman – Nature Enthusiast & Apothecary Guardian. Olivia is one of the founding forces behind Natura and serves as one of our beloved Apothecary Guardians. She leads the charge in front-of-house operations, trains our exceptional guides, and ensures every guest experiences the magic we strive to create.
Her love affair with the natural world began years ago, drawn in by the incredible ways our bodies can heal with the help of plant allies. Her first discovery? The mystical world of medicinal mushrooms. After mastering the art of foraging in the lush East Coast forests, it was the reishi mushroom that truly captured her heart. She quickly learned to craft tinctures from this ancient healer, tapping into its deep reservoir of wellness benefits.
With six years of experience as a professional gardener, Olivia is an incredible source of plant wisdom. Every day in the garden brings her closer to understanding the unique role each plant plays, both in nature and in our health. She’s constantly in awe of the lessons nature provides, especially during the changing seasons, and she’s eager to share that wisdom with our community.
When she’s not tending to the garden, you’ll find Olivia by the sea, either collecting sea glass or surfing the chilly waters of the North Atlantic.
Joining Natura has allowed Olivia to fulfill her passion: sharing the knowledge and healing power of plants with the world. She’s excited to continue her journey with us – and to bring you along for the ride!
