Our Apothecary is Gone 💔
First of all, deep and profound gratitude for everyone who has reached out since last week to inquire about me and my family’s wellbeing. It was been a shattering few days here in the wake of Hurricane Helene. But thankfully we are all well, safe and whole.
That said, it has taken me some days to find these words…
Our beloved apothecary, the space where I’ve welcomed clients, held classes, crafted and packaged all my medicines for the last nine years, was destroyed last week when our entire town of Marshall was buried under the floodwaters of the hurricane.
Every business in town has been destroyed, so I’m not alone in this devastation. But the slow motion realization of just how much was lost has been shattering.
The water, a deluge filled with petrol and sewage and industrial waste filled our apothecary up over the windows, leaving everything in its wake covered in toxic sludge. Everything, including every last bottle, box, flower essence, and memento from my life there was lost.
It’s such a big big moment in time, I’m trying to figure out how to show up for it all. But I will say that we need, and would welcome, help.
If you’ve been eyeing an online class on the website… now would be a profoundly impactful time to purchase.
We’ve also created an aid page where you can donate directly to helping us survive this passage.
Any extra funds will be donated to ongoing relief efforts in our community. It’s a long road.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this beautiful chapter in my life. I cry every single time I think about it. How many sunlit days, healing sessions, class circles, tea dates, and medicine parcels shipped to every corner of the globe happened in this place.
It’s a beautiful thing, to have loved so much. Thank you for loving me, and One Willow Apothecaries, in all the ways you have.
I love you so much, so very much, in return.
P.S. If news of the hurricane and its impact in Western North Carolina is new to you, you can learn more in this New York Times article. Our town is the front cover photo. 💔
Hi, Asia. George Stone referred me to you. I’m writing a piece for Garden & Gun on how people can support Western NC artists and creatives. Are you available for an interview soon? My email is amybrecountwhite at gmail.com. Thanks! Amy
Hi Amy, thank you for your patience with our reply, and your interest in interviewing Asia. I’ll send you an email here momentarily!
Asia, we are all sending our prayers and love. Best to you and your family, your communities, and the entire region as you navigate the devastation. May restoration come in swift, beautiful, and myriad effective forms.