Chrissy Fichtl is the founder of APOTHEKE, a Brooklyn-based fragrance brand known for its handcrafted candles, soaps, and thoughtfully blended scents. An entrepreneur at heart, Chrissy’s passion for soap-making, scent formulation, and essential oils led her to establish APOTHEKE in 2011. Her journey began in the fashion industry, where she worked in manufacturing before opening a small shop in the Hamptons. There, she discovered the art of essential oils, sourcing ingredients directly from farms and teaching herself soap-making and fragrance blending in her own kitchen.

By 2012, APOTHEKE had outgrown its beginnings, opening a 3,000-square-foot factory in Brooklyn. In 2021, the brand expanded further with a 10,000-square-foot facility and its first flagship store in the same neighborhood, marking a new chapter while staying true to its roots. Today, APOTHEKE’s candles and soaps are still made by hand, and each fragrance is carefully blended in Brooklyn. The brand is available at leading retailers, including Nordstrom, West Elm, Bloomingdale’s, and Crate & Barrel. Chrissy lives in Brooklyn with her husband and Co-Founder, Sebastian Picasso, their two daughters, and two dogs.