Green Oaks Apothecary — Local services in Slidell

TLDR: The atmosphere is uncomfortable, and the prices are so high that most things dont sell.

This used to be my favorite place, but something about the shop has died. It started with their support of generative AI art, which I told my friends about and asked the employees about because I was concerned. I avoided the shop for a couple months because it made me uncomfortable. Once I returned, I was approached by one of the ladies that I recognized, and she asked me to leave... as in banned from the store. I was a little off-put since I was just shopping, and she explained that its because she thought I was someone who had argued with the owner on facebook over AI art. It makes sense why she thought it was me, since I had asked about it the last time I was there, but I assured her it wasn't me, and no one was mean about it, it was just a misunderstanding but it was awkward. I feel bad for the lady that had to come up to me and have that awkward conversation on the owner's behalf, only to have the wrong person. That was months ago at this point, and I've returned a couple more times, but it just felt off, because the ladies keep staring at me, they're friendly but they dont talk to me the same way anymore. Every time I go, Im always with a friend, and they've said that they can feel that the vibes are just tainted in there, nothing like it was a year ago.

One of the ladies even got snarky with my friend because she asked her if the smell of the juniper berries was normal... she responded "well if they're not up to your standards I can just put them away for you and we can find something else." She could've just said the smell was normal. She wasn't mean, but it was definitely tense, and I think my friend was about to cry from how uncomfortable it was.

Not to mention that a lot of their prices are super high now, which explains why many things stay on the shelf for a long time. There are stones and towers in there that I've been eyeing for almost an entire year, but never buy because it's just so much more than every other shop I go to for those things. I think it might be better for business if they stopped charging the same inflated tourist charges that other shops in Olde Town like to charge.

This isnt a bad shop by any means, they're supportive of the LGBT, they have a lot of partnerships with artists and other local sellers on Etsy, and the many things I have purchased from them have always been of good quality. Aside from the awkward relationship I have with them, the ladies there are usually really friendly to everyone else. Its still a good shop, but every time I walk in, I can tell they want me to leave, and it hurts because this used to be one of very few safe spaces for me in Slidell. Now its...

I discovered this place yesterday for a last-minute gift, and needless to say, I was impressed. The owner makes roughly 85-90% of the products offered there. Customers can create custom-made teas out of a large assortment of ingredients. If one wants something already made, they have that beautifully shelved against the wall and are the first thing people see as they walk in. Please bring in your beer bottles as they make their candles from them, and every one of them smells divine. Many are New Orleans themed with names like "New Orleans lady" and "Lagniappe." Thankfully, none are named after the smells of Bourbon Street, but I am sure they would somehow find a way to make it a pleasant aroma. After you use your candle, you can bring your empty glass back in for a candle refill, with 20% off since they reuse the glass. They have a cozy reading nook with vinyl options to listen to while you relax amongst the many succulents lining the windowsills. I wasn't able to venture into many more areas of the store, but I am certainly going back. Highly recommend supporting this local business. There is much love and passion within every item made there. Also, the customer service was stellar. They also have a very knowledgeable staff eager to assist and help their customers find what they need and maybe a little...

Home away from home. Every single person who works at this shop is an incredible healer and artist. The owner, Brandeé, is one of the kindest, warm-hearted women I've ever met. She embraced me from day one. I've been moved to tears by her fierce and giving heart on more than one occasion. I cannot think of a better place to spend your money. When you support this shop you support many women!! Woman owned and mostly women staffed. There's big magic here too. You can feel it when you visit. They work really hard at continued education in lots of useful subjects like herbalism, candle making, stone properties, natural plants, and more. Their stone room is to die for. They make almost everything they sell. And they support many local artists like Tristen of Swamp Sprouts. Brandeé really loves and cares about the community of Slidell as well. You can see in all that she does and has done via organizations and free networking in the area, and more. Do not let the low reviews fool you. These are amazing women in an incredible store, working hard hard hard to help out the community. Don't miss it! Go follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see classes, events, new creations, and more. So...