Our Story

Founder-Kristen Myers

My story begins in 1990, on an herb walk in the Appalachian Mountains. My fascination with plants began… I decided to study western herbal medicine, nutrition and wellness with a focus on “natural pharmacy”. I began making my own line of body care using all natural and organic ingredients. I was able to embark on a journey that has ultimately led me to create Sambuca Modern Apothecary. As a mother and entrepreneur I know how important it is to strike a balance and part of that balance for me comes from the very fact that Sambuca is an extension of my own life and that of my family. Shocked at the questionable ingredients used in cosmetics, I decided to create a shopping haven free from chemicals and synthetics and one that supported organic, sustainable and plant based products. Sambuca is a modern day health and beauty apothecary providing honest expert advice, quality service, incredibly effective products and a caring environment.

Esthetician-Tracy Meyer

In 2007 Sambuca teamed up with Tracy Meyer, a holistic esthetician with over 23 years experience. Tracy Meyer began in the beauty industry by earning certifications for cosmetology and esthetics in 1987 & 1988, in New York. After working in the industry for 2 years, Tracy decided to pursue further training and experience and moved to England to study at Thanet Technical College on Britain’s Southwest coast. The program at Thanet was wide-ranging, including European skin care, electrolysis, body massage, waxing, manicures, and pedicures. While studying overseas Tracy also gained valuable experience working in England and France, and graduated with a degree in beauty therapy in 1992. The following two years were spent performing facials, body treatments, and massage aboard cruise ships in the carribean & mediteraenian seas. In 1995 she moved back to the states & continued in esthetics in New York, Massachusetts, and Atlanta, before moving to Wilmington in 2000. Tracy has been working with natural and organic skincare lines for 20 years. She has been a certified Jurlique esthetician for 10 years and has a recent certification with Dr. Hauschka Biodynamic Skin Care. Tracy has developed a high quality, professional, and truly unique gift that has become renowned in the Cape Fear area.

Manager- Nicole Dobias-Shaw

Nicole grew up in a holistic household and worked at a natural spa in Delaware before joining Sambuca in the summer of 2007. She is trained in all of our product lines and truly believes in the holistic lifestyle. Nicole is also a certified Pilates teacher and teaches privates and classes right next door at Body Aligned Pilates Studio. www.thebodyaligned.com