The founders of Ballou Famil Apothecary

Our Founders’ Story

Our founders, Dawn and Bob, first connected through heartfelt conversations about family and health. Dawn shared her mother’s struggles with illness, while Bob spoke of his daughter’s journey with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. Both knew the frustration of searching for truly non-toxic, clean products they could trust — and finding very few. That shared struggle became their shared mission: to create an apothecary where wellness, honesty, and craftsmanship come together.

Chapter 1: Where Roots Run Deep

The Ballou family’s roots stretch back generations in Vermont, to a time before the Civil War. Farmers, artisans, pioneers, and visionaries, their legacy is one of resilience, faith, and care. Distant relatives like Hosea Ballou, who reshaped religious thought with his message of a loving God, and Major Sullivan Ballou, whose letter to his wife before the Battle of Bull Run still inspires devotion, remind us of the enduring power of love and service.

Today, that heritage lives on in the apothecary — where timeless values guide every creation.

Chapter 2: The Art of Crafting with Care

Every formula is created by Dawn, a trained herbalist and aromatherapist, whose knowledge of plants and essential oils brings both tradition and intention into every blend. From our best-selling Magnesium Butter, carefully crafted to be emulsified and grit-free, to our candles, soaps, and balms, each product reflects our commitment to purity and quality.

“We’ve harnessed the power of magnesium in a form that’s not only effective but a joy to use.” — Bob Phillips, Co-Founder

We craft in-house in our Vermont location to ensure control over every ingredient, every jar, every detail, creating toxin-free remedies that feel as good as they are for your body. Each formula honors the wisdom of time-tested ingredients while embracing the needs of modern wellness.

Chapter 3: Carrying the Legacy Forward

Ballou Family Apothecary is more than just wellness products. It is a continuation of a family legacy, a promise of honesty, and a reflection of the love that inspired its beginning.

Whether you’re soothing tired muscles, calming your mind, or bringing a moment of Vermont’s natural beauty into your home, we invite you to share in our story and join us in carrying this legacy forward.