The Joshua Tree Apothecary, located inside Topanga Canyon Vintage in Durham, celebrated its grand opening this past weekend.  

The store offers an introductory selection of crystals, medicinal herbal pouches, affirmation candles and essential oils. There are herbal teas for relaxation, hormonal balance and even special blends for the flu and hangovers. Gift items like jewelry, pottery and educational information about metaphysical practices are also available.  

“We want it to be a place where people can come and learn healthy holistic ways to care for themselves,” said Renee Napolitano, owner of Joshua Tree. Napolitano also owns embracethehealing.com based in Rochester, N.H. which offers energy healing, reiki (Japanese energy healing) and wellness coaching. 

Napolitano will be offering free 15-minute consultation sessions every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting Sept. 9 to recommend products based on each clients’ wellness goals. Clients can also experience a few minutes of energy work if interested. Individuals can call or sign up in the store to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome.  

Joshua Tree Apothecary was previously occupied by Groovy Thrifty, whose owner Sadie MacIver graduated from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) last year. 

“We all thought about what we wanted to do with that space, and instead of having more clothing, we wanted to have something that would support a broader part of the community. On my own journey I started opening myself up to holistic and alternative healing, and the people that just naturally came into my life, I took it as a sign about what direction we should go,” said the owner of Topanga Canyon Vintage. 

Napolitano said community reception to the apothecary’s soft opening last week has been very positive. Joshua Tree and Topanga Canyon Vintage both strive to be a welcoming community space and “support all [its] members with kindness and acceptance.” They encourage the community to inquire about using the space for clubs, fundraisers and other small social gatherings. In addition, the shop has also recently introduced a community piano, guitar, and resource and information binder. 

“Durham is such an unusual place, such a lovely taste of open-mindedness and art and music. We have something special here,” said Topanga Canyon Vintage in a statement. 

The stores also hope to establish a multi-generational women’s group and host various workshops for yoga/meditation, tarot card readings, herbal tea making, etc. 

“We are committed to creating safe, inspiring, inclusive places in our communities, and exposing people to holistic alternative ways of maximizing their physical, emotional and spiritual health,” said Napolitano. 

The business is located at 13 Jenkins Court, Durham, N.H., and is open Wednesday – Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.