May 1, 2017

Meet Aaron Pietrykowski of Aaron’s Apothecary in Lincoln Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Pietrykowski.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Aaron. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Inspired by my travels to some of the great old world pharmacies in Europe and throughout the world, I have always been fascinated by that glamourous moment in history when a pharmacy was much more than a place to get medicine. Once upon a time, pharmacies served the public as pillars of their communities, and at the same time, they were the heart and soul of the beauty industry. Patrons flocked to their local drug stores for the latest lotions, potions, and perfumes. Featuring décor that would rival any great department store, these pharmacies were local businesses that gapped the bridge between the classes. My desire was to create a similar, modern experience, with old-world charm, exemplary service, and a product selection that crosses all spectrums of price, interests, and style.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a small business in this day and age is no simple task. Aside from the daily challenges of running the business, the greatest challenge is offering truly unique and special services and products that resonate with the customer and are not widely distributed in an already oversaturated marketplace. I have always focused on attempting to create trends, rather than following them. Despite the competition, and the challenges of online shopping, we have always focused on a product assortment that is unique and exclusive. We have always strived to be ahead of the curve, as Aaron’s Apothecary was one of the first destinations in the Midwest to carry brands such as The Organic Pharmacy, Kevyn Aucoin, Edward Bess, Malin + Goetz, Sachajuan, Montale, Amouage, Woodhouse Chocolates and many more. By introducing products that people cannot find at other places, we stay fresh and give our customers the excitement of finding something new every time they visit us.

Please tell us about Aaron’s Apothecary.
Because the core of our business is pharmacy and healthcare, we take great pride in providing exemplary service to our patients through filling prescriptions and providing concierge pharmacy, unlike the typical type of service offered offered by our big-box competitors. We are completely focused on truly personalized service, building one connected relationship at a time. At the same time, because of our unique product assortment, we can also offer a non-traditional supplement to their healthcare and beauty regimens. Whether it is a homeopathic remedy, vitamin, or herbal supplement, we believe in offering the best of both worlds. Our cosmetics offerings run the gambit, from completely natural and organic, to medical grade/medi spa quality. Having a team of pharmacists, cosmetologists, estheticians, and certified makeup artists on staff, we provide experienced service without having to push a single brand. Finding the perfect fit for our customers is our passion!

One of the features of Aaron’s Apothecary that makes it a favorite destination in the City is that we are truly a “one stop shop.” Not only can you fill your prescription medication (or have it delivered), you can also grab your basic pharmacy sundries (Tylenol, Band Aids, Allegra, etc.), but also add in a plethora of other unique merchandise. Fancy a toothpaste made for King Louis XV? How about a perfume designed for Catherine de’ Medici? Or, while you are getting a Kevyn Aucoin makeover from our makeup artist, grab a LAFCO or Fornasetti candle for the perfect hostess gift. Need a last minute gift for that hard to buy for boyfriend? We’ve got you covered with our Men’s department, featuring classic shaving products from Merkur, Jack Black, The Art of Shaving, and a number of old world grooming lines from Europe (Alvarez Gomez from Madrid is one of our favorites!). Holiday shopping? Check out our carefully curated assortment of vintage home accessories, as well as any number of hidden gems that Aaron has picked up on his extensive travels. Our current features include Ratha artisan tote bags from Bangkok, as well as handmade marionettes direct from Prague. Expecting mothers also have plenty to explore at Aaron’s Apothecary…from hospital-grade breast pump rentals to nursing supplies, unique baby and children’s gifts, plush, and toys! With a store packed full of products from all around the globe, we truly have something for everyone!

One of the proudest moments of this endeavor was winning Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award for beauty. Being recognized by industry peers for our relenting hard work was a truly remarkable moment. However, aside from this recognition, every time we are able to help someone feel a little bit healthier, a little bit more glamorous, or a little bit more validated and special, we know that we have done our job well, and this is what motivates us each and every day!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Believe it or not, visiting our small-town drugstore as a kid was always a special treat for me. Perhaps it was the jars of candy that filled the shelves of the front, or perhaps it was the cool old bottles and scales that decorated the pharmacy. Whatever it was, it was such a cool thing for a farm kid to see. Plus, getting to leave with a Charleston Chew or bag of Skittles didn’t hurt my overall impression either 🙂

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