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The story of Mabel's

Meet Leah

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The Owner

Leah Richard
Owner/Operator

The Inspiration

Mabel R. Gotcher
The Inspiration

The Motivation

Mary K. Richard
The Motivation

Mabel and her favorite Peonies.

My journey into herbalism began long before I truly realized it. Growing up, my mother instilled in me a deep respect for natural, holistic healing—a tradition passed down from her mother, my grandmother Mabel. Although I carried that belief with me, I didn’t fully understand how to incorporate it into my own life until much later.

In 2016, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, a condition that runs in my family. Overwhelmed by the diagnosis and disheartened by the side effects of pharmaceutical medications, I began searching for a different way. That’s when I started remembering the remedies my grandmother used—simple, natural treatments rooted in tradition. I began researching herbs and plant medicine, and what I discovered was a wealth of knowledge and healing hidden in these “old” ways. I felt called to learn more, and soon, a lifelong passion for herbalism was born.

At Mabel’s Apothecary, I carry forward the wisdom and spirit of the women who came before me. Inspired by my grandmother’s gentle magic with plants and my mother’s unwavering belief in natural remedies, I’ve made it my mission to help others return to a more respectful, natural approach to wellness—both physically and spiritually.

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  Honoring the Roots

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Mabel, my grandmother, was born in 1904 in York County, Nebraska. At just 16, she became a one-room schoolteacher and continued teaching well into the late 1960s. But she never truly stopped—she shared her love of learning with her grandchildren, teaching us everything from handwriting and math to paleontology and botany. Her home was always surrounded by lush, thriving plants. I still remember watching her gently pinch a leaf in half, plant it in soil, and watch it grow. Her green thumb felt like magic—and in many ways, it was.​

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My beautiful mother, born in 1941, was a farmer’s daughter with a gift for love, creativity and nurturing to those who needed it most. A master seamstress, she retired with my father to the Ozark Mountains in 1997. She was an amazingly loving wife, mother, and grandmother who valued holistic healthcare. A survivor of cancer three times in her life, she saw the value in natural solutions for her body. In her later years, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and came to live with my family until her passing in 2023. Throughout her illness, I turned to natural supplements in hopes of easing her journey and supporting her well-being in every way I could. It was during this time that I realized how many people, like us, were searching for alternative ways to support their health.

 

 

 

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My Mission

There is a profound purpose to everything on this planet—each plant, each element—woven into the fabric of our existence. At Mabel’s Apothecary, I believe in returning to a holistic way of living that honors both the physical and spiritual aspects of our health. In today’s fast-paced world, dominated by synthetic solutions and convenience, it’s more important than ever to reconnect with the natural remedies that have supported humanity for generations.

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My journey began in 2016 after I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I turned to the wisdom passed down by my grandmother, Mabel, and the beliefs my mother instilled in me. As I researched traditional remedies, I found a purpose. I realized that so many others were searching for natural ways to restore balance and well-being, and I wanted to help.

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That’s how Mabel’s Apothecary was born.

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Every product I offer is 100% organic, handmade, and created with deep care and intention. I use local and ethically sourced herbs and plant matter, selected for their quality and sustainability. Each blend is organically designed to work in harmony with the body, guided by both traditional wisdom and peer-reviewed scientific research. This evidence-based approach ensures that everything you use is safe, effective, and trustworthy.

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You won’t find artificial fragrances, flavors, or preservatives in anything I make. Just clean, honest ingredients—because I believe our bodies deserve to be treated with respect. Before any product reaches the public, it’s thoroughly reviewed by local community members whose feedback helps ensure it meets the highest standards of care.

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Mabel’s Apothecary is more than a product line—it’s a legacy. It’s a reflection of my grandmother’s gentle wisdom with plants and my mother’s unwavering love and belief in natural healing. Though my mother is no longer with us, I know she would be proud of the work I’m doing and the path I’ve chosen.

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My mission is simple: to help others rediscover the power of natural healing, live in harmony with the earth, and embrace a more grounded, intentional way of caring for themselves. Through education, community connection, and high-quality herbal products, I hope to empower you to reconnect with your body, spirit, and with nature.

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The inspiration

the motivation

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