The historic building on 32nd Ave. NW that was home to the Sunset Hill Barber Shop for decades has a new tenant: Essential Apothecary Alchemist.
“I was looking for a storefront in a nice neighborhood, and I chose Sunset Hill,” explains owner Kate Poole. “The building fit my aesthetic and l really appreciated the history of this spot.”
According to the City of Seattle, the Sunset Hill Barber Shop moved into 6406 32nd Ave. NW in the 1940s, right next door to the Sunset Hill Beauty Parlor — which had opened in 1928. The barber shop shut down earlier this year.
Essential Apothecary Alchemist is both a retail shop and Kate’s own studio where she makes her products. She specializes in beauty products derived from pure essential oils and the highest quality organic ingredients, Kate says on her website, which offers merchandise for sale online.
The retail shop is open from noon-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
Was that Kay’s Beauty Salon.? If so, my mom worked there for many years in the 50’s and 60’s.
“Apothecary” and “alchemist” boil down to “beauty shop”: in one example, both hyperinflation and hyperdilution of language.
They’ll have their work cut out for them on Sunset Hill.
I’m very excited to check this out! In my neighborhood and speaking my language! I’m always interested in organic skincare. Good luck with the business!
Welcome! I appreciate clean, high quality products and will come check out your shop.
Thanks for appreciating the history and architectural heritage of Ballard!
No offense to the new tenant, but I’d rather see the barber shop in there. That’s where I used to go for a hair cut. It was nice to shoot the breeze with neighbors, tell a joke or two and get a hair cut. The barber shop would still be there if the new property owners hadn’t doubled (3x?) the rent after taking over.
Most businesses fail because they don’t put together a realistic operating plan. High fixed and variable costs significantly exceed unrealistic projected revenues, especially during first months of operation. This is not a high traffic area for the goods being sold. No advertising that I know of. Not a big demand for this kind of product anyway, except maybe in a trendy mall. Sadly, this business may well be gone within 3-6 months. Brutal if they signed a year lease or more.
Yeah, too bad about the new building owners and their skyrocket rent for tenants. Sure hope Walter’s can stand the increased costs (if they don’t have a long term existing lease before the change in building ownership) without having to raise their prices.
Congratulations, Kate! Sunset Hill is lucky to have a new, unique retailer/maker it its midst.
Uff Da, these days niche businesses can thrive in unexpected locations! Social media, web stores, wholesale, and more have opened doors for destination retailers.
very interesting and most amazing post and giving details to be help me thanks