Elementary & Co Apothecary

Elementary & Co Apothecary is led by founder Meg McCleary, an experienced entrepreneur with a proven track record of building strong businesses. Meg also established Maverick Trading in 2006, specialising in industrial insulation, and The Packhouse in 2007, supplying bottles, jars, and container packaging. This foundation of expertise in sourcing, logistics, and manufacturing has shaped Elementary into a trusted supplier for makers across South Africa.

What began as a small school project by Meg’s daughter, originally called Missy by Brydie, has grown into a nationwide brand. In 2018, the business was rebranded as Elementary & Co Apothecary and launched its first online store. Since then, it has expanded with retail stores in Pietermaritzburg, Howick, Randburg, and Salt Rock.

At the centre of operations is the warehouse and processing facility in Pietermaritzburg, where ingredients are carefully sourced, packaged, and prepared for delivery. From this hub, Elementary couriers products nationwide, ensuring that customers — from hobbyists to small businesses — can access high-quality candle, soap, and cosmetic raw ingredients with ease.

In 2025, the Salt Rock store also became home to classes and workshops, offering hands-on learning experiences and sharing knowledge to inspire the next generation of makers.

Today, Elementary & Co Apothecary is more than a supplier. It is a partner in creativity, empowering artisans and entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life with reliable, high-quality ingredients.

Get in Touch

Each of our four stores invites you to explore, create, and connect:

Pietermaritzburg – our founding home
Howick
Randburg
Salt Rock

We also welcome online shoppers, with nationwide delivery and pickup options tailored to your needs.