Meet Our Team

Bekka Freeman, Staff

Our staff member, Bekka, is willing and able to help with any task. Bekka makes our Caracalla Bath Bombs, grinds Burano Laundry soap, and assembles endless Sampler Stacks. The best Halloween costumes come from Bekka, as well as the themed soundtracks playing in our store.

Blake Larson, Partner

Blake is in charge of production and purchasing. He's a whiz with IT and many programs. Nothing this guy can't do. Married to Melissa Gibbs, they share a love of Ultimate (Frisbee). Both are genuine champs.

Bubbles, Official Greeter

Melissa met Bubbles at the local humane society in February 2023 where it was love at first sight. At the beginning of the year, Soapy had announced her semi-retirement and a shop without a shop dog didn't seem right. Bubbles will always come running when the doorbell rings and a new customer enters. She has delighted all the staff and patrons with her playful attention. 

Ken Gilberg, Founding Partner

With a background in graphics and communications, Ken creates and illustrates our website and social media, assists with the shop, and develops new product suggestions. Stepping back from the day-to-day in 2024, Ken steadies the ship with regular visits.

LaRee DeFreece, Founding Partner

It was LaRee's idea to make our all-natural soap. Though not involved day-to-day, she still counsels the team with legal and ethical guidelines. She's married to Ken Gilberg.

Melissa Gibbs, Partner

Melissa is the Swiss Army Knife of Herbaria. She serves as the interface between us and all our customers—online, in-store, and retail. She is our HR department. She's our graphics designer—making labels, personalized favors, signage, and more. We like to brag that Melissa was on the winning team of the World Champion Masters Beach Ultimate 2017.

Soapy, Customer Service Specialist

Soapy is a Catahoula Leopard Dog, the State Dog of Louisiana. She came to our door as a puppy in 2011 and took to her job greeting customers and modeling for photos. She gets plenty of attention and love. Follow her travels on Soapy's Guide to St. Louis or on Instagram @herbariasoap.

Zellie Laury, Staff

Zellie comes to us because her mother has been a long-time customer and has brought many a photography class to see our Camera Obscura display. Instantly capable of multitasking, Zellie helps with candle production and order packaging alongside customer service duties. She has many artistic talents that she uses to paint theatrical production sets in St. Louis.

See our 'Staff Favorites' page.