Renee Fondacaro founded Old Field Apothecary in 2020, with the goal of creating beautiful, clean, naturally scented candles and home accessories. She is an artisan and registered nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and a Nursing degree from Syracuse University. Rene creates natural, handmade products with ingredients sourced sustainably.

As a two-time cancer survivor, this aspect of her business is very important to Renee. According to Renee, “Our mission at Old Field Apothecary is to create hand poured, small batch candles, wax melts and home accessories with captivating scents, beautiful minimalist designs, and the best ingredients. All products are made from a luxurious vegan wax blend made of natural coconut and apricot. Coconut and apricot waxes are gluten free, toxin free, paraben free, phthalate free, and come from renewable sources. The entire blend utilizes only FDA approved waxes.” In addition, all candles have a crackling wooden wick and each candle is wicked, poured and labeled by hand by Renee. Lois Reboli, a founder of the Reboli Center, said, “Renee has had a pop-up store at the Center in the past and it is wonderful that she is the Artisan for October. With the holidays just around the corner, this is an excellent opportunity for residents to shop for their homes, as well as for gifts for family and friends.”