Her grandfather and mother were both pharmacists, and Lucia, as a child, would spend many an afternoon exploring the woods of Montozzi which bordered her childhood home.   “As a little girl, I was constantly falling ill”, Lucia recalls.  “My mother would always take me for long walks through the woods.  Hand in hand, we would walk, stopping only so that she could point out to me this plant or that.  On our return, she would transform the herbs we had gathered into syrups, creams and oils”.  This afternoon ritual between mother and daughter made a significant impact on the young Lucia.  It fostered her profound appreciation for nature, and inspired her to create natural remedies of her own.  

Today, Lucia Celli is considered a trusted and respected authority on the subject of herbs.  She is the director of product development at Officina de’ Tornabuoni, and a regular face on RAI television, where she shares her bounty of natural remedies for common ailments.  Most days you will find her at Officina de’ Tornabuoni’s laboratory in the Tuscan countryside, located near her childhood home and the woods of Montozzi.  When she is not in the laboratory mixing a batch of one of her natural creams, she can usually be found in her garden, the place where she continues to find inspiration and tranquillity.  “Tradition is important,” she reflects thoughtfully.  “But it is just as important to improve upon tradition.  Whether making cosmetics, or doing anything in life, it is important to look forward without forgetting our past, our origins.” 

Under the tutelage of Lucia, Officina de’ Tornabuoni remains a family affair.  Her son, Nicolò, is managing director of the company.  Her daughter, Donatella, expertly mans the Erboristeria Inglese, an elegant sanctuary for its well-heeled clientele, and a natural haven where one may find exquisite and hard-to-find perfumes, creams, and of course, all manner of natural remedies.  The Erboristeria Inglese is also the only place in Florence where one can find Officina de’ Tornabuoni products.  “Every one of our products are like a child to my mother.  Her heart and soul goes into our products,” explains Nicolò.  Busy as she is, Lucia can sometimes be found in the Erboristeria, much to the delight of the customers.  “I like to help”, she explains with a casual shrug.  “To know that people use our products and feel good, this is the best reward of all. The point is to help people”.  And then she smiles contentedly, “I have a wonderful job.  I get to work with nature, and I get to help people. I couldn’t ask for more!”.