Walk into Family Pharmacy, and you’re immediately greeted with something you don’t find everywhere: a warm smile, a familiar face and maybe even a wagging tail. Locally owned and deeply rooted in Aiken, this pharmacy is more than a place to pick up prescriptions; it’s a place where patients become family.
Owned by Aiken natives Brandi and Stuart Johnson, Family Pharmacy is a true labor of love. “Stuart and I were both born and raised here,” Brandi shares. “We’re proud to have gone to the same high school as many of our family members and love giving back to the town that raised us.”
The Johnsons’ days are filled with a joyful whirlwind of work, school sports and quality time with their daughters, Alexandria and Charley Rose. Even their furry family gets in on the action; Copper the Cockapoo and Magnolia the Swiss Doodle are regular fixtures at the pharmacy while rescue kitty, Maralyn, holds down the fort at home.
Family Pharmacy was founded over 35 years ago by Brandi’s father, Jay Watts. Brandi began working there in high school and soon realized she was destined to continue the legacy. Now a PharmD and Pharmacist-in-Charge, Brandi wears many hats: leading the team, formulating custom compounds, offering hormone consultations, giving immunizations and even the occasional ear piercing. “I’m involved in almost every prescription that comes through our store,” she says. “It’s about building trust through personal care.”
Stuart’s path to pharmacy was a little different. After years in Aiken law enforcement and earning his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law, he eventually joined the family business. As Chief Operations Officer and General Counsel, he’s the behind-the-scenes guy handling bookkeeping, legal compliance, HR, purchasing, repairs and even cleaning the bathrooms. “No task is too small when it’s for the business you love,” Stuart laughs.
Their team is truly the secret sauce to their success. Each staff member brings their own passion and skill to create a pharmacy experience that’s efficient, compassionate and uniquely personal.
Emily Russell, PharmD, serves as the Director of Clinical Services. She manages vaccination clinics, collaborates with hospitals, oversees student preceptors and implements clinical programs that improve patient outcomes and support independent pharmacy innovation. Her leadership has also helped shape programs like transitions of care, medication synchronization and partnerships with physicians that allow Family Pharmacy to provide advanced care services.
Ashley Burkhart is the Front End Manager, a Certified Nutrition Coach and a Wellness Consultant. She oversees the Whole Nutrition Shoppe and the entire front-end experience, helping patients with supplements, coordinating special orders and creating wellness consultations. As an Aiken Chamber Ambassador, Ashley also represents the pharmacy at health fairs and community events. She’s the creative force behind the social media presence and the inviting, visually appealing displays that make the pharmacy feel more like a boutique than a clinic.
Tracie Mims is a longtime pharmacist whose passion lies in compounding. She was instrumental in building Family Pharmacy’s compounding lab and remains the go-to for formulation creation, quality assurance and training. Whether she’s in the lab or consulting with patients, her dedication to precision and excellence ensures every compound is of the highest quality for both people and pets.
Certified Pharmacy Technician and Lead Technician Lacy Green manages the day-to-day technician operations. She’s responsible for staffing, training, medication packaging, diabetic shoe fittings and coordinating blister packs. She’s a steady and reliable presence behind the counter, solving patient issues and keeping things running smoothly.
Alexx Eckhart also plays a critical role as a Pharmacy Technician and Inventory Specialist. She manages prescription inventory, oversees returns, handles special orders and works with the management team to ensure daily operations are efficient and seamless.
And of course, no team breakdown would be complete without a shout-out to the official morale boosters: Copper and Magnolia. Whether lounging behind the counter or wagging their tails at the front door, these pups bring joy to patients young and old.
What truly sets Family Pharmacy apart is their heart. “Healthcare can be tough,” Brandi admits, “but our family-first approach makes all the difference. Our staff is like family, and our patients are, too. We know your name, your kids, your pets and we want to know how you’re doing.”
The pharmacy balances professionalism with personal attention, ensuring each patient leaves not just with their medication but with peace of mind. From the check-in to check-out process, efficiency meets compassion in a setting that feels more like home than a healthcare facility.
Family Pharmacy also plays a big role in supporting the Aiken community hosting off-site flu clinics, attending health fairs and creating partnerships with local businesses that share their wellness values.
In an age where healthcare often feels impersonal and rushed, Family Pharmacy slows things down and gets personal in the best way possible.
Stop by for expert care, friendly faces and maybe even a tail wag or two. Family Pharmacy isn’t just in Aiken, it’s part of Aiken.
“I’m involved in almost every prescription that comes through our store. It’s about building trust through personal care.”