Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture
If she could dispel any myth about her job, Dr. Racheal Butler would want people to know that pharmacists do far more than just put pills in bottles.
“We hold the responsibility to ensure that prescribed medications don’t interact with others that a patient is taking, ensure the correct dose is given and make sure that every medication is accurately filled and dispensed,” says the owner and pharmacist at Butler Pharmacy.
At her Gulfport-based business, Butler has created the kind of experience she feels patrons deserve — one where everyone is treated as an individual. She aims to make patients feel seen and to listen to and educate everyone who comes through the door.
“At Butler Pharmacy, you are more than just a prescription number or the next one in line; you are a person, a community member and a member of our pharmacy family …,” Butler says. “My goal has always been to bring the hometown, welcoming atmosphere back to the pharmacy, and that’s what I do each day.”
FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE
Well before she entered her profession 13 years ago and founded the only black female-owned pharmacy in Mississippi in 2023, Butler had cultivated a strong work ethic. The Gulfport native’s parents taught her early in life that success is earned, not given.
“I also have learned that if you have a passion for something, it will not feel like a job or work,” she says. “That’s what pharmacy became to me.”
A love of chemistry led Butler to research careers where she could pursue and practice it, which was how she discovered her calling.
“I was intrigued by the ability to use basic elements to make something life changing,” she says.
After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in chemistry, Butler went on to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Xavier University in Louisiana. She began her career in retail pharmacy in 2013, then joined Coastal Family Health Center in 2016, serving as director of pharmacy there for seven years.
Before embarking on entrepreneurship, Butler had to conquer her fear of failure.
“Overcoming that obstacle meant that I had to step out on faith,” she says, “dismissing those fears and believing that I can truly accomplish what I know God created me to do.”
A FOUNDATION OF FAITH, FAMILY AND ADVOCACY
On difficult days, Butler’s prayer life has been her saving grace and lightens the burdens that come with business ownership, constant decision making and not always having all the answers.
“Faith has and will continue to be my foundation,” she says. “When I don’t understand the process or I may feel overwhelmed, I remember Christ (is) the solid rock I stand (on).”
As wife to Denois and mother to Kaydence and Jaxson, Butler also finds meaning and purpose in her family. Most days begin by dropping her children off at school, then heading to the pharmacy early to get a jump on prescriptions received after closing the night before.
Butler and her husband, the owner of D.A. Butler Enterprise, have learned that the key to balancing their dual-entrepreneurship household is supporting one another.
“My family is a big part of who I am, and I love spending quality time with my husband and children,” she says. “Whether we’re traveling, attending school and community events, enjoying a good meal together at Sully’s or simply relaxing at home, I value the moments that allow us to connect and make memories.”
Above all, Butler wants to continue growing as a wife, mother and leader. Professionally, she sees advocacy as one of her most pressing duties and realizes how often patients struggle because they simply don’t know which questions to ask.
If she could convince people to do just one thing, she’d urge them to be more proactive about their medication health.
“Knowing what your medication is, why you’re taking it and for what duration are key to determining your overall health outcomes,” Butler says. “If you are knowledgeable about your medications, you can make informed decisions about your health.”
LEARNING, LISTENING AND EDUCATING
Pharmacy is constantly evolving, and Butler has witnessed her share of changes — most notably the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine and a dramatic surge in demand for GLP-1 medications.
But even as the science progresses, her approach remains rooted in something much more timeless: knowing and caring for your patients. Her dream scenario over the next five, 10 or even 15 years is seeing Butler Pharmacy become an even stronger and more impactful resource — expanding its services, reaching more patients and providing more opportunities.
“Today, to make that vision a reality means focusing on consistent growth while investing in my business, strengthening relationships, continuing my education and being intentional about every opportunity that comes my way,” Butler says.
In the present, she is still developing, still dreaming and still grateful for the journey and how God has guided her every step.
“My goal is to continue building a legacy of service, leadership, faith, family and community,” Butler says, “and to hopefully inspire others to believe that they can do the same.”