About Us » Who We Are
Andrea Butje and Cindy Black are dedicated to supporting organic farmers and essential oil distillers in countries all over the world. They are educators, consultants, and organic gardeners. In 1994 they co-founded the Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca NY and began teaching aromatherapy.
Andrea is an essential oil educator and consultant. She teaches aromatherapy certification programs, consults with aromatherapy companies, and imports essential oils from distillers around the world. She continues to travel internationally to personally visit with small farmers and distillers of therapeutic grade essential oils. She has participated and taught at international aromatherapy conferences, and developed essential oil courses for spas and massage schools. As an instructor at her school, The Aromahead Institute, Andrea takes a friendly, engaging approach and takes great care to ensure that every students needs are met. Her infectious enthusiasm and inspiring lifestyle make studying with her a unique and vibrant experience.
Andrea personally imports all the therapeutic grade essential oils sold by Aromatics International. Her handpicked catalogue of essential oils comes from distillers worldwide. Most distillers only grow and distill a small selection of plants that grow in their region so Andrea buys from many different distillers to acquire all of the oils sold on Aromatics International. Andrea currently works directly with distillers in Ethiopia, South Africa, Madagascar, New Zealand, Australia, India, Thailand, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Slovenia, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, England, and France. She frequently travels abroad to meet small farmers and distillers of essential oils. This hands-on experience has allowed her to remain on top of current issues and trends in the growing practice of Aromatherapy.
The Rose distiller she buys from in India only distills roses. Some of the French distillers have a selection of 10 or 12 oils each. Other growers in India distill the oils from plants that are indigenous to India such as Black Pepper, Spikenard, Sandalwood, Juniper and the most beautiful Lavender. The distillers she works with in Ethiopia specialize in the resin oils such as Frankincense, Myrrh, and Opopanax. Working with essential oils brings together an international community of people who care deeply about plants and healing through the use of essential oils. Aromatics International is also at the forefront of quality control and chemical analysis, as quality essential oils are Andreas personal passion.
Cindy takes great pleasure in working the back end of the business. She develops and maintains all the computer databases, helps Andrea keep the inventory stocked, and pack and ship oils. She is an Acupuncture Physician, Chinese Herbal Practitioner and Massage Therapist.
