Annie Prince Aromatherapy

04/08/2025

There's a saying in NZ "a totara has fallen" [Totara being giants of the forest]. It symbolises the passing of someone important. Today a totara has fallen in our aromatherapy world. RIP Andrea and heratfelt condolences to your family.🥲

In Loving Memory of Andrea Butje: Her Vision Shaped Who We Are

It is with deep love and reverence that we remember our founder, Andrea Butje. An aromatherapist, educator, and visionary, Andrea’s passion for plant wisdom forever changed the field of aromatherapy.

Andrea founded Aromatics International in the early 2000s with a clear purpose: to provide her Aromahead students with the purest, most therapeutically potent products available. What began as a mission to support learning soon blossomed into a company grounded in transparency, sustainability, and connection.

Long before it became a standard, Andrea insisted on publishing third-party GC/MS reports for every essential oil we offered. She believed that knowledge empowers, and she wanted each customer to blend with confidence, knowing exactly what was in their bottle.

Andrea deeply honored the people behind the plants. She sought out small-scale distillers from around the world, partnering with farmers and producers who shared her reverence for the land, the plants, and the craft. These were more than business relationships. They were heartfelt collaborations built on trust and shared purpose.

Andrea also shared a long and close friendship with Karen Williams, who officially took over Aromatics International in 2009. Karen, Jenny, and the Williams family have carried forward Andrea’s legacy with deep care and love. Over the years, Andrea, Cindy, Karen, and Jenny spent countless hours talking about aromatherapy, distillers, and the future of essential oil work. Even after the ownership transition, Andrea and Karen were often on the phone, texting or emailing, sharing insights, new discoveries, and dreaming about what was possible for this field they loved so much.

Karen had the opportunity to be with Andrea for a few precious weeks last month, and that time was deeply special. The bond they shared—rooted in purpose and friendship—continues to shape who we are at Aromatics International.

Andrea’s light shines on in every bottle, every blend, and every relationship she nurtured. Her legacy lives at the very heart of Aromatics International.

If Andrea touched your life through her teachings or through the oils she so lovingly curated, we invite you to share a story or memory with us on our page
👉 Share your message or memory here

We’ll also be gathering together this Wednesday at 1 pm ET for a special live event celebrating Andrea. Please join us as we honor her spirit and the wisdom she shared so generously with us all. https://youtube.com/live/YGyvT2nAQXU?feature=share

With love,
The Aromatics International Team

25/07/2025

A really lovely comprehensive review of my book. Thank you Anita.

"The Personalised Consultation in Aromatherapy" by Annie Prince.
A personal review by ICAN Fellow Anita James:
"The Personalised Consultation in Aromatherapy by Annie Prince may not look a huge book but it is packed with insights, practical advice and information that would enhance any aromatherapists skill and practice. Thoroughly researched and referenced throughout it is written in a format that is accessible to newly qualified practitioners and long-standing therapists. It explores the need for connections, how to build these into your practice and how to use the treasure of oils provided by nature to enhance, nurture and support each client on their own personal journey to wellness and wholeness. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful images created by her husband. I would highly recommend every therapist delve into the pages of this book and experience its gifts.
Structure of the Book: The foreword of the book is written by Rhiannon Lewis and details the importance of the aromatherapists skill, knowledge and interaction as part of the therapeutic relationship. As therapists we hone our skills over time but it is important to realise that learning is a never-ending journey. As we gather knowledge and experience, we constantly adjust our own practice which enhances every interaction with our clients personalising it to their needs.
Annie shares her ‘Scentimental Journey’ in the first chapter of the book. It is a very personal account of the scents that have shaped, enveloped and become engrained in her journey.
The following chapters detail how Annie has created her personalised aromatherapy treatments. Written in the post COVID era Annie looks at the effect loneliness and isolation have on both physical and mental health. Her research is thorough and gives a stark reality of a world post pandemic and the resulting mental health issues it has created. The use of aromatherapy and its benefits that can be gained in working with the whole body bring the first chapter to a close.
Annie then goes on to explore the importance of conversation and connection where she draws on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to illustrate the power of interaction between people and the effect it has on health and well-being of families, friends and community.
The following chapters begin to explore the personalised consultation and its importance in building a therapeutic relationship. A sample of a CARE measure report is included within Chapter 3. Annie then goes on to explore this in greater detail bringing in the four aspects of an aromatherapy massage treatment along with the power of intent. Annie details how she draws the four aspects together within her treatment giving examples, insights and sharing her client information form.
Within Chapter 6 she explores the plants, their evolution and how aromatherapists have detailed their therapeutic properties. She gives insights into the 25 essential oils, describing their properties and uses. Research referencing is also included to substantiate her therapeutic uses. Case studies are included to illustrate both the method of treatment and the effectiveness of using essential oils in a personalised aromatherapy treatment.
The conclusion draws the book to a close with a wonderful quote:
“We have been tribeless and disconnected for so long now
It is time for us all to come home.”
(Johann Hari)
There is an extensive appendix giving more detailed information about essential oils, safe usage and application methods which would be invaluable for any student starting out in aromatherapy or a practitioner from a different holistic discipline wishing to gain an understanding of aromatherapy treatments.
Singing Dragon, 21/03/2025. Paperback, 160 pages.

06/07/2025

The comfrey salve journey from plant to pot; pictures from a few years ago.
On these cold winter days the kitchen pharmacy is in high production mode. Utilising the infused oils of calendula and comfrey from my garden to make this year’s comfrey salve. Packed with analgesic, anti inflammatory, healing carrier and essential oils , it is wonderful for any sort of musculoskeletal pain. bruising, minor cuts. A staple in this household. Full details on my website. Available online or direct from me in Ahuroa