08/05/2025
It is with great sadness that I share this loss in the Essential Oil family.
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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