Aromatherapy makes “scents” for local entrepreneur - Montana Standard

[MassageNews]

When she first gave aromatherapy a try, Cathy Svejkovsky had no intention of becoming certified or starting her own business. Her own results were so positive that she began researching the ancient art, which utilizes concentrated extracts from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of plants for therapeutic benefit. (See related aromatherapy story)

“People have recognized that essential oils contribute to health and wellness for centuries,” Svejkovsky said. The more she learned, the more it piqued her interest.

“I became so fascinated with how truly powerful essential oils are,” she said.

She enrolled in an online certification program through the Aromahead Institute, School of Essential Oil Studies, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“It’s a 240-hour course, and it requires a study of anatomy and physiology and chemistry,” she said.

During that training, which included final exams and case studies, she learned in detail which chemical components offer which benefits. She completed her training and was certified in June 2015. Svejkovsky was inspired to share her success and knowledge with others.

Though she still works locally as a publications director at NCAT in Butte, Svejkovsky decided to start a web-based business, Brigid Botanics (www.brigidbotanics.com). Svejkovsky registered her business with the state and launched her Web site. She also invested in a professionally designed business logo which is found on all her marketing material and product labels. She’s been promoting her new business locally through word of mouth and at local bazaars — along with setting up personal consultations by appointment.

Brigid Botanics currently has an inventory of 120 essential oils and byproducts which Svejkovsky said she mixes with high quality and mostly organic butters and oils for application and use. “We don’t say that we can heal disease, but aromatherapy assists the body’s natural ability to heal itself and to balance and maintain itself,” she said. Svejkovsky mentioned some more commonly known aromatherapy applications, such as inhaling lavender for relaxation and sleep. She also said that rosemary was “terrific” for memory. “It encourages clarity and it stimulates the mind,” she explained.

In addition to essential oils, Svejkovsky also markets natural bath and beauty products, lip balm, bath salts and cleaning supplies. Svejkovsky said that she shops locally, purchasing her essential oil supplies from Aromatics International in Lolo — a company that provides gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) purity reports with their product. “I only buy oils I know are pure,” she said. Svejkovsky advises people interested in aromatherapy to seek the advice of a certified aromatherapist.

“They are very potent substances that need to be treated with care and respect,” she said. During consults, Svejkovsky works closely with her clients, matching their concerns with the appropriate botanical. “Most of my products are custom blends. Everything is all natural,” she said.

For more information on Brigid Botanics, visit www.brigidbotanics.com, email cathy@brigidbotanics.com, or call 406-490-0511.