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HBN Members In The News

THE AROMATHERAPY CONNECTION OFFERS GROUNDBREAKING BUSINESS
SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT AROMATHERAPY BUSINESSES

Date: June 10, 2000 - Glenwood Spring, CO. The Aromatherapy Connection, Inc. is a new firm offering access to affordable, comprehensive business support services for independent aromatherapy-related businesses and diverse wellness professionals. By limiting it offerings to the most-needed resources, the Colorado Corporation is tapping the collective market of its membership to offer low bulk prices on quantities that are manageable for small business. The current menu includes a full business insurance package, two commonly used essential oils, business printing, pharmaceutical glass, and representation at two trade shows in 2000.

The insurance program is the first comprehensive package to target the industry. The combination of professional liability, commercial general liability, commercial property and exhibition coverage is making insurance coverage accessible to businesses that may have previously found coverage to be unavailable or unaffordable. Fast, non-binding quotes are available by phone to prospective members.

“The vast majority of aromatherapy enterprises in America are small independent businesses”, reports Barbara Lucks, CEO of the Aromatherapy Connection. “These small businesses offer the American public the best possible value in terms of quality essential oils and the necessary consumer education to use them safely and effectively. However, the incredible increase in the popularity of aromatherapy is attracting many large corporations and multi-level marketers. This is impacting the viability of many small businesses. By using collective buying power to access quality resources, our mission is to provide new options in growth and profitability for independent American aromatherapists.”

Lucks says that the inspiration for The Aromatherapy Connection came after she heard similar needs expressed by diverse business owners and therapists all over the United States. Along with several colleagues, she had already participated in a number of collective purchases in order to reduce her own business expenses without sacrificing quality. “We saw an opportunity to serve a growing niche, and help our own businesses besides”.

All four principles of The Aromatherapy Connection continue to operate their own independent aromatherapy and natural toiletries businesses. Two of the founders, Lucks and Thomas Begley, Jr., have also served as directors for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.

Membership requires a business/tax resale license or wellness professional license. Members need not engage exclusively in aromatherapy. Members are free to use only the items they need; there are no required purchases. The Aromatherapy Connection encourages inquiries from resource providers as well as those wishing to access resources.

The Aromatherapy Connection will use Member “Wish List” Surveys in choosing future offerings. Says Lucks, “We want to source the things our members need. We want to help keep independents independent."