It is with heartfelt reverence that we remember Andrea Butje—founder of Aromatics International, visionary leader in the field of aromatherapy, and a radiant soul whose legacy continues to shape the very heart of our community.
Andrea was more than an aromatherapist; she was a teacher, a connector, and a pioneer. Her deep love for the plants and people behind every essential oil transformed not only the way we practice aromatherapy, but how we understand and honor its roots. Through her educational work and unwavering commitment to integrity, Andrea opened a path for thousands to experience the healing power of nature with confidence and joy.
In the early 2000s, Andrea founded Aromatics International with a single purpose: to ensure her Aromahead Institute students had access to the highest-quality, most therapeutically potent essential oils available. What began as a small endeavor quickly evolved into a global movement grounded in transparency, sustainability, and genuine human connection.
Andrea was ahead of her time. Long before transparency became an industry norm, she insisted on publishing third-party GC/MS reports for every essential oil—a bold commitment that empowered customers with the knowledge they needed to blend with intention and trust. For Andrea, information was never guarded—it was shared freely, because she believed that with knowledge comes empowerment.
But Andrea’s vision went far beyond lab reports. She traveled the world to seek out small-scale farmers and distillers who shared her respect for the land and the sacred process of creating plant-based medicines. These weren’t just suppliers—they were collaborators, friends, and kindred spirits in her mission. Every bottle at Aromatics International told a story, and Andrea made sure that story honored the hands and hearts that helped bring it to life.
A central part of Andrea’s journey was her close friendship and professional partnership with Karen Williams, who officially took over ownership of Aromatics International in 2009. Alongside Karen, Jenny, and the Williams family, Andrea’s vision has continued to flourish. Their shared conversations—spanning essential oils, ethics, dreams, and the future of the field—infused every aspect of the business with love and purpose. Even after the transition of leadership, Andrea remained a guiding presence, always just a phone call, text, or email away.
Last month, Karen had the sacred opportunity to spend time with Andrea during her final weeks. That time, filled with reflection, laughter, and deep connection, was a poignant reminder of the enduring bond they shared. It is that spirit of friendship and shared mission that continues to guide everything we do at Aromatics International.
Andrea’s light lives on—in every drop of oil, in every blend crafted with care, and in every student or customer she touched with her kindness and knowledge. Her legacy is not only preserved, but thriving, in the community she so lovingly nurtured.
If Andrea’s teachings or her thoughtfully curated oils ever touched your life, we invite you to celebrate her legacy by sharing a story or memory on our Facebook page 💚.
We’ll also be gathering this Wednesday at 1 PM MT for a special live event honoring Andrea’s memory by exploring five of her favorite essential oils. We warmly invite you to join us in this celebration of her life, her work, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
Andrea Butje was—and will always be—a guiding light. Her vision shaped who we are. Her heart remains at the center of it all.
