It is with deep love, reverence, and profound gratitude that we remember Andrea Butje—aromatherapist, educator, founder, and friend. Andrea was more than the guiding force behind Aromatics International; she was the heart and soul of a movement that redefined the world of essential oils through integrity, education, and connection.
Her passion for plant wisdom and her dedication to empowering others changed countless lives and forever shaped the field of aromatherapy. Andrea founded Aromatics International in the early 2000s with a singular, heartfelt mission: to support her students at the Aromahead Institute by providing the purest, most therapeutically effective essential oils available.
What began as a humble offering to complement learning soon blossomed into a company that set the standard for transparency and sustainability in the aromatherapy industry.
At a time when third-party testing was still rare, Andrea made it a non-negotiable practice. She insisted on publishing GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) reports for every essential oil—ensuring that each product could be traced, trusted, and understood at a molecular level.
For Andrea, it wasn’t just about selling oils—it was about educating people, instilling confidence, and building trust. She believed that informed choices lead to empowered blending, and that knowledge was a gift to be freely shared.
Equally remarkable was Andrea’s deep respect for the people behind the plants. She personally sought out small-scale distillers and growers across the globe—individuals and families who cultivated the land with care and reverence.
These weren’t transactional business relationships; they were enduring partnerships, rooted in mutual respect and a shared devotion to ethical, sustainable practices. Andrea cherished these bonds, often speaking with warmth and pride about the farmers and artisans whose hands had touched the plants long before they became oils.
Her visionary spirit was matched by her generous heart. Those who knew Andrea will remember her radiant smile, her sense of wonder, and the way she lit up when talking about essential oils or teaching her students.
She was a teacher to the core—curious, patient, enthusiastic, and always willing to learn alongside those she guided. Whether in the classroom, online, or during casual conversations, Andrea brought clarity, inspiration, and a sense of joy to everything she did.
A close and cherished friendship grew between Andrea and Karen Williams, who officially took over ownership of Aromatics International in 2009. Together with Jenny and the entire Williams family, Karen has carried Andrea’s vision forward with devotion and grace.
Over the years, Andrea, Karen, Cindy, and Jenny would often gather—whether in person or virtually—to dream together, reflect on the evolving world of aromatherapy, and nurture the values that still guide the company today.
Even after transitioning leadership, Andrea remained actively involved—texting, calling, emailing, and sharing her latest thoughts or discoveries. Her passion never waned, and her connection to the Aromatics community never faltered.
Just last month, Karen had the rare and precious gift of spending several weeks with Andrea. That time was filled with meaning and love—a quiet reflection of a shared journey that has spanned decades.
Andrea’s light continues to shine brightly in every aspect of Aromatics International. It’s in every bottle, every blend, every carefully chosen partnership, and every educational experience offered. Her legacy isn’t confined to memory; it lives and breathes through the values and vision that still shape who we are today.
If Andrea touched your life through her teachings or through the oils she so lovingly curated, we invite you to share your memories with us on our Facebook page. Your words, stories, and reflections are welcome and cherished.
We also invite you to join us this Wednesday at 1 PM MT for a special live event celebrating five of Andrea’s favorite essential oils. It will be a time of remembrance, gratitude, and community as we honor the spirit of a woman who gave so much to us all.
Forever in our hearts, Andrea—thank you.
