Interview with Wendy Robbins, Owner of AromaWeb
In 1997, Wendy Robbins established what was to quickly become the most popular aromatherapy website on the internet, AromaWeb.com. Her knowledge of aromatherapy, and her background in web development, design, marketing, and writing, have made AromaWeb an award-winning website with hundreds of pages of aromatherapy information. AromaWeb receives thousands of visitors every year.
WLNH: How did your interest in aromatherapy begin, and what aromatherapy training or experience do you have?
Wendy: I have always been fascinated and enraptured by the wide array of aromas that occur in nature. Certain aromas such as the earthy fragrance of the outdoors after a rain, the smell of walking through the forest or the aromas of certain flowers and herbs are very stirring or relaxing to me and take me back to days from my childhood.
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Back in 1997, I had heard the term "aromatherapy," but didn't know exactly what it meant. I went on a quest of the Web to learn more about it. Although much of what was online at the time was vague or confusing (and, of course, this same problem still exists), I discovered what holistic aromatherapy entailed and was very intrigued. One day, I purchased three essential oils at a local shop, and immediately fell in love with the joy that they brought me. In 1999, I enrolled in the Australasian College of Herbal Studies (since renamed Australasian College of Health Sciences), and completed the Aromatherapy 201 course in 2000.
I have supplemented my aromatherapy knowledge with reading, networking with aromatherapists and others devoted to aromatherapy, and with extensive use and hands-on experience within my own household.
WLNH: What prompted you to create AromaWeb?
Wendy: Back in 1997, I was still brand new to aromatherapy, but I realized that there was very little accurate information online at the time. Because I had a hard time finding useful information, I believed that there were others like me that could benefit from a well organized and maintained site that had a lot of useful information. Having a strong background in Web development, content writing and online marketing, I decided to launch AromaWeb. I originally hosted it within the hosting services included with my dial-up Internet account, but shortly after AromaWeb's launch, AromaWeb's traffic exceeded the amount of traffic that I was permitted, so I knew there was demand for aromatherapy information online. Since then, the content on AromaWeb has grown significantly, and I greatly enjoy adding more content as time permits.
WLNH: What have been the most interesting and rewarding aspects of being AromaWeb's creator and owner?
Wendy: Although there are many aspects of AromaWeb that have been extremely rewarding, my greatest joy is receiving e-mails from those new to aromatherapy that write to say that the information on AromaWeb has helped them learn more about aromatherapy and that it has helped them begin incorporating aromatherapy safely into their lifestyles. This was my original purpose for launching AromaWeb, and it remains the most thrilling part of operating it. In a few instances, I have heard from individuals that wound up enrolling in aromatherapy courses and began implementing aromatherapy into their careers. It tickles me that AromaWeb helped them even in a small way.
WLNH: What do you think is the most common misconception about aromatherapy?
Wendy: The term "aromatherapy" can be confusing since the actual practice of holistic aromatherapy often involves applications that go beyond just one's ability to inhale and smell the aroma of the essential oil blend or natural product.
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The term also can falsely imply that anything that smells delightful can be therapeutic. The definition of aromatherapy can vary, even amongst those seriously devoted to aromatherapy. This leads to a lot of frustration and debate to so many in the field. A huge irritation for me is how some businesses misuse the term aromatherapy for the sake of promoting products that contain unnatural ingredients and that do not fit the intended definition of "aromatherapy."
WLNH: How have you seen the field of aromatherapy evolve since you first became interested in it, and what do you see for the future of aromatherapy?
Wendy: Although I personally believe that the field of aromatherapy is still in its infancy in the United States, I am overjoyed at how the Internet has helped bring far more information about aromatherapy to those that may not otherwise know about it. The Web, discussion groups, chat rooms, and e-mail has also made it so much easier for people to network with others also devoted to the field of aromatherapy. Although the Internet has also led to the dissemination of a great deal of misinformation and sale of inferior or adulterated products, the upside is that there are several additional well organized informational aromatherapy sites, most especially Wavelengths Natural Health. Since the time I became interested in aromatherapy, there are now many more aromatherapy retailers and wholesalers that sell quality essential oils and complimentary aromatherapy products online.
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So much more, however, still needs to be done within the United States to ensure proper public awareness on the safe use of essential oils and to ensure proper, consistent training and licensing of those providing hands-on aromatherapy work or aromatherapy consultations.
WLNH: What are your favorite essential oils, and how do you use them?
Wendy: My favorite essential oils vary by the time of year, by my physical needs and by my current mood. Several of my favorites for use in therapeutic blends are oils that are more commonly available. These oils include: Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Geranium, German Chamomile, Lavender, Ravensara, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Tea Tree. A somewhat less commonly available oil that I absolutely love for its emotional and skin care properties is Helichrysum. Essential oils and absolutes that I enjoy incorporating into natural fragrances include (but are definitely not limited to): Bay (Laurus nobilis), Black Pepper, Cypress, Geranium, Lavender, Jasmine, Neroli, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang and most all the citrus oils. I am sure that I am forgetting quite a few!
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The most common way that I use essential oils on a daily basis is within my diffuser. In the mornings, I will frequently use blends that are energizing or assist with mental clarity. If I am congested or ill, I will include oils, perhaps Eucalyptus or Ravensara, that assist with the symptoms that I have. During the winter months, I frequently include citrus oils as they provide an emotional lift and are amongst the most affordable of oils.
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At nighttime, I also enjoy adding a drop of essential oil to my pillow. I tend to stick to a single drop of Lavender, Roman Chamomile or Spearmint which I personally find very relaxing. In my car, I often add oils to a terracotta stone or small pot that allows for natural diffusion through the porous surface. I frequently make skin care products that include essential oils. The most common products that I make are clay facials, facial toners, bath salts, body mists, lotions, natural fragrances and oil blends for skin care or therapeutic use. I enjoy giving and receiving massages. For therapeutic purposes, I create blends based on the area of body the blend will be applied to and the issue it addresses.
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I also enjoy creating diffuser blends, room and linen sprays and massage blends for romantic evenings. For such evenings, my blends tend to include oils that are warming, uplifting and exotic.
WLNH: What are some of your other interests and hobbies, besides aromatherapy?
Wendy: My interest in aromatherapy has led to an interest and devotion to a much healthier lifestyle than I previously enjoyed. I am delighted that my study and passion for aromatherapy inspired an interest in herbalism, natural skin care and a much healthier diet. After becoming interested in aromatherapy, I ate a strictly vegetarian diet for three years. I now do incorporate fish, meat and poultry in my diet, but I still lean heavily towards the vegetarian lifestyle.
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Although I still have a ways to go to meet the personal goals that I have set for myself, I am really pleased at the path I have been led on. One of the wonderful aspects of aromatherapy that I learned early on is that anyone can incorporate it into their lifestyle. One doesn't need to become a health nut to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. On occasion, I enjoy burning natural Japanese incense. Most of the incense that is available contains synthetic ingredients, but I enjoy burning several types of natural Baieido incense. I have experimented with making my own natural incense cones and sticks, but have not yet spent enough time perfecting my recipes. Occasionally, I also enjoy burning sandalwood, aloeswood and other botanicals in a manner similar to the Japanese Koh Do ceremony.
My other interests, as time permits, include playing guitar, traveling, making natural skin care products, herbal and vegetable gardening, spending time outdoors, camping, spending time with friends/loved ones and collecting mid century modern furnishings.
WLNH: What is in store for the future of AromaWeb?
Wendy: I have several projects underway that I hope to launch within the next six months. I look forward to greatly expanding the number of articles and recipes contained within AromaWeb's Article Archive and Recipe Box sections. In the works is also a site redesign that will hopefully make the site even more user friendly to navigate.
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