Andrea Butje, a trailblazer in the world of aromatherapy, educator, and founder of Aromatics International and the Aromahead Institute, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that continues to breathe life into every drop of essential oil she so passionately shared with the world.
A resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, Andrea’s journey with plant wisdom began decades ago and led to a career that transformed how people understand and connect with aromatherapy. Her commitment to purity, education, and empowerment reshaped the field, inspiring countless students, practitioners, and plant lovers across the globe.
In the early 2000s, Andrea founded Aromatics International with a clear and heartfelt mission: to provide her students and fellow aromatherapists with the most authentic, therapeutically potent products available. At a time when transparency was rare, Andrea set a new standard by requiring third-party GC/MS testing for every essential oil offered—empowering customers to blend with confidence and knowledge.
Her belief in honoring both the plants and the people behind them guided every decision. Andrea cultivated deep, respectful relationships with small-scale distillers and farmers from around the world—transforming business into heartfelt partnerships rooted in sustainability, trust, and love for the Earth.
Andrea’s impact extended far beyond the bottles and blends. Through her school, the Aromahead Institute, she reached thousands of students internationally with her pioneering online courses and holistic teachings. Her inspired approach built a global community of learners connected by a shared reverence for the healing power of plants.
In 2013, Andrea was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, a fitting recognition of her tireless work and dedication to the profession.
Though Andrea officially passed the torch of Aromatics International to her close friend Karen Williams in 2009, their bond endured as a guiding force within the company. Andrea, Karen, Jenny, and the Williams family remained deeply connected—dreaming, collaborating, and nurturing the future of essential oil work together.
Andrea’s presence remains deeply rooted in the heart of Aromatics International. Her light continues to shine in every product, every memory shared, and every student whose life she touched with her warmth, wisdom, and vision.
A celebration of Andrea’s life and legacy will take place this Wednesday at 1 p.m. MT with a live event honoring five of her favorite essential oils. All are welcome to join in remembering the woman whose passion and purpose changed the world, one drop at a time.
Those who wish to share their memories or stories are invited to do so on the Aromatics International Facebook page, where her legacy lives on in the voices of those she inspired.
Andrea Butje will be remembered not just for what she created, but for who she was: a kind, generous soul who led with love, lifted others with grace, and honored the plants with every breath of her work.