Robert enjoys sweet smell of success ...

Aug 27 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE INTERNET has opened up opportunities for many small and niche businesses, including manufacturers of skincare products aimed at customers who want something special.

Aromatherapist Robert Drury, who lives in Fartown, recently launched a cottage industry making creams with aromatic oils.

It was, he says, a natural progression from using and blending oils in order to treat clients.

Robert, who has been practising complementary therapies since 2000, is one of many new companies selling small ranges of products through a website.

Using his training and experience in aromatherapy, Robert says his collection of five, hand-blended creams all have healing, soothing or invigorating qualifies. “I know which oils to use and what concentrations. I have used ingredients that are already tried and tested,’’ he said.

The range grew from creams he put together for clients and friends.

“I got a lot of positive feedback but until now I haven’t had the time to go into production,” said Robert, who was working as a fraud investigator for a bank at the time he began training in aromatherapy. He is now a full time therapist, also practising Bowen therapy and Reiki.

It was the birth of his son Storm, with partner Julia Collings – a Government press officer – that spurred him on to launching AroMance.

At the moment Robert, quite literally, makes his creams at the kitchen sink – using a coconut and avocado base, which he buys ready-mixed.

It’s taken him some time to get the all-natural range on the market as he’s had to trademark the brand, source ingredients and comply with labelling regulations.

While many of the aromatic oils he uses act as natural preservatives, he also adds wheatgerm, Vitamin E, acidophylis and witch hazel to the creams. Each batch is labelled with the date of manufacture and users are advised not to keep products for more than two years.

Many of the aromatic oils Robert uses are organic and as an aromatherapist he says he’s a stickler for quality.

The five creams, Essence of Air, Earth, Fire, Sea and Goddess, contain blends of everything from the all-purpose lavender to more exotic and expensive oils such as melissa and musk rose. Prices vary from £13.95 to £17.95.

Robert will be available to talk about his creams and their uses in aromatherapy at Half Moon Wholefoods in Huddersfield, on Thursday, September 4, from 9.30am until 4.30pm. His website is www.aromancecreams.co.uk