By Heather Lusk
Custom blended body butters, body sprays, lotions, bath salts and inhalers, along with a wide variety of essential oils, are now available at the new Moon Tree Apothecary, which opened earlier this year.
Shanon Marks had been using essential oils for decades but said she didn’t realize the therapeutic value until more recently. After losing her job more than one year ago, she began studying aromatherapy online and became a certified aromatherapist in April, opening a business tucked in the back of the Village Antique Mall at 45 S. Main St.
“I wanted to be able to provide very high-quality oils and blends to my customers,” she said.
Losing her job was the best thing that could have happened, she said, “because it pushed me to do what I really wanted to do.”
“Certain essential oils have different therapeutic results,” Marks said. She primarily receives requests for items to reduce stress but often also for concerns such as insomnia and allergies.
“Aromatherapy isn’t just about the aroma,” she said. “It’s taken people 30 years to figure out it’s not just about the fragrance. It’s about the therapeutic values of the volatile oils,” such as the calming and analgesic benefits of lavender, she said.
Marks works closely with her clients to learn about their habits, preferences and concerns so she can find the best solution to meet their needs. She said she hopes her customers will tell her if something doesn’t work so she can make adjustments.
Her location at the back of the antique mall allows privacy for her to converse with clients. Her shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and appointments are encouraged for new clients.
Beginning later this month, she has planned workshops to help clients create their own simple items such as bath salts, personal inhalers and even homemade bug spray. Information is available at her shop and via email at [email protected].
