Sue Beechey and Geraldine Howard, founders of Aromatherapy Associates, each have almost 40 years of experience in aromatherapy.
They were trained, and later practised, at the Micheline Arcier clinic in Knightsbridge, London during the late 1960s and early 1970s, at a time when aromatherapy was in its infancy in the UK. Micheline Arcier trained Sue and Geraldine in the principles of traditional aromatherapy based on the unique massage technique designed by Austrian bio-chemist and aromatherapy skincare pioneer, Marguerite Maury.
Marguerite Maury's work on the external application of essential oils with massage in the 1950s was the foundation for the development of modern day aromatherapy. Dr Jean Valnet, who made his name around the same time because of his extensive research into the practical uses of essential oils and his trailblazing book "The Practice of Aromatherapy", used to visit the clinic and share his wisdom.
Clients at that time included names from the stage, screen and London's aristocracy who were interested in this new kind of alternative therapy.
With such distinguished credentials behind them, Sue and Geraldine went on to develop their individual private practices. They also built their reputation by giving training courses in aromatherapy, and Geraldine was asked to lecture extensively in Europe. They were founder members of the IFA (International Federation of Aromatherapists), formed in 1985.
That same year, Aromatherapy Associates was established because Sue and Geraldine saw a need for a professional brand to support aromatherapy treatments in spas. The products and treatment ranges have expanded as the interest in, and demand for, aromatherapy has grown. Aromatherapy Associates products are now sold in over 20 countries worldwide at exclusive hotels, spas and retail outlets.