Are You Ready to Pivot Your Aromatherapy Business?

A motivational article on how to pivot your aromatherapy business during challenging times. By Sharon Falsetto.

We are living in unprecedented times. What does that mean as an aromatherapist and for aromatherapy business owners? How will it look on “the other side” when we get through the COVID-19 crisis?

Hard times call for hard decisions. But it’s not all doom and gloom. This could be the perfect time to dump those ideas that aren’t working for your business – or learn how to add to your skill set to take your business to the next level. In other words, pivot your aromatherapy business for success!

How a Crisis Can Pivot Your Aromatherapy Business

In times of crisis it’s hard not to panic. The rug has suddenly been pulled out from under your feet and everything you took for granted yesterday is no longer secure. In reality, it was never “secure.” That’s just the way our logical brain interprets things. As creative entrepreneurs, we are constantly having to think up new ideas, new ways, and new products to stay ahead of the game. Society often dictates whether we will succeed or fail – if we believe the mainstream naysayers.

But take a step back and think about how different your business could be. Once the immediate crisis is over, where do you want to be? What will people be looking for? More importantly, who will be people be looking to?

You know that old way of doing things that you weren’t really happy with, but you did it anyway, because everyone else did it? Dump it! What do you really want to do? And how do you want to do it?

Use Technology to Pivot Your Aromatherapy Business

If you haven’t embraced the online world of technology as an aromatherapist or aromatherapy business owner, now is the time to do so. Here’s some of the ways you can use technology to pivot your business and get your goods and services direct to the people who need them:

• Local Clients? Arrange to deliver products curbside (for a small fee) or have them pick up from you curbside at a pre-arranged time. Set up your online website to give people the option to do this (so you aren’t constantly fielding calls). Take face-to-face consultations online through video programs and apps such as Skype, Zoom, and Facetime.
• Local Classes and Talks: If you are giving local classes or talks to local groups, learn how to live stream or pre-record a video to still get your information out there. Most programs have free levels to get started with. Investigate Zoom, Skype, and GoTo Webinar.
• Certification Programs: Take them online with platforms such as Thinkific and Teachable. It may take a little bit to get set up, but the COVID-19 crisis is not going to end when the virus goes away. People will have been impacted economically and financially – not to mention some fears about traveling again and the possibility of the virus resurging. Streaming a class directly into their home (their “safe” place) might just be the answer.

Adding to Your Aromatherapy Skill Set

Creative entrepreneurs already have an advantage over those in “regular” jobs. We are adept at adapting and thinking-outside-of-the box. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

• Product Maker Turned Educator: If product sales are slow, think about putting together some make-your-own kits and/or video tutorials for how people can make their own products. When I sold Make-Your-Own Kits from my website, they were always popular. You may have to diversify your target market a bit, but you may find another outlet that you enjoy!
• Diversify Your Products: So that product you were selling pre-COVID-19 is no longer in demand? Now what? Adapt it. Change it. Think about what people want now. But don’t abandon it all together. For example, COVID-19 has us all washing our hands and sanitizing a lot more than we ever used to think about it! If you make a skin care cream, think about adapting it to include replenishing moisturizing properties (and I mean, really add those moisturizing ingredients in there). Add in a powerhouse blend of essential oils to “protect and serve” the skin. Pair it with a moisturizing lip balm or body oil – and now you’ve got a great gift set of products!
• Comfort Products and Services: In times of stress and crisis, people may crave “comfort” products and services more. However, many won’t have the funds to “treat” themselves. Think how you can get an economy package of comfort products and services to the people who need it the most.
• Education: If you need to take further education yourself, to adapt your business, look for the many free and heavily reduced education courses available at the moment. And most are offered online. Leading aromatherapy organizations such as the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy have great online resources through their nominal membership fee. And joining an organization such as the Indie Business Network will put you in touch with like-minded small business owners to brainstorm, share ideas, and take advantage of a host of entrepreneurial resources.

From Crisis to Calm for Your Aromatherapy Business

There are many ways to connect with others and learn to pivot your business during a crisis. We are all in this together. If you need help, reach out to us here at Sedona Aromatics through our Business Botanicals™ program. We can help you with an initial business consultation at a reduced cost during, and post, COVID-19. Stay safe out there!

About the Author:

The author of this article has a combined 24-year history in the health care and aromatherapy industry. She is UK-certified aromatherapist and a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®. She is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, custom blend formulator and herbal studies student. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. She has taken the online Master Gardener short course series with the University of Oregon. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.

Sharon currently serves on the Executive Board for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and is a Financial Collaborative Leader for the Indie Business Network.