Aroma Vera establishes itself in Jakarta

By Marina Kanetti

JAKARTA (JP): The magical effects of flowers and aromatic fragrances over the human body have been known for ages.

In fact, as Marcel Lavabre, founder and CEO of Aroma Vera, Inc., and Linda Lie, cofounder and coowner of the Indonesian branch, L&L Aroma Vera, try to convince their customers, aromatic fragrances have as much effect over the human body, as they have over the human soul.

On July 8 Marcel Lavabre, just arrived from the United States, together with Linda Lie gave press conference, lecture and demonstration in the World Trade Center, Jakarta on the Aroma Vera products and the healing powers of essential oils.

The company, founded by the French-born Lavabre, is one of the largest suppliers of essential oil-based products in the United States. It markets its products through a system of essential oils and synergies, environmental fragrancing, home spa, skin care, hair care, customizing, gift collection, aromatic jewelry, and education. Because of the efficiency of this comprehensive system, Aroma Vera Inc., claims a large part in the worldwide rediscovery and use of essential oils.

Since it was founded in 1981, Aroma Vera Inc., has enjoyed a growing number of clients and customers worldwide. Slowly, but inadvertently, Asia is also becoming part of the Aroma Vera market. The Indonesian branch, L&L Aroma Vera, opened store on Plaza Senayan, Jakarta, only last December, but has already established itself on the local market. Apart from the store on Plaza Senayan, L&L Aroma Vera also distributes fragrances and essential oils to spas and beauty salons around the country.

For Linda Lie the marketability of the Aroma Vera products on the Indonesian market is not surprising. "All that people need here is education," says Linda. "Once they know what these oils are all about, they accept them readily."

Indeed, the most essential about the essential oils and fragrances is that they are made for customer satisfaction. Thus, in the store one can see customers from all ages and from all walks of life; and whereas first timers might only buy a bath gel, some of the regular patrons, quite knowledgeable about the different proprieties of the essential oils, would make special orders for a particular kind of rare extract. Curiously enough, not only women are among L&L Aroma Vera patrons. Men also value the products for relaxation, sexuality, or the various gift collections.

The magic of the extracted fragrances itself comes from the various ways in which they stimulate and enliven the body and the spirit. As Lavabre explains, essential oils have properties ranging from alleviating or healing diseases, e.g. from kidney to skin problems, to improving emotional condition, e.g. alleviating stress, nervousness, or stimulating the mind.

Aromatherapy

Aroma Vera, Inc. has done something more than simply developing and supplying essential oil-based products around the world. In order to fully address the customer's needs, Lavabre promotes the principles of aromatherapy, or the ways in which essential oils work. Says Lavabre, "Aromatherapy treats symptoms by addressing the specific physical, energetic, and psychological background of the individual client."

This indeed, apart from the fine quality of the products themselves, is what has made Aroma Vera, Inc. so successful. Distribution of the Aroma Vera products -- from oils for fitness and relaxation to aromatic potteries and candles -- goes along with education geared toward the specific customer's needs.

Linda Lie, herself an example for an educator, is constantly lecturing about the healing power of aromatherapy. She makes demonstrations and lectures on various seminars and conferences. A TV program which she made together with Lavabre on aromatherapy and application of essential oils will appear on Aug. 3 on Indosiar at 8.00 a.m.

So powerful she believes is the effect of essential oils and aromatherapy, that when asked about prices (ranging from products worth Rp 3,500 to others worth Rp 190,000), she seems undisturbed. "People have to decide for themselves what is important, the price of a product or to feel well, to be confident about your looks."

Indeed, this is a problem that can be interpreted in different ways. But looking at Linda, one can't help remembering the saying that "He is happiest who hath power to gather wisdom from a flower."