How to Start an Aromatherapy Business

Aromatherapy business owners sell their products online and/or from a physical location. Drawn to healing others physically, mentally, and spiritually, many retailers are also licensed aromatherapists, blending and bottling their own products.

You may also be interested in additional unique business ideas.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start an aromatherapy business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Aromatherapy Business
  2. Form your Aromatherapy Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Aromatherapy Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Aromatherapy Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Aromatherapy Business
  7. Get Aromatherapy Business Insurance
  8. Define your Aromatherapy Business Brand
  9. Create your Aromatherapy Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your aromatherapy business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Aromatherapy Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening an aromatherapy business?

Your initial investment will vary, depending upon the specifics of your business. Most aromatherapists report start-up costs of $10,000 to $30,000.

A few items you’ll need are:

  • Bottles, labels, and packaging supplies
  • Business cards
  • Essential oils, carrier oils, and fillers
  • Many aromatherapists that create their own blends choose to grow their own plants. If this is part of your strategy, you’ll need a good deal of chemical free land that’s conducive to growing plants you wish to specialize in
  • Distiller and propane source – purchased new, this will set you back approximately $15,000
  • Sample products to distribute to potential customers and resellers
  • Website – if your focus will be on online sales, your business’ website is not the place to cut corners
  • Insurance

If your business plan includes maintaining a storefront, investment in your workspace will increase your expenses. Before committing to a location, conduct research to identify any market saturation, and which areas of town would be most receptive to your product.

Read our aromatherapy business purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start an aromatherapy business, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.

What are the ongoing expenses for an aromatherapy business?

Again, this will depend largely on how you structure your business. When only hosting an online store, your overhead costs are at a minimum. The business can operate out of a home office, making supplies, shipping, website maintenance, and marketing your greatest expenses.

A storefront will significantly increase ongoing expenses, as you’ll need to keep a more complete and diverse inventory. You’ll be facing the typical expenses that come with running a store, including insurance, payroll, and rent.

Once you get into blending your own oils, your supply costs will rise significantly. First impressions are critical, so put a great deal of thought into your product bottling and labeling. Custom labels can cost anywhere from $13 to $89 for 100 sheets, while bottles range from $115 to $238 per carton. The cost of plant material varies, depending on the region it was harvested from and its rarity. If you grow some of your own plant matter, proper land maintenance should be top priority.

Finally, you must invest both time and money each month into marketing your business. If this isn’t your forte, consider hiring a marketing company. Many offer basic packages that start at around $50 per month.

Who is the target market?

While everyone stands to benefit from integrating aromatherapy and essential oils into their daily life, there are some demographics that aren’t open to trying it. While you shouldn’t ignore marketing to men, the bulk of your business will come from open-minded women who are looking for alternatives to Western medicine. As part of your business plan, spend some time conducting market research specific to your area, in order to target more distinct demographics.

How does an aromatherapy business make money?

Your company will generate revenue through the sale of each individual product. Some entrepreneurs opt to host an online store only, while others offer a storefront for their customers to visit. If you offer therapeutic services, most professionals receive a tip, based on a percentage of the total charges.

How much can you charge customers?

Fees are based on services rendered and products sold, and will vary from client to client. An average aromatherapy session can cost anywhere from $45 to $110. Oils range in price from $5 to $165, depending on the ingredients used, the region plant matter originates from, and the method of extraction.

How much profit can an aromatherapy business make?

Successful aromatherapists have published a broad range, in terms of profit. Reports indicate anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending upon the specifics of their business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Getting started and making a name for yourself takes time. The following are a few strategies other professionals have implemented to ensure a more profitable business:

  • Make a variety of products, such as lotions, soaps, sprays, massage oils, and pet care products
  • Sell accompanying products, such as diffusers
  • Sell gift baskets
  • Teach educational classes – this can be done online or in person, and can cover a variety of topics
  • Become an approved school through the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, where you can offer certification, advanced graduate-level training, and essential oil seminars for healthcare professionals
  • Offer an essential oil bar, where customers can come in, seek advice, and blend their own oils

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your aromatherapy business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your aromatherapy business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

Federal Business Licensing Requirements

This industry is currently unlicensed and unregulated for the practice of aromatherapy, as well as for the manufacturing of aromatherapy products.

The American Herbal Products Association provides unofficial guidelines concerning labeling and manufacturing of aromatherapy products.

The FDA regulates manufacturing practices of aromatherapy products, including labeling and packaging.

More information on regulations can be found here.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an aromatherapy business business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial well-being in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Aromatherapy Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Aromatherapy Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an aromatherapy business

While aromatherapists are spread out across the country, it’s a tightly knit community. Attend conferences whenever possible, and focus on networking with fellow aromatherapists. This will offer you a strong support group, and also help with name recognition. Besides, you never know what you could learn.

As with every modern business, social media should be a critical component of your marketing strategy. Many aromatherapists have found success selling their products through Instagram and Pinterest. You can also regularly publish a blog on your website, and share it on social media platforms. The subject of your blogs should interest both current and potential clients, and help establish you as a leader in the industry.

In addition, request to be featured as a guest blogger on other well-known industry blogs. Readers will get to know a little about you and your business, and will be directed back to your website for additional information. An online newsletter is also a great way to reach people and inform them of the company’s latest news. AromaWeb is an online directory that lists aromatherapy businesses across the globe.

Once you have enough products, consider putting together a catalog. Visit local gift shops, boutiques, and health food stores to inquire about placing some of your products there. Leave a few catalogs with them and offer to host an informational session, where consumers can inquire about which oils would benefit their unique situation.

How to keep customers coming back

Attracting customers requires a strong knowledge of essential oils and various medical conditions. Consistently selling quality products, and showing empathy for your clients, will help you develop a loyal following.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Aromatherapy is best suited to the individual who is passionate about healing others through the use of homeopathic products. They must have a thirst for continuously learning and growing, forever on a quest to discover new healing blends. While this business requires creativity, aromatherapy entrepreneurs must be disciplined enough to pay close attention to operational details, and innovative in expanding their ventures.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an aromatherapy business?

The specifics of your day will vary, depending on how you structure your business, and what services you decide to offer. Most days will include the following activities:

  • Collecting or purchasing herbs and flowers to be used in your essential oils
  • Extracting oils
  • Bottling oils
  • Crafting various products
  • Answering email and phone inquiries from potential customers, and fulfilling online orders
  • Educating your customers and assisting them in finding the blend that meets their needs
  • Following up with clients to ensure satisfaction and to receive feedback
  • Working on your marketing strategy, and networking with others in the community

If you’re considering entering this industry, you have the advantage of being able to work with your passion, day in and day out. However, as with every business, there are also a number of administrative duties to attend to. Until you’re able to hire a trusted team to handle these tasks, you’ll need to take an active role in this aspect of the business as well.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful aromatherapy business?

Whether you’ve decided to re-sell another company’s product or create your own oils, you’ll need to educate yourself on the intricacies of aromatherapy. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and NY Institute of Aromatherapy offer workshops and classes designed to help you form a relationship with essential oils, enhance plant intelligence, and sharpen your sensory faculties.

While not a skill per se, you should have heightened olfactory senses. This can be learned, but having a natural nose for it is beneficial. You’ll also want to have a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and how the various scents affect the health and wellness of your clients.

To realize long-term success, sharing your passion through education is key. You should be confident in your teachings and have strong interpersonal skills; it’s important that each customer is able to relate to you on a personal level. While much of your time is spent working with the oils themselves, dedication and business sense are also critical. If this is your first time running your own company, consider signing up for a business class at your local college.

What is the growth potential for an aromatherapy business?

This industry realized significant growth in 2016 and is expected to continue growing through 2022, reaching $11.67 billion in value. As long as you maintain consistently high-quality products and strive to educate the public on the benefits, you stand to exceed your long-term growth goals. In fact, some aromatherapists have found success through the sale of just one essential oil.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an aromatherapy business?

The following are some insider tips from experienced aromatherapists who have chosen to make a career out of their passion:

  • Before getting started, consider what you envision for your business and lifestyle. What aspects of aromatherapy are you most passionate about, and how will you carve out a niche for yourself?
  • Keep in mind that this type of business can take some time to grow. Be patient.
  • Take the time to interact personally with your customers, and educate them without being pushy. Thank them for their business and follow up later.
  • Network with other alternative medicine practitioners who complement your work. A reciprocal referral system is a great way to build a solid customer base.
  • Blend your own oils!

How and when to build a team

If your products will be sold exclusively online, a team won’t be necessary when first starting out. As your business grows, consider hiring individuals to help manage and package orders.

If a storefront is part of your business plan, you might still be able to work solo initially. When the business is thriving, consider adding employees to your team. Just make sure each employee is knowledgeable, friendly, and relatable to your customers.

Entrepreneurs that plan on making their own oils should still start out as a one-person operation. Once you have the recipes down to a science, take note of the process, ingredients, and measurements. Only then should you consider building a team. Remember, the key is consistent, quality product.

Useful Links

TRUiC Resources

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading