
Anita James
Aromatherapy educator (Essentially Holistic), Current Vice President of AIA
Born and raised in Derbyshire, England I’ve always been surrounded by gardens, allotments, and open farmland. The scent of roses takes me straight back to being a child helping my Grandfather in the greenhouse.
After a very stressful and life-changing time in 2000, I returned to my love of plants and the natural world in order to grow a new life. It seemed the right path for me. In 2001 I gained an Aromatherapy Diploma with Distinction from Shirley Price Aromatherapy, Essentially Holistic was launched in 2002 and my aromatic journey began. I’m as passionate today about aromatherapy as when I first started training all those years ago.
I am particularly interested in incorporating aromatherapy into everyday situations and in 2003 I set up a project at the local infant school. I now work alongside a specialist programme providing both training to staff and aromatherapy to children requiring additional emotional and behavioral support.
I’m a firm believer in inspiring learners through active learning; in 2005 I began teaching aromatherapy and holistic therapies courses. In 2013 my company Essentially Holistic received accreditation from the IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists). In 2016 the course was accepted at a Professional Level by the AIA (Alliance of International Aromatherapists) in the US.
I have spoken about my work at Conferences and presented workshops Worldwide and offer an online aromatherapy course which is accessed by students from many countries. I am the current Vice President of the AIA (Alliance of International Aromatherapists).