Aromatherapy has been a hobby of Marlene Smith's for more than 20 years. During the past three years, Essential Oil Techniques has been operated out of her home.

When looking for store locations, Marlene considered many options. The Heights won her over with its vibrant community, support for small businesses and its proximity to her home. She set up shop on Hastings Street in January 2006.

Before discovering her calling as an aromatherapist, Marlene was an accountant for a large manufacturing company in England. "I began using aromatherapy as a method of coping with stressful month-ends," Marlene reflected. After developing arthritis in her neck, Marlene decided to leave her accounting job in England for a healthier lifestyle and career change.

At the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy, Marlene studied and obtained an Aromatherapy Practitioner designation. "I was motivated by my sister to begin making aromatherapy products for others to buy," Marlene explained. "She works in a neonatal intensive care department and, like many of her colleagues, suffers from dry, irritated hands as a result of washing them so frequently. I developed a moisturizer that would provide relief for sore, sensitive skin. It was a success! Soon, many nurses were requesting the lotion - my doctor uses it too! That's how my first product - Intense Moisture Therapy Cream - was developed."

Since then, Marlene has been constantly expanding her line of products and also offers aromatherapy workshops, walk-in chair massages and aromatherapy massages. "My current focus is to maintain the store and continue to develop close interaction with customers. Hearing about different health concerns from my customers provides me with new information, direction and inspiration to develop new products and services. Essential Oil Techniques will continue expanding with a long term goal of starting a small organic manufacturing company that produces high quality holistic aromatherapy products," said Marlene.