Featured Pioneer: Gerri and Pat of Natures Symphony Inc.
The same year I opened my salon Rumors, Natures Symphony Inc. opened in Boca Raton, FL. It was one of the first true aromatherapy stores in Florida and has been a pioneer in the field of Aromatherapy in the US for since its beginning.
The company was formed by a French medical doctor, William Amzallag, and Gerri Whidden in 1982. Pat Ashford then joined Gerri to create one of the first and most complete aromatherapy stores on the east coast that is still in business. They attended many conferences and we had wonderful times together in the aromatherapy adventures. When I sponsored a lecture day with special guest Maggie Tisserand they came and showed their wares.
Pat, Gerri, Sylla, Emilee Stewart, Lisa Fulmer, Maggie Tisserand, Cynthia Haas, way back in 1990’s hosting Maggie Tisserand in Tampa.
They were the best source from oils to bulk supplies, skin care, books and all things aromatic. Their shop is still located in the heart of Boca Raton. Do stop in if you are near.
Recently we met up in St. Pete with Shellie Enteen and many others. (Sylla, Shellie , Pat, Gerri). they were two of the 5 that received the Pioneer Vintage Aromatherapy awards, and I am so thankful they came here for the presentation.
I taught basic aromatherapy there with them for quite a few years and watched as Natures Symphony became the aromatic presence in South Florida for the last 30 years. Gerri has been directly responsible for the education of over 30,000 students in Aromatherapy. She is recognized as a leading aromatherapy expert and has been invited to lecture at seminars in the USA and internationally.
Besides sponsoring Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy teachers Martin Watt on medical aromatherapy and Robert Pappas on chemistry, they also brought quality education to Florida early on by sponsoring leaders in aromatherapy including in 1989 the first east coast two-day seminar with Robert Tisserand. This seminar included a class with Colleen Dodt, a sometimes forgotten pioneer of aromatherapy in the US. Stay tuned for more information about Colleen.
Visit their website http://www.nsaroma.com/.