Courtesy Adirondack Aromatherapy
By Jill Nagy
After an 18-month hiatus, Tom and Gretchen Morganstern’s Adirondack Aromatherapy is back in business at a new location. They recently opened a boutique in Aviation Mall in Queensbury.
The shop was previously in the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls.
Like so many other businesses, they closed down during the pandemic and, except for a kiosk at the mall last holiday season, they did business online from their home until two months ago.
Adirondack Aromatherapy sells natural aromatic oils sourced from some 40 countries. Most aromatics are not native to the Adirondack region, Gretchen explained, and if they do grow there, they have a very short growing season. One exception is roses. She makes rosewater when the roses bloom in her garden.
The shop features an “aroma bar,” an array of bottles of essential oils. Customers can sniff and choose what they like or have Morganstern mix an elixir for them. They can then diffuse the aroma in many ways: as spray, soap, roll-on, perfume, etc.
She said she works exclusively with natural scents and claims that the right scent can heal the mind, body, and spirit.
“We do all the traditional stuff, too,” Morganstern added. They sell familiar oils and basic blends, and some special purpose blends, such as insect repellents and scents designed to keep mice away. A collection of books and workbooks is also offered.
In the back of the space is Tom Morganstern’s workshop.
“I just make pretty soap,” he said.
He has been doing it, first as a hobby and then as a business, since 1996. Gretchen noted that Tom was featured in a book called “The Art of Soap” and also included in a gift-buying guide, “Time Out New York.” Both brought in “tons of orders” from many from people who had never ordered online before and had to be guided through the process.
In addition to the retail sales section in front, the shop has space for classes and workshops, and personal healing sessions. Gretchen emphasized that she will provide information and conduct workshops, but not provide formal training or certification.
The wholesale side of the business produces custom oils and products for other small businesses, including a bed and breakfast establishment for which, Gretchen said, she creates hundreds of specialty oils every year.
“I love collaborating with other business owners. It is one of my favorite aspects of what we do,” she said.
Gretchen traces her immersion in the herbal world to the 1990s. She took courses in traditional aromatherapy and in more specialized arts like spiritual and sacred oils. For a time, she contributed to a local newspaper’s “alternative awareness” column.
Tom worked for a soap company for a time. The company used synthetic oils and, he found, they gave him headaches.
He said “there is a lot of science out there,” distinguishing between natural and synthetic fragrances. Today, it is all natural. “I like the smell. It makes me happy,” he noted.
Both business owners had other careers before opening Adirondack Aromatherapy. Tom was a carpenter for a little over a decade. Gretchen worked in early childhood special education.
The boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. In addition, they will be scheduling special events.
The shop can reached by telephone at 518-860-5102 or online at ADKaromatherapy.com.