Aromatherapy attraction

COEUR d'ALENE - In the world of aromatherapy, Alexandria Brighton is considered "a foremost authority" on the ancient healing art.

"Her deeply intuitive nature, spiritual insights, wisdom and ability to process and integrate the education and information she gathers, has set her apart as a cutting-edge formulator and blender of oils," says a website.

So when she needed a place for her students to see the possibilities in this field, she knew exactly where to go: Rustic Romance.

The cozy Coeur d'Alene shop was packed with shoppers from throughout the U.S. on Friday. They looked over the herbs, spices, oils, flowers and candles, milling about, smelling soaps and sampling salves.

Most of Brighton's students are enrolled in Brighton's aroma therapy classes, with a goal to be certified as an aroma therapist.

The field is the practice of using natural oils "to enhance psychological and physical well-being."

Brighton said Rustic Romance was the "perfect place" for students to see "what can be done, what are the possibilities" in the specialized field.

"When you home in, it's like a surprise. It looks like just a little quaint house and you come in, here in midtown, to something that would be considered high class in Manhattan and still in touch with nature," she said.

Wendy Burgener Wallin, owner of Rustic Romance, said the store offers wild-crafted and handcrafted organic and botanical soul-soothing gifts and primitive decor "for your heart, your home, your garden."

She was thrilled when Brighton called and asked if she could bring in her students to check out oils and other items essential to aroma therapy. Absolutely. It was not only a chance to showcase her shop, but ring up sales as well.

It worked.

Customers were buying a variety of oils and soaps during their hourlong visit.

"I feel totally honored," Burgener Wallin said. "I'm just sort of blown away."

She was pleased customers from Utah, Texas, Missouri, Chicago and Arizona were not only spending money in Rustic Romance, but found it as special as she does.

"I put together something here that I love and is my passion. It seems to be attracting great energy," she said.

"It's sort of a cornucopia of things I love and I think that bring comfort and happiness," she said.

Smells good, too.