For aromatherapist and holistic bodywork practitioner Anne Walker, finding a new space to open in since the floods has been tricky. But now, Anne’s business, Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary, has found a new home in Lismore’s Club Lane.

In her new second floor premises, Anne has set up her massage clinic. But unlike her pre-flood shop location in the Star Court Arcade, she doesn’t yet have a shop front to sell her essential oils from.

It’s something she hopes will change over time. For now, she’s just glad to be open again.

‘The little aromatic pharmacy’

Anne first opened ‘the little aromatic pharmacy’ in 2019 after she visited the South of France and loved it.

“Aromatherapy is very affiliated with French culture and I’d always dreamed of having an apothecary,” Anne said.

“Usually an apothecary (pharmacy) is associated with herbal medicine but I wanted to open one dedicated to aromatherapy.

“So, when I came back, I moved my massage clinic from Nimbin to Lismore and opened a shop front dedicated to selling over-the-counter aromatic medicine.

“People would drop in and I would mix oils, creams or lotions on the spot. I would also do massages using essential oils.”

The shop lasted three years, until the February flood destroyed her business.

Like many other business owners, she had moved her stock up high, but it wasn’t enough.

“I saved a few things that I’d put in the Star Court Theatre, but not much,” Anne said.

“It was the second time I’d lost a business to flood – it happened to my previous business in 2017 as well.

“Reopening this time took a while because I wasn’t emotionally ready for a long time. I needed to be in a good space to look after other people.

“Then I found the Club Lane place when I was visiting the naturopath next door.

“It’s a nice room with lots of light and a good affordable starting point for me.

“I’m taking massage bookings and will have some apothecary items for sale and some flood stock is also available.

“People can book in for consultations – I’ve been practicing remedial massage and reflexology for 20 years and bio-dynamic craniosacral therapy for ten years .

“I also do aromatherapy massage and facials or feet treats.”

Anne said she loves the essential oil single vetiver for grounding - but also likes to use rose, for grief and loss.

The new Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary is located at Level 1, Suite 4 Club Lane, 71 Molesworth Street. If you would like to book in for an appointment, you can phone 0408 490 385, or visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lepetitaromatiqueapothecary