Anoush Oils
Longtime Ellwood Thompson’s employees specializes in natural aromatic goods
Nancy Smith loves working with her hands. She’s drawn to making natural things and sharing them with others, whether that be a great cup of coffee, a painted portrait of someone, a ceramic bowl crafted for a friend, or an essential oil that is meant to offer immune support.
A Washington D.C. transplant, Smith came to Richmond to attend VCU for art and design, and like many fellow students and creatives, decided to settle in Richmond for the friendlier, slower vibe.Over the years, she has worn the hat of illustrator and designer, singer in a Balkan band, and assistant at a small ceramics company. But it was a gig at Ellwood Thompson’s that would serve as the true jumping ground for Smith to build a brand of her own.
Anoush Assorted Essential Oils
Photo Credit: By Jacqui Photos
A woman-owned business specializing in natural aromatic goods
“I was fortunate to be hired on at Ellwood's during the 2009 recession, and I absorbed as much as I could there about healthy living, diet, and natural medicine,” she says.
At the time, her friend Lucretia of House of Lukaya stocked and sold her herbal products at the Carytown store. And it was Lucretia that would encourage her pal to launch a wellness company there as well.
“In 2012 I brought a small line of quality essential oils into the supplements department, and over the years, the product line has grown to include bath salts, incense, and ceramics,” says Smith of her aromatic goods.
The products from Anoush contain all natural ingredients with readable labels. Looking to clear sinus and bronchial congestion? The Wellness Soak is meant to sooth, made with Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, jojoba oil and essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender, myrtle, peppermint, tea tree, thyme, spruce. Pushed yourself at the gym this week or suffering from insomnia? The Sleep Soak Knockout Blend aims to relieve sore nerves and muscles, and promote sleep. Want to channel that cozy and comforting cabin-in-the-woods feeling without leaving your living room? Anoush's Forest aroma spray blend combines invigorating essential oils of balsam fir and other evergreens with a pinch of spice.
Photo Credit: By Jacqui Photos
Smith says of her longtime tenure at Ellwood’s both as an employee and business owner, “Anoush has a great home base at Ellwood Thompson’s. It's been a joy to make these things by hand, and to know that customers enjoy them and find healing in them. I've learned that the small things done with care really do make a difference.”