Located in Historic Downtown Acworth GA 30101

770-975-3334

 NORTHSIDE NEWS August 2006                                              City Beat: Acworth

ESSENCE OF ESTHER: FRAGRANCE OF A QUEEN

By Laura Agadoni 

There is nothing more memorable than a smell. A certain aroma can instantly take you back to your childhood. Think mom's home cooking, dad's aftershave or a freshly mowed lawn. Certain fragrances can also affect your mood. The scent of basil, for example, can energize while lavender can calm and soothe you. 

Valerie Yates, founder and President of Essence of Esther (the product) and Essence of Esther II (the shop) has learned how to combine fragrances in her all natural bath and skin care products to suit individual needs. 

Valerie hand-makes all her merchandise: soaps, lotions, bath salts, massage oils, body scrubs and more. She has a men's line too with the same products only with a more masculine scent. Men can also purchase after shave, facial toner and moisturizing cream there. And if you are looking for that special present, you can choose between a wide array of gift baskets. 

Valerie is sensitive to what is healthy and good for her clientele. No artificial preservatives, harsh chemicals or isopropyl alcohol is used. "I stay away from synthetic preservatives:' She explained that chemicals found in many cosmetics can have destructive effects on the body. She also pointed out that "mineral oil is absolutely horrible for your skin" and that "alcohol clogs your pores."

Valerie uses ingredients like purified water, organic coconut and shea butter. "You can actually read my label and know what's going in my products." 

On Mondays Valerie closes her shop and prepares her orders at home. "My mother says I've turned my house into a manufacturing center," laughed Valerie. But it's worth it. "To me fresh is better:" 

Essence of Esther's tagline is "fragrance of a queen," referring to Queen Esther from the Bible. "Esther is my hero," stated Valerie. "We're all queens or want to be a queen at some point." Valerie has designed twelve distinctive scents based on characteristics Esther displayed. For example, Esther's beauty is brought to life by the fragrance combination of jasmine, lavender and vanilla. Her boldness is represented by tangerine, orange and anise, and her grace is typified by chamomile, lemongrass and mandarin. "But if you don't like my scents, then you can design your own scents," explained Valerie. "I have one customer who is so spoiled I shut the store down when he comes. I give that one-on-one service. That's what I do. That's the fun part.”

Speaking of fun, Essence of Esther II hosts two kinds of parties, one for young girls and one for "girls' night out." The bath and skincare spa party for girls will have the birthday girl crowned queen for the day with her own crown and robe to wear. The queen and all her party guests, otherwise known as "members of the court" will get to make a product from scratch. They can choose three items from a list that includes: body glitter, spray or powder, lip gloss, bath salt and more. They all will take home what they make plus some lotion, molded soap and a sachet purse. The party will be held in the "inner court;' a room decorated like a palace fit for a queen, of course. 

For girls' night out, Valerie will come to your home and bring products you choose like facial steam, masks or moisturizers for you to try. "Those that choose to soak their feet can do that too," said Valerie. At this party, expect to sit around, relax, drink some wine perhaps, and play a couple of games. 

When you order any product, Valerie will include a verse from the Bible and will donate 30 percent of what she makes to various charities. "This is my passion." 

Essence of Esther II is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10: 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 4551 Lemon Street, Suite 200, right off of Main Street in downtown Acworth. Phone: (770) 975-3334. Visit online at www. essenceofesther.com.

Valerie Yates has learned how to combine the fragrance of a queen in all her products.

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Essence of Esther™ Fragrance of A Queen
Last modified: 03/21/2007