Appalachian Botanical Co. – purveyor of aromatherapy and second chances
By Vanta Coda III, RealWV
Located not far from Highway 119 on Daniel Boone Parkway in Foster, Appalachian Botanical Co. produces lavender-infused body care, aromatherapy, culinary and home goods, and distributes similar products from other local West Virginian companies.
The company is also known for its support to individuals who have come out of rehab, incarceration, or have difficulty finding work in the area. Marina Sawyer, Appalachian Botanical’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is dedicated to supporting her workers, whether they are part of the company for the short or long term.
“We strive to provide our employees with opportunities that are not typically available in the area,” said Sawyer. “We offer learning opportunities to help our workers excel and provide support where it’s needed.”
The learning opportunities provided to the workers range from basic home electrical maintenance to beekeeping roles. By imparting these skills, Appalachian Botanical Co. hopes to help individuals who have faced hardships readjust to a healthy work lifestyle.
“Some people use working here as a stepping stone and that’s fantastic, as they move on to pursue other things,” said Sawyer. “We also have workers who have been with us for a long time and have found a comfortable place here.”
Employees like Amber Marie Bias has been with Appalachian Botanical Co. for three years, working in various capacities, from tending to the lavender plots and bee hives, which are now managed and operated by Coalfield Development, to packaging products for shipment.
“The opportunities provided here are better than other places in the surrounding counties,” said Bias. “I don’t know about other second-chance job programs, but here, they offer a lot.”
The company also has a therapy room for workers who need guidance through personal or legal pressures, where they can speak to a peer recovery support specialist.
“If you’re on the verge of relapsing or have had a relapse, you can speak to the counselor in confidence, and he will help guide you in the right direction,” said Bias. “When you’re starting out again, it’s hard, especially when you find a job, because other places are not as understanding of the legal requirements that people like me have to navigate. Here, they are very understanding and support me when I need to take care of personal matters.”
With these opportunities for locals in the surrounding area and the company’s continuous growth, other local West Virginian companies have partnered with Appalachian Botanical Co., entrusting the Botanical Co. to handle their shipping needs.
“We are halfway to where we want to be,” said Sawyer. “But we have come a long way from where we started, and if it weren’t for the hardworking people who had worked or are still working with us, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are today.”
