By Regina Allen

When Gregg Corzine and David Klass started Archipelago Botanicals in 1998, they dreamed of creating spa-like products that would help people take a break and relax from their busy schedules. In 2012, the company that was started in a garage in Santa Monica has turned into one of the fastest growing lines of high-end bath, skin and candle products.

That desire for a calm and tranquil existence was exactly what these two hard-driving partners had in mind for themselves. A fan of essential oils who was already treating his children with herbs and homeopathic remedies, Corzine convinced his longtime, CPA-turned-entrepreneur friend Klass to take a chance on the new venture. At a time when “aromatherapy” was just becoming part of American vernacular, the associates gave each other 6 months to create a brand that could find a loyal following.

Today Archipelago candles are lauded for their distinctive scent combinations and clean style. While each collection has a unique personality, all are hand-poured, exquisitely packaged, feature safe, lead-free wicks, and include the finest ingredients, natural fragrances and essential oils. Ancillary scented products also include the popular Diffusers, Potpourri and Home Parfum Sprays.

The foundation of Archipelago Botanicals remains the same after all these years – essential oils and natural ingredients. Originally known best for their candles, the company introduced their award winning MILK Collection in 2000, following it up with additional personal care collections including Morning Mint, Sugar, Pomegranate, Grapefruit and ~ most recently ~ 2011’s Boticario de Havana, Lavender 5 and Elder & Olive collections.

The Archipelago Botanicals name itself is unusual, yet relevant; pronounced “ahr-kuh-pel-uh-goh,” it means a large chain or group of islands. The subtle association with exotic travel fits well with Archipelago’s quest to seek out and offer American and International consumers pampering products that feature the finest ingredients, essential oils and spa rituals from various parts of the world.
With a predominantly female customer-base, the two get by with a decidedly metro-outlook, ideas from international trend shopping, antique fairs, spas and a healthy dose of feedback from the women in their lives. Their passion and sincerity are reflected in the way that they speak about what they do and in the high standards to which they hold themselves. “It’s all about quality products that have integrity. Beyond that, the business is easy and fun,” says Corzine. “I wake up most mornings and absolutely love what I do,” says Klass.

To browse the full collection of products and to purchase your favorite, please visit www.archipelago-usa.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 at 12:39 pm and is filed under Lifestyle, Vol. 28. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.