Fragrant Gift Ideas

This cozy little store is off the beaten path in Sapulpa.

This cozy little store is off the beaten path in Sapulpa, but if you like things that smell good  – and make unique gift items – you’ll love Anabell’s Escentials at 802 W. Taft.

You might even say Anabell’s Escentials is dedicated to the sense of smell. Owner Lee “Anabell” Whitaker believes that fragrances around you can relax, energize or maybe just sweep you away to another place in your mind’s eye. She carries one of the area’s largest selections of fragrance oils and essential oils; more than 100 of each are available.

Her interest in fragrance began many years ago. But it wasn’t until 2004 that she finally decided to put her corporate position behind her and follow her more creative passion of making candles and lotions. All of the store’s bath gels, lotions, body mists, bar soaps, bath salts and linen sprays, as well as the 100 percent soy candles, are handmade with love and pride.

“I think I’m a frustrated chemist,” Lee says with a laugh. Some scents are classics. Others are blends of oils that produce unique fragrances. She can even make oils for kinetic lamps and duplicate most candle scents that customers bring in. It’s just part of the personal touch that you get at Anabell’s Escentials.

The soy candles that Lee makes come with wicks or without wicks for use with warmers. She chose soy over paraffin because soy burns cleaner, lasts longer and has no carcinogens. All soy is purchased in the United States.

New for this Christmas is a special line of men’s lotions. They are non-greasy, absorb quickly and contain no alcohol. The lotions are available in three masculine fragrances.

Pre-made gift baskets will also be available for Christmas, as well as made-to-order baskets.

Other gift items include DWK limited edition warmers, Western and Native American figurines, sterling silver jewelry, ceramic electric warmers for candles, tarts, and votives. The flameless electric warmers are especially popular for dorms, offices and the elderly. Lee even carries an essential oil diffuser that produces no heat. The Pova diffuser, a favorite with massage therapists and aromatherapists, simply vibrates.

“We just love what we do,” says assistant Robin Thomas. The two ladies create the products and share their knowledge with anyone who wants to learn about fragrance. “We visit with friends and have fun,” says Robin. All the products at Anabell’s Escentials are either handmade or selected with reasonable price points in mind. And everything comes with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Family plays a big role in Lee’s life and her business. Many fragrances were inspired by family members. The store’s name is a tribute to her late sister who, as a child, turned Lee Ann into Anabell.

Besides the retail store, Lee maintains mail order channels through the Internet. National and international retailers and designers have contacted her for possible business partnerships. Her goal is to expand the business so that she can create part-time jobs for area mothers with school-age children.

“This community means a lot to me, and I want to give back as much as I can,” says Lee. Sapulpa’s small-town charm drew her away from Tulsa to live and set up business.

Stop by Anabell’s Escentials, 802 W. Taft, Ste. D, Tuesday through Saturday. Extended store hours during the month of December are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is located on Highway 117 between the Wal-Mart Super Center and Main Street.

For more information, contact

Anabell’s Escentials

www.anabellsescentials.com 

About Author Deanna Rebro

Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said.