Karen Ashton, a dynamic force in the holistic health industry, is not just a tutor but a trailblazer, shaping the future of wellness education. As the founder of the Holistic Therapies Training Academy, Karen has turned her passion for holistic health and her keen eye for quality into a thriving academy that stands as a beacon of excellence. With a background as diverse as a business owner, office manager, and qualified accountant, Karen’s unique skill set has fueled her mission to elevate the standards of holistic training. Every course she develops—whether online or in-person—reflects her unwavering commitment to providing top-tier education that empowers future holistic practitioners to achieve their highest potential. In this Mystic Mag‘s interview, Karen shares the journey behind building her academy, her vision for the future of holistic education, and how she continues to set the bar high in an ever-evolving industry.
Your journey from a business owner and accountant to the founder of Holistic Therapies Training Academy is truly inspiring. What motivated you to transition into the holistic therapy field, and how did your previous experiences contribute to building the academy?
My journey into holistic therapies started as a personal search for a fulfilling career. As an accountant, I thrived on the structure, precision, and order that came with the profession. However, despite this, I found myself craving something more—something that connected me with people on a deeper, more personal level. I wanted to help people improve their wellbeing and make a tangible difference in their lives.
This realization led me to explore the world of aromatherapy, something I had worked with personally since a younger age. I initially started by creating an online shop, where I sold essential oils and aromatherapy products. Aromatherapy, for me, became more than just a business—it became a passion. I was fascinated by the effect that essential oils could have on both physical and emotional wellbeing. The therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy, combined with my business drive, helped me build a successful online venture.
As my knowledge of aromatherapy grew, I progressed into training as a beauty and holistic therapist. In 2003, I launched my holistic therapist business. Initially, I started by working from a cabin in my garden, offering treatments to local clients. Over time, I expanded, working in rooms within salons and eventually co-owning a spa in a hotel in 2006. Running a spa within a luxury hotel was an invaluable experience—it gave me insight into the beauty and wellness industry on a larger scale, particularly in terms of customer service, client satisfaction, and the creation of tailored treatments that catered to individual needs.
However, while I enjoyed offering treatments, I realized that my true calling was in teaching. In 2007, I decided to focus on education, sharing my knowledge and skills with others who, like me, were passionate about helping people through beauty & holistic therapies. I was driven by the desire to make a lasting impact, not just by offering treatments myself but by empowering others to provide those services. Setting up the Holistic Therapies Training Academy was the beginning of this vision.
My background as an accountant played an important role in the success of the academy. Financial management, organizational strategy, and understanding the inner workings of a business allowed me to create a solid foundation for the academy. I knew how to manage budgets, develop long-term business plans, and implement effective operational processes, all of which were essential in growing the academy. My business acumen combined with my passion for holistic health allowed me to create a thriving institution where students could learn, grow, and ultimately, make a difference in the lives of others.
You are known as ‘The Aromatherapy Geek’ and are also working on your second publication. How does your passion for aromatherapy influence your teaching and course development, and what can readers expect from your upcoming book?
Aromatherapy is truly behind the passion of my professional life. As ‘The Aromatherapy Geek,’ I have developed a reputation for my in-depth knowledge of essential oils and my commitment to sharing this knowledge with others. My passion for aromatherapy drives the development of my courses at Holistic Therapies Training Academy, where I aim to offer students a holistic understanding of how essential oils can enhance overall wellbeing, both physically and emotionally.
When I first started exploring aromatherapy, I was interested in the ways they could help someone, from their ability to alleviate stress and anxiety to their powerful healing properties, essential oils offer a natural, effective solution to many health concerns. This has influenced my approach to teaching. I believe that students should not only understand the science behind aromatherapy but also the art of blending oils and applying them in different therapeutic contexts. This is why, in my courses, I emphasize both theory and practice—students learn about the chemical components of essential oils, their therapeutic benefits, and how to blend them in a way that is both safe and effective.
My second publication, which I am currently working on, is aimed at more advanced students who are progressing to Level 4. In this book, I delve into the more clinical and prescriptive aspects of aromatherapy. The focus is on using essential oils for specific therapeutic outcomes—creating blends tailored to individual clients’ needs, whether that be managing chronic pain, improving sleep quality, or supporting mental health. This publication will provide readers with a deeper understanding of essential oils and their potential in clinical settings, along with practical guidance on how to apply these insights in a professional context.
Readers can expect a blend of theory and practical application in the book, which I hope will empower them to take their aromatherapy practice to the next level. The goal is to provide my students with the knowledge and confidence to create bespoke, prescriptive blends for their clients, enabling them to offer highly personalized treatments that address a wide range of health issues.
What type of services do you offer?
At Holistic Therapies Training Academy and through my work as The Aromatherapy Geek, I offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of both aspiring and practicing therapists. The core of our services revolves around accredited training & Ofqual regulated qualifications in beauty and complementary therapies. These courses cover a broad spectrum of modalities, including aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, beauty, and sports therapies.
One of the things that sets our academy apart is the flexibility we offer. In addition to in-person training, we provide a range of online courses, allowing students from all over the world to access our educational resources. These digital courses are perfect for individuals who may not have the time or ability to attend in-person classes but still want to advance or refresh their knowledge and skills, we call these our knowledge building courses.
We also offer specialized masterclasses for therapists looking to deepen their expertise in specific areas, such as advanced aromatherapy blending or massage techniques. Our membership programmes provide ongoing support, allowing students to continue learning and growing in their professional journeys long after they have completed their initial qualifications.
Beyond training, I also provide mentorship to aspiring therapists and salon owners. This involves one-on-one guidance, helping individuals navigate their professional paths, develop their skills, and build their expertise as therapists.
Mentoring aspiring therapists is a significant part of your current role. What do you find most rewarding about guiding others in their professional journeys, and how do you approach mentorship to help them achieve work-life balance?
Mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. There is nothing quite like watching a student grow from someone with little knowledge or experience into a confident, skilled therapist who is ready to make a positive impact in their clients’ lives. Being part of that transformation is incredibly fulfilling, as my time as a therapist has come to an end, I can now focus on teaching and helping others fulfill and flourish in their careers.
When I mentor aspiring therapists, I take a holistic approach. It is not just about teaching them the technical skills they need to be successful—it is also about supporting their personal growth and helping them find balance in their professional and personal lives. Many therapists struggle with work-life balance, particularly when they are first starting out and trying to build their client base. I encourage my students to set boundaries early on, to prioritize self-care, and to create a schedule that allows them to maintain a healthy balance between work and rest.
One of the key things I emphasize in my mentorship is the importance of self-awareness and reflection. I encourage my students to regularly check in with themselves and assess how they are feeling, both physically and emotionally. Are they feeling burnt out? Are they overcommitting themselves? Are they neglecting their own wellbeing in the process of caring for others? By fostering this kind of self-awareness, I help my students develop the tools they need to maintain a sustainable, fulfilling career, and hopefully not make the same mistakes as me with ‘burn out’.
The Holistic Therapies Training Academy offers a range of programs, from online courses to VTCT qualifications. How do you tailor your offerings to meet the diverse needs of your students, and what feedback have you received that has shaped your approach?
One of the things I am most proud of is the diversity of courses we offer at Holistic Therapies Training Academy, with our experienced tutors, who specialize in different course ranges, such as, nails, beauty, holistic therapies, and sports therapy. That is why we offer a range of flexible learning options, including online knowledge building courses, part-time courses, and in-person qualifications such as our VTCT-Ofqual regulated courses.
Over the years, student feedback has been important in shaping the way we approach our training. Many of our students have busy lives—whether they are juggling work, family, or other commitments—so we have made sure to offer courses that can fit around their schedules. For instance, our online modules allow students to learn at their own pace, while our in-person qualifications provide hands-on experience.
One of the most common pieces of feedback we have received is that students need more support in completing their case studies and gaining practical experience. In response to this, we have introduced additional support, including case study days and coursework support days, which help students stay motivated and on track as they work through their course.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals for the Holistic Therapies Training Academy, and how do you plan to continue evolving both professionally and personally?
Looking to the future, I have several exciting goals for the academy. Professionally, I plan to continue expanding our course offerings, particularly in the area of advanced holistic therapies & beauty. I am also focusing on developing trainer qualifications, which will allow us to help other therapists step into teaching roles and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
Personally, I am committed to continuing my own learning journey. I am always looking for ways to deepen my understanding of aromatherapy and wellness, and I plan to stay up to date with the latest trends and research in the field. This ongoing education is vital in ensuring that the academy’s courses remain relevant and innovative.
In addition, I am working on launching new membership programmes and completing my second publication. I am incredibly excited about this book, which will provide advanced insights into essential oils and clinical aromatherapy for students working at Level 4. This publication will be a significant milestone in my career, and I hope it will help therapists across the industry develop their skills and offer more personalized treatments to their clients.
My goal is to continue inspiring others—both through my teaching and my work as ‘The Aromatherapy Geek.’ I want to contribute to the growth of the holistic therapy field and help more people experience the profound benefits that holistic treatments can offer.
