Madison D’arezzo

“Knowing that I make people’s days brighter through my blends is a gift”

My name is Madison Leigh, and I am an aromatherapist and CBD formulator. 

Although I did not discover aromatherapy until after I graduated from high school, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and was exposed to natural healing at a young age. My mother was a personal trainer and nutrition coach, and she taught me the importance of treating your body with care—and being thoughtful about what you put on and in your body. 

This early lesson would later impact my life’s passion, though I did not know it at the time. I did well in school and typically juggled multiple jobs at once. At an early age, I was motivated to support myself and become independent as soon as possible. In my free time, I ventured outdoors by hiking, climbing trees, and exploring nature. I also gained an appreciation for the arts through my grandfather, who was a painter and jeweler. 

While I was a motivated and hard-working student, I was not entirely sure what my goals were following high school. I did not want to begin college without a better idea of my future plans, so I decided university was not for me. Ultimately, this gave me the opportunity to really consider what I was excited about. I began working for a Maine-based company in the hemp and medical marijuana industry, where I was introduced to the benefits of CBD. I saw the impact that cannabinoids could have on people’s lives, and I soon realized that essential oils and CBD could be combined to create powerful solutions.

My journey with aromatics began when my cousin recommended the New York Institute of Aromatic Studies. I started taking classes at the Institute in 2017, first signing up for an online program and becoming a certified aromatherapist. In the program, I learned about an array of essential oils and their chemical compounds, along with the endless ways they could be formulated—for both cosmetic and wellness purposes. The course also gave me the opportunity to complete several case studies in which I worked with clients to create blends that addressed their personal needs. Some of the products I created still populate my shelves. After completing this course, I signed up for a second course in New York, where I dove into intensive daily study. During this time, I learned about botanical body care and began blending butters, waxes, and extracts to create plant-based skincare items, bath and body products, and more. I deeply value the knowledge I gained about creating base formulations for products, blending carrier oils, and developing product lines for companies. 

In late 2018, I finally kicked off my own company, 42020 Visionaries. I have continued my studies while running my business. Currently, I am taking an online class that focuses on the internal use of essential oils for aromatic medicinal purposes. I am always eager to learn, and I spend my free time listening to podcasts and reading studies about aromatic plants, terpenes, and cannabinoids. 

I was trained in aromatherapy when I opened 42020 Visionaries, but I had to learn about the business aspect more intensely and sooner than I anticipated. In order to expand my knowledge, I took classes through the Center for Women Enterprise in Providence, Rhode Island, and through the Small Business Association. I needed to figure out how to create my own labels, develop my website, and market my products to the right audience. I shared my products during the first two years of running 42020 Visionaries by participating in shows and small markets, where I met and spoke with artists, creators, and customers who have remained clients to this day.

These shows helped me gain experience in selling my products and confidence in sharing my knowledge. It was not always easy and I was lucky to have my mom by my side throughout my struggles; she assisted in setting up my tents and tables, talked me through a few emotional crises, and, most importantly, fully supported my ideas—as did my whole family. 

Up until 2020, I had been creating my blends at home, but I knew that I needed a bigger space to expand my brand. Now, I rent a beautiful spot in Shady Lea Mills, a small artisan community in North Kingstown, R.I. There, I am able to fulfill orders, meet clients for consultations, bring in speakers for wellness events, and host classes in aromatherapy and yoga. One significant aspect of aromatherapy and cannabinoid formulation is that they are most powerful when combined with other therapies—such as yoga, massage, exercise, and healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits.

While I have been successful in acquiring this new space and reaching various clients, I have faced challenges along the way, specifically in regards to prejudice against CBD products. Some stores do not allow me to sell my CBD products, despite the fact that hemp-based CBD products are legal in the United States as of the 2018 Farm Bill Act. Many credit card processors do not process CBD products, so I have to work through an external processor with higher rates. Some people turn away when they hear the term CBD, potentially because of pre-established ideas or because of past negative experiences associated with low-quality products. With both essential oils and CBD, adulteration is common and quality control is limited. I have worked hard to spread information about this issue and have written blog posts about it on the 42020 Visionaries website.

Despite these challenges, I am determined to continue creating. It is amazing to see the positive effects my CBD and non-CBD blends have on people’s lives, both physically and mentally. Whether I am crafting a custom blend for pain relief or sharing an essential oil mask refresher spray that brings smiles to people’s faces during a global health crisis, I constantly feel excited about the impact of my work.  

In the future, I intend to continue providing a safe space for people to feel comfortable talking about what they need or are looking for in their products, and, more generally, in their lives. 42020 Visionaries gives clients the opportunity to play a direct role in creating one-of-a-kind blends that are tailored specifically for them. Knowing that I make people’s days brighter through my blends is a gift. 

With love,

Madison