Ariel Ross has 10 years of experience in Aromatherapy, and has owned and operated a small business retailing her product line for the past 7 years. Ariel became involved with aromatherapy when she was at the University of Guelph. She studied privately, focusing on blending the oils, and her training earned her an Aromatherapy diploma. Due to her allergies and fairly severe asthma, Ariel, who loved candles, found it difficult to take the synthetic scent of the candles on the market, and decided to make her own. She created a line of Aromatherapy blends that are integral to the 5Elementals product line, and her first scented candles were born.

Over aproximately 12 years, Ms. Ross worked for various companies in customer service, bookkeeping, sales and marketing, research and management. She acquired a lot of knowledge about the world of business, setting up the office of a new franchise, running trade and retail shows alone for a health-supply business, and creating advertising and marketing strategies in a management capacity. Her particular strengths lie in her marketing, advertising, and sales abilities, as well as her creative and business vision.

In 1996, Ms. Ross started her own small business focusing on retailing her own Aromatherapy Essential Oils and Blends, as well as Aromatherapy candles. Starting out with a very small booth in the Fergus Market (50 sq foot space), she was surprised by her success. In April of 98, she expanded her booth to 150 sq feet, and the sales increased similarly. Almost immediately, she obtained interest from storeowners who wished to include her Essential Oils and Scented candles in their stores. To meet the demand, Ariel began to increase her candle production. The introduction of 5Elementals Aromatherapy candles in the store was extremely positive - her initial batch of 250 candles sold in 8 days, and her blending increased by 80% in for the month.

Ariel is married and just had her first child, daughter Vivienne in October of 2001. Her other "children" are a feisty long haired Chihuahua named Tiki, a boisterous black Lab/Newfoundand cross called Sam, and a sweet Pointer/Staffordshire mix, Lila. Sam in particular appreciates the candle business, occasionally eating a few when mommy isnt looking.

Nancy Jackson is in charge of all retail sale shows, as well as any retail sales that occur during the week. She runs the booths that 5Elementals rents out at various consumer shows and is an exuberant sales woman. She and Terry Jackson have given Ariel enormous support and encouragement, and have financed the 5Elementals endeavor, and continue to do so. They personally test the product in their home constantly, and give feed back and help with the packaging. Terry, the jack of all trades and general handy-man, keeps the booth displays in order, helps with set up and tear down of all shows, and keeps the factory in working order.

Beth Honey is 5Elementals Lead Candlemaker - she has been with Ariel since the beginning. She runs the production line smoothly and efficiently, as well as packaging and shipping and receiving.

5Elementals has various part-time and seasonal workers, as the summer months are prime production time as we get ready for the Christmas season.