Just K.A.D.E. Aromatherapy & Artisan Boutique in Middleburg
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos by Kaitlin Hill
When it comes to aromatherapy, there’s a reason why “therapy” is embedded in the word. It’s about transformation, and that’s exactly the driving force behind Kimberly Lane’s new business: Just K.A.D.E. Aromatherapy & Artisan Boutique in Middleburg.
Using premium essential oils and organic ingredients, Lane discovered the secret of transforming everyday rituals into mood-enhancing moments. Crafting luscious face and body products, soy candles, diffusers, and more, she’s in the business of delivering serenity one sniff at a time.
The Story Behind Just K.A.D.E.
“A few years ago, I started making handmade soaps for my family,” Lane shares. Her business takes its name from the initials of her family’s first names: Kimberly (herself), Anthony (her son), Dennis (her husband), and Eleanor (her daughter). Each bar was a labor of love, designed to provide not just cleansing, but an experience that uplifts.
As her creativity evolved, she expanded to candles. “The warm glow and soothing scents transformed our spaces and we knew we found a way to bring joy and comfort to our community,” she says. Every candle is made with soy wax and infused with essential oils, resulting in a clean burn.
Before opening the Middleburg outpost, Lane first started selling products from a shop in Fairfax County. In addition to her boutique, she takes her products on the road, setting up at events, wineries, and special shows. Products like body and facial creams, cleansers, oils, butters, gels, lip balms, whipped organic grass-fed tallow butter, salves, soy candles, diffusers, and hydrosols resulted in repeat customers.
Her first show was in April 2024 at the Middleburg Spring Fling, which proved to be a hit. In September 2024, she became a certified aromatherapist, which required the completion of a 150-hour accredited course by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
This March, a ribbon-cutting celebrated the opening of Just K.A.D.E. in the heart of downtown Middleburg. “I’ve always loved Middleburg,” Lane says. “We stumbled across this space we’re now in and are thrilled to be here. Everyone’s been super helpful.”
Products for the Whole Family
“A lot of care and consideration go into each product,” Lane explains. She focuses on “using [fewer] chemicals and more natural and organic ingredients. I also make the wicks.” Each essential oil has its own unique set of therapeutic benefits related to relaxation, healing, skin care, or stress relief.
“I love so many of the products, but my favorite is the Headache & Migraine Gel,” says customer Jane Gallant. “I have suffered migraines for years and have taken every medication under the sun. I love using the migraine gel because it smells wonderful and does help. This product, along with the soaps and candles, is wonderful. I can’t wait to stop by the new store to get more!”
Specialties for men include beard oil and beard butter, with aftershaves coming soon. Kyle Zilberfarb shares, “The Mountain Mist soap reminds me of a cozy cabin trip. The Grapefruit Bergamot candle is definitely my favorite.” He adds, “The little soap racks and jars of matches are also a great touch… I highly recommend their products, and the owners are super friendly and helpful.”
Diffusers and hydrosols, a water-based product with a more subtle scent, are also perfect for every room in the house, office, car — or barn! “If you have an anxious pet or horse, first spray your hand and let your pet smell it,” Lane advises. Care must also be taken with essential oils and children, but some can be kid-safe with proper dilution. Lane recommends lavender hydrosol if a baby has a rash or eczema, and other scents can be tested once they reach 2 years or older.
The shop carries two types of diffusers: an electric option that uses water and essential oils to produce a mist, and a passive variety that requires no water. With passive diffusers, just place a few drops of essential oil onto materials like reeds, clay, or a lava rock to absorb the oils and gradually release them into the air.
Unique Scent Names
Lane’s husband, Dennis, works at the shop during the week and when Lane is away at a show. They develop the scents together, and Dennis helps with the clever product names. “We have a soap and candle called Groovy that he named, which has scents of patchouli, vanilla, and pine,” Lane says. “I used to hate patchouli, but when mixed with other scents, it’s great.”
Other customer favorites include Hummingbird, a summery scent of honeysuckle and lemon; Petals, a blend of jasmine, lavender, and rose; Sap Happens, filled with frankincense and myrrh; and No Pulp, a curated mix of grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, and orange. “My husband also came up with that name,” Lane adds.
Custom Orders
For special occasions, seasonal events, or business functions, Lane offers custom orders with personalized labels for soaps and candles in a variety of sizes and scents. Soaps can also be ordered in unique shapes like flowers or animals.
Last fall, Lane created specialized candles for a wedding and crafted labels including the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date, and a favorite quote. She worked with the bride’s mom and supplied samples. “It was a fall wedding, so they wanted a fall scent,” Lane remembers. “As a certified aromatherapist, if someone has a specific need, I would definitely work with them to ensure I’m crafting the product they want. If someone is pregnant or a customer wants to target a specific problem, such as anxiety or stress, I can work with them on that.”
Lane concludes, “I never thought I’d have a shop; the ribbon-cutting this past March was surreal. I often ask my husband, ‘Can you believe we have a store?’”
For those looking to add a sense of serenity to their day, Just K.A.D.E. might be the perfect prescription, delivering therapy for all. ML
Just K.A.D.E.
116 W. Washington Street, Suite 202
Middleburg, VA 20117
justkade.store
Published in the May 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.