When Antoine Davenport was recovering from injuries he sustained while working at a warehouse in 2019, he knew his healing process needed more than traditional medicine: He had heard that aromatherapy could benefit both the physical and mental health of those who use it.
Not only did Davenport discover an accelerator for the healing process, he also discovered the basis for a new business. After becoming a certified aromatherapist, he and his wife launched Aromex Air, which offers scents that can be sprayed or diffused to change the atmosphere of a room or car. The company sells its products by mail both domestically and internationally and has one brick-and-mortar store on New Black Wall Street at Mall Parkway in Stonecrest.
According to its website, Aromex Air’s products include “a diverse lineup of all-natural oils that are backed by scientific studies to have antibacterial properties that, when combined with an ultrasonic diffuser, help prevent the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses,” as well as products that can address issues such as poor sleep, anxiety, menopause, morning sickness, and cold symptoms.
Davenport said he offers more than just soothing, sometimes therapeutic, essential oils — he offers hope and inspiration to people looking to bounce back from difficult times. Davenport, who describes himself as a “returned citizen,” explained that he had run-ins with the law at a young age, being arrested in Atlanta and sent to prison. After his release, he moved to Maryland.
“In 2021, I heard that a new complex called New Black Wall Street was being built in the Atlanta area, so my wife and I came to take a look. We were asked if we’d be interested in opening a store there, and we decided that’s what we wanted to do. I’m happy to be back in Atlanta, this time for a good reason,” he said, noting that his business will be recognized in July by the City of Atlanta as an outstanding example of a small business built from the ground up.
Located on Mall Parkway in Stonecrest, New Black Wall Street describes itself as “historic, cultural, experiential retail with amazing event space for everyone to enjoy.” Though there’s an emphasis on Black culture and aisles are named after Black businesspeople such as Madam CJ Walker and A.G. Gadsden, the website proclaims that New Black Wall Street is a place for everyone. “Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ethnicity, beliefs, race or the person or organization they represent,” it reads. “Our mission is to transform the entrepreneurial environment and drive success by providing a platform that supports and fosters inclusion and growth for businesses to thrive and communities to flourish.”
Davenport said the New Black Wall Street concept and the support it offers business people are among the reasons he decided to open the store. “I know it’s tough for people who are released from prison and don’t want to get in trouble. It’s not always easy to find work, and I want to help them. I hope my business can grow so I can employ people, and I also want to teach and inspire them to be business owners,” Davenport said.
Davenport said he read business books in the prison library during his time in prison. “I knew I wanted to go into the music industry. I’m really interested in rap music, but sometimes life takes you in unexpected directions,” he said.
“In a way, my time in prison helped me as it taught me how to overcome adversity. It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur. You need to have the right mindset and not get discouraged easily. There will be tough times. Not everyone can do that but as someone who has been through tough times before, I know I have the power to keep going until I succeed.”
