What inspired you to work with aromas?

A botanist friend introduced me to essential oils and botanical extracts and I became interested in their benefits for topical use. Starting with skincare, I started to explore the ways these extracts made me feel, and to learn more about how they supported psychological and emotional well-being. I decided to study aromatherapy in 2012, during a time of big transition, when I learned that my father had cancer. I delved into how aromatherapy could have an effect on and support emotional states, as well as how scents can become associated with a specific moment. I developed a blend for my dad which supported release and acceptance of transition. Now every time I smell it, I think of my dad and the beauty of letting go. A few months after my dad passed away, I finished my clinical certification in aromatic studies.

What sorts of things have you learned so far?

Much about olfaction, its language, and its connection to memory. In my practice, I’ve learned that most people are very passive when it comes to the sense of smell. If and when we do think about smell, we consider it mostly through a closed and conditioned nose, one that has learned to make associations regarding smell that are rarely based on one’s personal preferences.

What motivates you to seek out naturally occurring scents?

I’ve always been put off by synthetic scents. If I’m around strong synthetic fragrances, I usually get headaches and nasal allergies. I often find them to be invasive and offensive. Botanical scents are subtle and gentle, but more importantly, they have therapeutic benefits that synthetics do not. The wholeness of the materials that I use are important for the purposes of my aromatherapy practice, so I prioritize the quality of botanical ingredients.

What evolution have you seen in people's feelings about aromatherapy?

The more curious and aware people become about health and how the products we put on our bodies can affect us, the more that people become interested in alternative ways to support health. Aromatherapy as a practice is a lot more popular and common than it was five years ago. In large part, this is due to how unregulated essential oils are and makes aromatherapy easily accessible. I’m wary of aromatherapy being this accessible, because of the amount of misinformation and irresponsible advice that flood the internet. I’m very concerned that people think that if a substance comes from a plant that it must be safe.