Natural Wellbeing with Essence + Alchemy
When the days start getting shorter and the evenings close in
bringing with it a sense of hibernation and rejuvenation after the heady days of summer; I like nothing more than to unwind and relax by lighting scented candles or incense sticks to bring peace and tranquillity to my surroundings. A big mug of tea or glass of wine curled up under a soft throw with a good book, you simply can’t beat these moments.
One of my favourite places to go to treat myself to botanical scented goodness is Essence + Alchemy, from their divine packaging to the heavenly scent of each of the goods, it truly is sublime with an added touch of magic. Lesley really is an alchemist, bringing to the fore the four elements, fire, water, air and earth the inspiration behind each of her goods. Everything is handmade in small batches with pure essential oils and packaged in an ethical way, everything has been sourced and produced to have as little impact on the environment as possible, the brands ethos behind what they do and why is rather wonderful you can read more here.
We all seem to be living more increasingly busy lives but I try very hard to stop on an evening, the phone goes away along with the laptop what doesn’t get done today can wait until tomorrow. We need time to restore and recharge, learn to breath, slow down our thought patterns and relax. I find scent be it candles, aroma mists or incense help me focus and do all of the above. Essence + Alchemy aroma mists and incense are subtle not overpowering but have delicate tones that help aid sleep. I use the aroma mist before I go to sleep the scent helps me fall asleep quickly and brings with it a restful nights rest. I am also a huge fan to incense sticks, I find the process of lighting and releasing the smoke into the room has such a powerful effect, the scent lingers for a long while after the stick has gone bringing with it a soothing calmness that helps with my overall well being.
I asked Lesley the founder of Essence + Alchemy became what it is today and how she sees it growing in the future, this is what she said.
“I started out as an Environmental Scientist and after experimenting for many years with botanicals and essential oils for their well-being properties, I decided that this was a true passion and it was time to launch a new venture. I started creating natural candles in my kitchen and then hatched the idea for Essence + Alchemy, which brings together the natural scent and energy of plants (essence) with my scientific and environmental background (alchemy).
Candle making came about because it was a happy distraction from house renovations and then slowly became an obsession into making the best candles I could with quality materials. I started E+A alongside my career as a self-employed environmental consultant which was hard work because I was often travelling and away overnight.
Moving into the garden lab earlier this year, I’m still investing a lot of time and resources into that. I enjoy growing slowly. I think E+A will always be small-batch, it’s very personal to me and rooted from an idea of sustainability and creating less. Candles and products are all about wellbeing and aromatherapy so if it was mass production behind the scenes, it really wouldn’t fit with this.
I’ve just launched candle club which is a way of reusing candle beakers so that customers can receive a refill every month in their favourite scents without having to worry about a growing container collection.
Earth products, which is a new apothecary line, is launching end of the month/early October, starting off with bath salts. I’m a massive bath lover and it’s always been a dream to make my own range.
Continuing to collaborate, I really love working with other makers or businesses on projects, it’s always something a bit different from what I’m usually doing. I’ve got a few exciting collaborations coming up this year.
For the future, I’d really like one day to have a small space or a travelling space because I have a retro caravan to renovate – a small sanctuary where people can come and breathe in aromas. Maybe next year!”
I can’t image not having the joy that bontanical scent brings to me and my home, to my overall well being, it nourishes my mind and brings calm to my surroundings. The world would be an altogether sadder place without it.
Jx
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rosreader
I adore these. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful product (along with many others). Love reading your posts.
Ros x
Jane
Thank you Ros for your lovely words. E+A are a rather special brand I whole heartedly adore their goods. Try the incense sticks oh my they are good x
The Wellbeing Blogger
Such a lovely post and inspiring story, enjoyed to know more about this brand. Wishing you a great weekend 🙂
Jane
Hello
Apologies for my late reply, this one slipped the net! I am so pleased you liked reading about E+A they are true gem of a brand and I highly recommend all their products, I use them on a daily basis. Jx