32 Innovative aromatherapy company Essence is helping people keep calm, feel refreshed and stay focused wherever they happen to be. The Utah-based company’s creation, Essence Ring, is a portable aromatherapy solution that enables wearers to experience the many benefits of essential oils on the move. We chat with Essence CEO, Mike Deleeuw, to find out more. Aromatherapy has been used to soothe the mind and body for centuries. With its roots in ancient civilisations, plant extracts and fragrant oils are blended using botanical knowledge and healing traditions. Recognised for gentle yet measurable effectiveness, these essential oils can help to ease stress, support relaxation, and enhance wellbeing. As more of us turn to natural treatments and evidence of effectiveness grows, so does the popularity of aromatherapy. When finance professional Mike Deleeuw took flights where unpleasant odors abounded, he came up with an idea to revolutionize the way we smell the world around us. Combining his years of experience in banking and business with a passion for holistic treatments and aromatherapy products, Mike launched Essence in 2018. The centerpiece of the Essence collection is the Essence Ring, an essential oil nasal diffuser worn as a clear, almost invisible, septum ring. Each ring, when properly cared for, can be refreshed with oils up to 30 times, and wearers can choose from a range of aromas, including lavender, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and orange. Mike tells us: “Essence’s mission is simple yet powerful: to enhance personal wellbeing through accessible and innovative aromatherapy solutions. Essence exists to empower people to take control of their wellness with tools that are sustainable, stylish, and seamlessly woven into daily life.” Reimagining aromatherapy as both portable and sustainable, Essence has differentiated itself from competitors in the wellness space. With most options being either too bulky or messy to use on the move, Essence Ring is an ultra-discreet accessory that offers up to 5 hours of continuous aromatherapy when and where needed. Crafted from medical-grade silicone, Essence Ring is designed with wearability and longevity in mind. Mike says: “Essence Ring is a private wellness ritual that doesn’t intrude on others, wrapped in an elegant, minimalist form. We want to make wellness effortless, something you can carry in your pocket, designed to integrate into even the busiest of routines.” Essence’s carefully crafted, essential oil blends are targeted to meet and address real everyday needs such as calming stress, boosting focus, easing nausea and strengthening immunity. The popular Respiratory Collection includes pure peppermint and eucalyptus oils and signature Breathe Easy, Immunity and Allergy Relief blends. There’s even a Candy Cane limited edition for that seasonal holiday feel. Customers can choose from a range of Starter Kits of 5 different scented rings, a sample pack of 20 scents, a favorite scent Refresh Kit, or the option to build their own bundle. Mike explains: “We’re especially proud of our Essence Refresh Kit. We’ve created it for those who have already discovered the transformative power of the Essence Ring and want to keep it as part of their daily ritual. The kit includes two reusable Essence Rings, a 5ml bottle of premium essential oil chosen from blends such as Stress Relief, Energy, Breathe Easy and Rest Easy, and a soaking bay that makes recharging your rings clean, easy, and sustainable.” Popular with allergy sufferers, regular wearers also include medical professionals, healthcare and hospitality workers and frequent travelers. Many customers report reduced levels of stress and anxiety, more energy, lessened nausea and migraine symptoms and clearer sinuses. One reviewer reports that her husband no longer snores when wearing the Essence Ring. Another says Essence Ring feels like a pocket-sized spa that only they can access. With the increasing focus on sustainability, consumers are scrutinizing single-use products such as inhalers and sprays more than ever before. It’s in this area where Essence Ring stands out as both eco-conscious and cost-effective. However, having a great product is bound to attract cheap imitators. We ask Mike how Essence is navigating this. He tells us: “While low-cost alternatives validate the demand, they also confuse customers. Our challenge is to educate the market by advising how Essence is different, which takes time and requires clarity. Our emphasis is on quality, safety, and experience. Our rings are made from medical-grade material and infused with therapeutic-grade essential oils. This is something the knockoffs can’t replicate.” Essence doesn’t just market scents; the company also advocates intentional breathing practices and mindful rituals, promoting mental and physical wellbeing. Aiming to normalize portable aromatherapy in the same way that headphones have done for music on the move, Essence is now looking to grow its retail presence beyond Amazon. Logical next steps include partnerships with wellness destinations such as Sephora, Whole Foods, spas, fitness centers, boutique hotels and luxury apartment complexes. Understanding the positive impact Essence Ring can have in the workplace, Essence is also forging trusted partnerships with national corporate wellness providers to help employers boost morale, improve focus and promote overall wellbeing in their workforce. Revisiting Mike’s original idea to help airline passengers and staff, the company also plans to offer Essence Ring for sale in airport vending machines. Be Centered and Grounded – Anywhere! Sep25092
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==