Imagine if I could share with you the knowledge I have gained about developing an aromatherapy business--that you could apply to any business--online.
For the last two months, I have been involved in a wonderful project with 14 other inspiring business women called Inspired Maven 8 Week Challenge, lead by the amazing maven herself, Sarah Prout.
Even though the Inspired Mavens come from a range of different backgrounds and business models, we all have one characteristic in common ... passion for what we do. I discovered this is the foundation to be laid for any online business to succeed. Passion comes from the heart, to share what you know and learn what you don't.
Below are just some of the valuable insights I have gained from the Inspired Maven Experience:
Understand what you do. Sounds simple, but what is really your passion? Spend a few minutes writing about how you will help people, how they can get support from you, and the knowledge they can get from you and your business rather than just your title and qualifications.
Understand where it is you want to go. We all have goals and dreams. It is important to think in terms of short and long term goals. Write them down and share with a mentor or support person.
Make an Action Plan. How will you act on the goals you have made? What do you need to do next? Without action, it is just a dream!
Learn from other women in business. Surround yourself (online and offline) with business women who have the success you want. Listen to them, ask them questions, learn from their knowledge.
Want to know ALL the Inspired Maven secrets?Empowering Advice from Business Women Online eBook is available now!
Using an aromatherapy diffuser is a beautiful way to transform your surroundings. You can create a spa-like atmosphere or instantly brighten the mood of your home or office.
A diffuser is different to an oil burner because a diffuser doesn't heat the essential oil. It uses either air or a reaction between a metal plate in the diffuser, the water and the essential oil to create a fine mist that not only looks fantastic, but gives greater therapeutic value because there is no heat present to damage the tiny molecules of essential oil.
So which diffuser is best? I have reviewed four diffusers that are currently available - nebulising diffuser, ultrasonic diffuser, home diffuser and aria diffuser. Let's compare...
Nebulising Diffuser
Back in the day, this nebulising diffuser was the only aromatherapy diffuser available when I switched from oil burners to diffusers. It certainly looks a bit strange, because it has three different parts - glass nebuliser, the well and the pump. But if you want pure therapeutic essential oil in a room, this is the quickest way. You fill the well with pure essential oil (nothing else), turn it on, and air is blown across the well, pushing the essential oil up the nebuliser and transforming it into a mist.
This diffuser uses a lot of essential oil, but the therapeutic benefits are extremely high. The pump is as noisy as a fish pump, so can be a bit much if you want a relaxing atmosphere. I used this diffuser a few years ago when I had glandular fever and I was back at work in four days! Most people take weeks and months to recover. I highly recommend this diffuser for therapeutic value which in my opinion outweighs its odd look and noise.
My Rating for the Nebulising Diffuser (out of 5 stars) Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★ Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★ Ease of Use: ★★★★★ Noise Level: ★ Appearance: ★★★
Ultrasonic Diffuser
Yes, I have this diffuser at home too! This is my favourite diffuser hands down. Again, it doesn't really win in the looks department, but is ultra quiet and has five different timer settings. It seems to fill the room with lovely aromas, no matter what the size of the room. I have had people comment they can smell my essential oils before they even get to the door when my diffuser is on!
The ultrasonic diffuser uses water and essential oil and relies on a metal plate on the bottom of the unit to convert this into a cool mist. Amazing chemistry at work! It does have a bit of a "spaceship" appearance--the lights come on when in use. You can turn the lights off if you are going to use it while sleeping. This diffuser has an automatic shut off when the water gets low making it ideal for night time use. I recommend that every household should have at least one of these diffusers. The ultrasonic diffuser only needs between 6-10 drops of essential oil. They can be used overnight (and lasts all night on setting "4") for sick kids (or adults), creating atmosphere, and uplifting mood. Try it, you will NEVER go back to an oil burner again!
My Rating for the Ultrasonic Diffuser (out of 5 stars) Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★ Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★ Ease of Use: ★★★★ Noise Level: ★★★★★ Appearance: ★★★
Home Diffuser
This sleek little number is very impressive in appearance, and looks great in the home or office. It is a little fiddly to fill with water as there are two compartments to fill. It works via the same process as the ultrasonic diffuser--with water, a metal plate and essential oils, has two timer settings and automatic shut off. The home diffuser also only needs 6-10 drops of essential oil, but I find the scent doesn't seem to permeate the room as much as the ultrasonic diffuser in a big room. I like the home diffuser best for the office, home office and formal areas of the home. It looks great and isn't too overpowering for those sensitive people at the office. The feedback I have received from office placement is that the whole mood has changed virtually overnight! So that is a big bonus for the home diffuser!
My Rating for the Home Diffuser (out of 5 stars) Aroma Coverage: ★★★½ Therapeutic Value: ★★★★ Ease of Use: ★★★★ Noise Level: ★★★★★ Appearance: ★★★★★
Aria Diffuser
All I can say about the Aria Diffuser is "WOW!" This is the Rolls Royce of diffusers. Again this diffuser uses water/metal plate/essential oil technology, but also comes with built-in soothing music, ability to plug in your MP3 or iPOD to play your own music, LED lights that you can turn on or off, and solid American maple base and remote control. It makes a gorgeous centrepiece in any home. It has three timer settings--1, 2 or 3 hours, making it eye catching, mood enhancing and therapeutic all at the same time.
You may want to have a look at this short video which shows just how easy it is to use and how awesome this diffuser is.
I highly recommend the Aria Diffuser if you want the full experience of the senses--soothing sights, relaxing sounds and beautiful aromas. It doesn't get better than this!
My Rating for the Aria Diffuser (out of 5 stars) Aroma Coverage: ★★★★★ Therapeutic Value: ★★★★★ Ease of Use: ★★★★★ Noise Level: ★★★★★ Appearance: ★★★★★
This Top 5 Essential Oil Resources Websites is not like any other list of essential oil resources. It is a list that contains quantified scientific research, wonderful testimonials from real people and more information about the essential oils I use--Young Living Essential Oils.
There is so much to learn about essential oils, they are more than a nice smell for an oil burner. In fact, I don't recommend you use an oil burner at anytime--but more on that in another post! These resources will open up a world of aromatic medicine and natural health at its best.
Here's my Top 5:
PubMed If you want essential oil research, facts and figures, here it is all in one place. PubMed comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. The searchable database allows you to chose a specific essential oil and find all the latest science and research from all over the world.
Oils Testimonials Website A Young Living users website with thousands of testimonials and searchable database. You can search anything from A-Z from arthritis to yeast infections! You can also uses search terms such as a particular essential oil and its uses or use the word "dog" or "horse" to search for essential oil uses for your four legged friends.
Gary Young's Blog D. Gary Young is the founder and president of Young Living Essential Oils. His blog was created to give him an online vehicle to share his thoughts, travels and experiences. Learn more about this man who has resdiscovered the healing properties of essential oils.
Young Living on You Tube Want to see the live action? You can see all the latest about Gary and his travels to the Middle East is search of the best frankincense. There are many videos about essential oil uses, the farms and the people. My favourite video is Using Young Living Lavender Essential Oil.
Sound Concepts Online Store This online book/DVD/CD store contains hundreds of titles you won't see elsewhere. Gentle Babies is one of the best books I have seen for using essential oils with babies and children. I also highly recommend 53 Ways to Use Ning Xia Wolfberry. There are also many success books, CDs and DVDs to support business minded people. Also, check out the DVD, Quantum Physics, Essential Oils and the Mind-Body Connection.
I hope you found this list useful. If you did, please share it :)
I refer to these websites often. It is a good idea to bookmark them for later reference too. If you have a website that you think gives out of the ordinary essential oil information, I would love to hear about it. You are welcome to contact me with your ideas.
Essential Oil Goddess would like to declare "I love my Facebook friends!" It has been nearly two years since I joined Facebook and I have met some amazing friends along the way. I am so grateful for the power of social media.
It has been really exciting to discover more about the people I have connected with. Many are practitioners, business people, educators (even those who say they aren't!!) ... and also talking and using essential oils along the way!! I have learnt so much from each of these people, they share wonderful and educational posts on Facebook and are leaders in their field.
I am so grateful to the following people that I have connected with in person (and by phone for those a little too far to meet in person) via Facebook. You have enriched my life. Here they are:
Anne Aleckson Anne is so inspirational on all levels. Everytime I meet with her I get new ideas that are ready to burst! She has an inspirational website that you might like to check out too! Her favourite essential oil blend is *Joy* of course :)
Judi Edmondson Judi is based in North Queensland and owner of Soul Bliss. Her enthusiasm is contagious! She has just started writing essential oil articles for the local magazine called Connect.
Jen Hunt Jen is naturopath extraordinaire and owner of Nutriente wholefoods store located on Sandgate Rd, Nundah in Brisbane.
Amanda Vella Amanda is an amazing horse woman based on the Gold Coast and runs her own horse rescue and sanctuary. I have shared the oils with her horses to provide some gentle emotional clearing and learnt so much more about horses with her.
Reece Wilson Reece is an amazing natural educator. She provides essential information about natural and chemical free living, and the real deal when it comes to natural health. You get the truth and only the truth from Reece.
Mia Rose Mia is a sex therapist who has been very supportive of the use of essential oils for beautiful relationships. She is an expert in her field and creates an understanding about relationships on all levels.
Kerry Beake Kerry has been a great supporter in the field of body image and my other project Lose Weight Peacefully. She has wonderful and insightful thoughts about women and loving their bodies and who they are. It is an inspiration.
Karen Muller Karen is a wonderful practitioner for horses and her business Equine Body Connections operates from Hervey Bay in Queensland. A wonderful horse woman supporting horses and teaching people how to better understand their horses.
I am so happy to have met my Facebook friends in person. We all have so much to offer each other. If you are on Facebook, I encourage you to connect and create relationships with people who have common interests to you. Who knows? You might just discover a new "real life" friend!
PS If you haven't connected with me already on Facebook, please do so. I would love to hear from you. (HINT: Include a brief message when you want to add a friend - you wouldn't go up to a stranger on the street and say "Add me as a friend!" without having a little chat first!) Looking forward to connecting :)
There are two new and interesting modalities emerging in Australia that have the potential to dramatically change lives. Lorna Russell is a natural therapist based on the northside of Brisbane and is a professional practitioner of these techniques. I recently interviewed her about the exciting work she is doing.
Lorna, please tell me what is unique to your practice? My practice is unique because I work with Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils offering Raindrop Technique and Egyptian Emotional Clearing and applying them 'neat' to the body. Clients often comment that they 'go somewhere' during either of the techniques and are amazed by the results that are often felt instantaniously.
I feel blessed to be able to provide my clients and the people around me the gift of experiencing these amazing techniques.
How do you use essential oils in your practice? It is necessary when performing Raindrop Technique or Egyptian Emotional Clearing Technique to use these specific therapeutic grade essential oils when I am applying the oils neat to the body. Both techniques start with a Valor balance where Valor oil is applied to the feet and held until the energy in the body is balanced, this can take up to ten minutes.
With Raindrop Technique oils are applied to the feet using 'Vitaflex' an ancient form of Tibetan Reflexology. Oils are then dripped up the spine and 'feathered in' using Native American and modern massage techniques. Egyptian Emotional Clearing Technique is a process of anoiting the essential oils through the chakra points of the body and also involves other bodywork techniques. These amazing oils simply go to work to achieve the best possible outcomes for the client.
What is your most interesting story about using essential oils with clients? I would have to say that my most interesting story was my first experience with the oils. My dad had recently undergone open heart surgery, on a vist a couple of weeks later to my parents home I told my dad about these amazing essential oils that I had discovered and had with me. I only had the Everyday Oils Kit and the Raindrop Kit at that stage and was not too sure what oils were effective for different ailments.
My dad could not lift his left arm any higher that chest height, so I chose Valor Essential Oil and applied to his shoulder area. We sat chatting for a while and then he suddenly raised his arm above shoulder height, we both stared at each other flabergasted. Needless to say my dad is hooked on Valor and is slowly building his kit each month, mum now uses them too and my nieces line up each time they visit to get oils applied to their feet.
If you were going on a trip and you could only take one essential oil, what would it be and why? If I had to take one oil on a trip it would most definitely be Young Living Peppermint! I use peppermint for muscular pain, headaches, tummy aches and when I need a lift I inhale its beautiful aroma or simply put a tiny bit on my tongue for an instant wake me up!
Finish this sentence: I love Young Living Essential Oils because...of the look on people's faces when they realise after one drop of these amazing oils there is often an an instant affect on their mood or their pain level, it never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks Lorna, for sharing your passion with your practice and the insights that you have had with the essential oils. If anyone would like to receive a treatment from Lorna, please call for an appoointment on 0431 487 749 or her website www.lornarussell.com
I have a love for horses, so aromatherapy for horses sounds like an awesome combination! This post, we welcome Zoe Dodds from Natural Horse Therapies, offering her perspective about aromatherapy for horses and why essential oils are such an important part of natural health for horses.
Firstly, tell me what you do and what is unique to your practice? I work as an equine educator and holistic equine therapist. I am author of several books on holistic therapies that empower people in understanding the subtle dynamics of equine health. My passion is horses and natural health and my life's dedication is to share this with others.
My work emphasises the natural communication that arises when one learns to work harmoniously with horses. I seek to understand the way our horses think and interact, educating people in natural ways of handling. I believe that developing a relaxed attitude of assertiveness and respect with horses whilst remaining centred and present, will always deliver the best results in whatever one’s chosen field of horsemanship.
From an early age I have felt the call of horses and have been deeply motivated to find ways that make the path of the horse in the human world one of pleasure and connection and richness. I believe each of us has the ability to experience a deep connection with nature and animals when we expand our consciousness to encompass all beings. I find essential oils fit in perfectly with this intention. Through using essential oils we can balance ourselves and our horses and it is easy to do. This is what makes my practice unique.
How do you use essential oils in your practice? I use essential oils to help balance a horse that needs emotional or physical balancing. I will offer them first an opportunity to deeply inhale the essential oil, and I will also place drops of specific oils in various locations on their body, dependant on what I am treating. Where a horse is sensitive, I will use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oil potency. Generally, I find the horses love the oils and will become very quiet and inquisitive.
What is your most interesting story about using essential oils with clients? I received yesterday a very excited call from a lady who had not been able to pick up her horse's back leg due to its pain. She was ecstatic because for the first time in 5 years, her horse offered her its leg and easily allowed her to lift it (where previously the farrier had to file it while it was on the ground and he would dig a hole around it to do it!). I had used Panaway and wintergreen along with some gentle massage techniques. Hooray for the oils!
If you were going on a trip and you could only take one essential oil (this can be a blend or single oil) what would it be and why?Well, I would definitely take Peace and Calming. I absolutely adore this oil. It smells terrific and it has so many of my favourites in it: Tangerine (Citrus nobilis), ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin). I really do find it relaxing and uplifting at the same time.
I find it is one of my favourites with horses also, and well, if I was going on a trip, I would want the benefits of this oil!
Finish this sentence: I love Young Living Essential Oils because...they are guaranteed to be so pure. I love the attention to detail and the fact these oils are researched not for profit alone, but for their maximum therapeutic value.
Thanks Zoe for sharing your expertise in combining the equine world and essential oils.
Zoe is based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. If you would like to contact Zoe about her practice or to find out more information about essential oils and horses, please contact her on (07) 5442 6971.
Here at Essential Oil Goddess, I want to provide you with the information you want to receive. Could you please take a moment to complete a survey that is designed to listen to YOU! It will take less than a minute. Promise!
With so many practitioners are incorporating essential oils into their practice, it is time to introduce you to some of the wonderful women over the next few posts, who love essential oils, proving that you don't need to be an aromatherapist to use essential oils as a professional.
This week, Michelle Wells, an Osteopath with her own practice on the northside of Brisbane, shares some insights into her work. Thanks, Michelle for taking the time to answer my questions.
Tell me what you do and what is unique about your practice?
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine--the osteopath primarily uses their hands to both diagnose and treat the patient.
The individual’s condition is identified with both allopathic (conventual) medicine methods (e.g. a stethoscope to hear the heart beat) and osteopathic methods (e.g. palpation where the osteopath places her/his hand on the skin surface to determine the condition of the underlying tissues).
Treatments are specifically designed for each individual depending on the condition of the tissues and the tissue changes required for the return of health. The osteopath applies osteopathic principles to determine how, when, why, and what treatment is applied.
My service is unique because I believe patients can, rightly expect to have their health and well being made the greatest priority because people matter the most. I expect a reduction in the individuals symptoms will be obtained within a limited time.
Because I am the director of my practice, each patient receives individual care and I am available most days. I also run a child-friendly practice with lots of toys and lots of space to play. I have developed a passion for treating babies and children.
How do you use essential oils in your practice? I apply the essential oils topically during treatment. I also offer a drop of either lemon, tangerine or orange for oral ingestion in the patient's drinking water.
Sometimes I will offer the essential oil bottle to be inhaled and I always have my diffuse operating. This supports the physical and emotional wellbeing of the client.
I may also give patient small amount in a left over bottle to take home after a treatment.
What is your most interesting story about using essential oils with clients? I regularly use Gentle Baby (Young Living Essential Oil Blend)for pregnant women, babies and those needing a calming effect. Pregnancy is a time when application of oils is limited however, Gentle Baby is safe, relaxing and appreciated by the woman. In addition when using the oil through pregnancy women feel comforted that there is an oil which can help settle an irritable baby.
If you were going on a trip and you could only take one essential oil, what would it be and why? I would definitely take lavender because it has such a wide range of essential uses in every day life and suits most every person. It can also be applied undiluted to the skin.
Finish this sentence: I love Young Living Essential Oils because... the quality, the quality, the quality! The quality is reflected in the fact that they can be applied topically undiluted.
Thanks Michelle, for sharing your thoughts and passion with us. If you are interested in an Osteopathic treatment with Michelle at her Brisbane clinic, please call her on 0405 061908.
Welcome to my first post at the Essential Oil Goddess blog. What better way to start than to give you some inside information about me and my business. Some a little personal, but I hope you will see my passion for essential oils and my business. So here goes:
I practice what I preach. I cleared a urinary tract infection without antibiotics and only pure essential oils in four days.
My mermaid logo was designed and painted by Tina-Renae . The myth behind the winged mermaid is that they were known to give the sailors a very hard time and were considered very cheeky! Tina-Renae based her sketch on me ;-)
The “Goddess” came from a passion of wanting women to feel like a goddess without chemicals, junk, and using a natural way to bring out their natural shine—inside and out.
My favourite essential oil blend is equal parts of ylang ylang, patchouli and sandalwood. Watch the men (and women) go wild!
I resigned from my full-time and secure job in education on 29 July 2009 to dedicate all my time to Essential Oil Goddess. I love every minute of it.
The most fun essential oils event was a hen’s night where twelve women made essential oil perfume. The bride-to-be was covered in essential oils during a lavish initiation ceremony.
Occasionally, I get strange phone calls from men late on Friday afternoon, wanting a “massage now.” They want extras which I don’t provide! Therapeutic only!
The most distant place I have travelled with my oils is Perth, to an expo. I love attending expos and sharing the oils.
I have clients and customers in the US, England, Australia (of course), New Zealand, and Japan.
I go to the Mt Mee (near Daybro, north-west of Brisbane) markets every month. It isn’t just for the great customers there; it is for my love of the country kitchen there! Homemade goodies for lunch :-)
The most common things I get asked for essential oils that may help are sleep, depression, and back pain.
I also treat horses. It all started when I heard about a horse rescue on the Gold Coast. My favourite essential oil blends to use on horses are Peace and Calming and Release. The horses have no placebo effect.
The most unusual thing I have been asked for was an essential oil to get rid of evil spirits for someone who believed they had a curse put on them. I suggested frankincense essential oil.
I have been interviewed on radio numerous times talking about essential oils and using them in daily life. It is possible to incorporate oils into your daily life.
We used essential oils at our wedding and just had our first wedding anniversary. I got those same oils out to celebrate our anniversary. It was very special ;-)
I made a list of things I wanted to achieve in 2007 which included completing an aromatherapy course and getting into essential oils. Who knew!
My friend’s husband nicknamed me the “Essential Oil LOVE Goddess.” I take it as a compliment.
The most popular treatment is the Raindrop Technique. It is a combination of Tibetan Reflexology and Native American Indian Massage.
My essential oils have given me new friends. Besides the hundreds of people I have met at expos, markets, workshops and in my practice, I have met twelve people in person via Facebook and they are now real life friends.
I have made essential oil perfumes for myself and others for PMS, libido, acne, and wrinkles. They are the ones I can think of now.
The biggest compliment I have had about my oils was when a lady asked "What is that beautiful perfume you are wearing?" and I said "It is my anti-bacterial, anti-viral, essential oil blend." I put it on everyday during the swine flu scare as my protection.
Converting men to using essential oils everyday has been my biggest challenge –essential oil aftershave is my starting point for them.
I work on an aromatic medicine principle. I ingest and use essential oils neat on my body.
The most beautiful thing so far was with an off-the-track racehorse. After using an essential oil blend called Release, he lowered his head in my hands and looked thoroughly relaxed. So beautiful.
All women, men, children and babies can use essential oils for their everyday health and wellbeing. In my mind the Essential Oil Goddess is real!
I am passionate about essential oils! I love to inhale them, ingest them and use them neat on my skin. "What?!" I hear you say..."You can't ingest essential oils or use them undiluted on your skin!"
This is the big difference (in my opinion) between aromatherapy and aromatic medicine. I am a qualified aromatherapist and have been taught that dilution (usually 2%-3% essential oil in a carrier oil) is the correct way to administer essential oils.
Have you ever considered that adulteration of essential oils has become so widespread that it is extremely difficult to get a pure essential oil that is chemical and pesticide free, unadulterated or cut and has ethical and sustainable standards, and this could be the reason for such drastic precautions with essential oils?
I hear you say "What about the research showing the dangers of essential oils?" I would look carefully at the research asnd determine:
Did the research use human subjects? (Mice and Rats react very differently to humans in so many ways!)
Were the essential oils used in the research, pure and unadulterated? (Some research is conducted with isolated components of essential oils, instead of the intact and pure essential oil.)
Let's look at what a pure essential oil is made up of...pure concentrated plant material...that's all. The essential oil of the plant is its defence system, protects the plant from disease and pests, has hormone like actions, and has a healing action--just cut into the bark of a pine tree and see the "sap" come out to form the "scab" on the tree. Essential oils are the life blood of the plant.
These are the amazing healing gifts on this Earth. If you have a pure essential oil from a company you can trust then it has the potential to bring you health and welling for you and your family.
It takes time and effort to produce a high quality essential oil for aromatic medicine purposes. You cannot buy that from the shelf in your local health store.
This is the seed to seal process. Check out this video to get the full picture.
Imagine if I could share with you the knowledge I have gained about developing an aromatherapy business--that you could apply to any business--online.
