December 14th, 2011
Interview by Monika Meulman
Awaken My Senses is a successful, natural skin care company
started by Colleen Hague.
Recently we caught up with her, to ask a few questions about her products and business know how.
1. You have aromatherapy training and now make Awaken My Senses products. How do you stay on top of the ever changing essential oils information year to year? Is it hard to formulate consistent product as the oils change?
A. The changes in the essential oils are a positive thing. Suppliers provide me with vital news about the changes in the oils and we know, as professional aromatherapists, that they will be different every time.
When we formulate the products, each of the raw materials contributes to the new blend. To identify this, each product has a different Lot # and this may correspond to a slightly different feel and smell. The slight changes in the products also ensure our bodies don’t become adapted to the blends and ingredients. In standardized skin care lines, we may build up an immunity or resistance to specific materials. This is especially common in lab formulated ingredients.
Our website states that product changes with batches and that nature is ever changing. This is the normal expectation of products made of natural materials.
2. What is your hottest seller and why?
A. Our sensitive skin program is the best seller right now. It was designed for truly sensitive skin and many people choose it because of this. The focus was to support rosacea, eczema, and skin sensitivity. Many of us think we have sensitive skin, when we are actually reacting to a sensitizing ingredient in a synthetic skin cream. Since we work with natural ingredients, most of the products are actually good for even ‘sensitive skin’ individuals.
3. If you could only make 3 products for the skin, what would be your top 3 and why?
A. My top 3 would be: cleanser, moisturizer for day wear, and a night time oil. We need to clean our skin from the daytime debris, and toxins in this world. I recommend to cleanse 1x per day at night time. Using the night time oil keeps your skin soft and is dermal – goes deep into the skin to nourish it overnight. The day time cream provides light coverage and moisture for our face.
Ideally, we also scrub our face, 3x per week, with a facial scrub, like an oatmeal blend, to take off debris and dead skin cells. The scrubbing also promotes healthy circulation in the skin.
4. Awaken My Senses is taking health food stores by storm. What is your most successful marketing strategy?
A. We focus quite a bit on direct selling, providing in store demos and in store seminars and workshops. This allows customers to become familiar with quality products. Our demonstration workers have background education in nutrition, aesthetics and aromatherapy. All are trained professionals and help the clients understand the best way of protecting the skin.
5. Aromatherapists are often enamored with the idea of creating their own product line but fail to realize how much work is involved. What are some dos and don’ts you could offer to a new product designer?
DO
Focus – small line, few products and keep it simple
DON’T
Try to be all things to all people – it doesn’t work
DO
Price for growth – build in 1. Distribution, 2.broker/sales costs, 3.hiring staff etc.
DON’T
Think just for now or price only on raw materials
DO
Think ahead 3-5 years.
Build in estimated labour costs
DON’T
Try to be a 1 season wonder – go all out and then bust
You can read more at: awakenmysenses.com
October 28th, 2011
Interview with Danielle Sade, owner of Healing Fragrances, Aromatherapy School and Essential Oils Supplier.
by Monika Meulman
Q1. Healing Fragrances is your company & school name. How did you decide on that name?
That’s a very interesting question! I think it all started when I began to explore chemical constituents, I recall being fascinated with the idea that a fragrance is healing. Along with my more philosophical anthropological interest, I also quoted “Within the beginning of all beginnings heavenly fragrances will appear”. When I was ready to package the knowledge of essential oils the only term that sounded right to me was Healing Fragrances School of Aromatherapy. 
Q2. Your previous profession as a naturopath gives you a very strong foundation in health and the human body. How has that education, training, and practice supported your work as an aromatherapist and aromatherapy educator?
The beauty of Aromatherapy is that it compliments practically every healing and lifestyle modality. I consider Aromatherapy the “Apothecary of holistic health” and it works well when integrating natural wholesome living and physical activity. I use my naturopathic skills and philosophy of “Elimination before healing!” This supports and prepares the body to heal itself. “ Wholesome food is the source of nutrients that the body needs to build up healthy cells and essential oils and their practice have a dual dimensional healing that recruits the para-sympathetic nervous system and at the same time the essential oils support the immune system with their microbial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, sedating bio-activity. This supports the body as a whole and puts in a path to healing and strengthens.
Q3. In previous talks and presentations, you have dealt greatly with the chemical bonds, chemical blending of essential oils. Is that your greatest passion in aromatherapy?
Chemistry is a science that deals with the nature of substances and the ways in which they act on, or combine with, each other. Therefore, I see life as a huge chemical composition. We are always reacting and responding. “ Physically, Mentally & Spiritually “ Essential oils are a chemical result of an individual plant, also taking into mind that no plant in this universe are the same so it will yield a different compositions within each distillations, due to these factors. So when I get a new result from a GC, it is like discovering a new oil all the time. On a different note I am always amazed when I discover how one chemical constituent that comes in trace amounts has such a substantial affect on the overall activity of the essential oil.
Q4. If you could secure funding with a research institute, focusing on essential oils, what area of study would you investigate? Dermal applications, Limbic system, Sense of Smell, Chemical breakdown of essential oils? Another area?
All the above are phenomenal subjects to investigate. However, I see that our society has more of a need for research in microbiology. Strains of diseases are getting harder to address with conventional medicine, while we as aromatherapist know that essential oils are phenomenal in prevention of bacteria and virus also support the immune system to cope with invading diseases. Pharmacopeia is also a great interest of mine. “Do not forget one of the major tasks of an aromatherapist is formulating the essential oils for a specific pathological target” I would love to know what happens to a synergy when it has been formulated for more than 24 hours. We know the smell changes however, we are not sure of how the chemicals have changed and what significant effects the formula has within the formula. By knowing the significant changes in the constituents we would understand how the synergy is activated. This would play a great role in the scope of an Aromatherapy practice.
Q5. Where do you see the Aromatherapy industry, in Canada, in 10 years?
It really depends on the research, development and the level of education on essential oils and practice.
A well educated aromatherapist should have the skill to be able to fit into a clinical environment and practice with essential oils and compliment any form of treatment professionally and safely. If we do reach a high academic standard, I see aromatherapy moving very quickly into institutions and common practice in everyday living.
Q6. What is your advice to a young aromatherapist or aromatherapy student?
We are pioneering in Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a very sophisticated science that has many schools of thought. Unfortunately there is a lot of theory out there without substantial evidence. Do not feed into information or theory without investigating it completely. Use the practice with researched knowledge and not by commercialized information to promote a sale.
Objectively, “I would say “Join the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapist” Reason is, belonging to an association that has strong foundation gives the ability to grow in Aromatherapy. This association thrives on growth and development in aromatherapy. The career of an aromatherapist is very much reliant of on a strong association that will stand on behalf of the practice of Aromatherapy and Aromatherapist. As an association it can lobby professional aromatherapy and bring greater results then an individual.
Danielle Sade B.Sc & C.A.H.P.
You may reach Danielle at:
http://www.healingfragrances.net/home.htm
Healing Fragrances
Thornhill/ Ontario
Canada
tel. (416)427-2228
e-mail: infoathealingfragrances.net
August 18th, 2011
An interview conducted by Ewanna Gallo – CAHP, CFA board member
1. How did you become interested in aromatherapy?
A.My mother received weekly aromatherapy treatments throughout the trials, tribulations
and pain of breast cancer. When my mother’s breast cancer had reached 3rd stage, her
aromatherapist asked me to massage her with a blend of anti-anxiety oils daily. These
oils, applied with love and care provided tremendous relief both physically and more
importantly, emotionally.
During this difficult time, my mom suggested that I should study aromatherapy. I was a
graphic artist and a mother of two small children at the time, so the challenge of going
back to school seemed unattainable. However, because aromatherapy had such a
positive impact on my mom’s end of life, the thought of being able to help others in this
way overrode any misgivings I had.
2. What education did you pursue?
A. In 2002, I attended the Mohawk McMasters Complementary Therapies course for 3
months. The classes unfortunately were cancelled so I then continued my studies at the
Balnea School in Burlington.
3. Have you pursued other studies since then?
A. In 2006, I studied medical aromatherapy under Dr. Daniel Penoel in France and I
have also studied with Eve Taylor (considered worldwide as the pioneer of modern
aromatherapy). I received a Healthy Breast Nutrition and Yoga Teacher Training
Certificate, studying under Dr. Sat Dharam Kaur and have also studied Iridology.
4. You have a business called Aroma Care. One of your current clientele consists of Long Term
Care residents. Could you give us your step by step approach to procuring these contracts?
A. Sure. What I needed was to gather and submit information to the health care facilities.
So the steps went something like this…….
• Research, research, research – such topics as use of essential oils in chronic care for pain,
anxiety, dementia, depression etc. Compile all of this information.
• Compose a cover letter with my logo attached
• Compose a fairly in depth outline of the benefits of aromatherapy and what I could
provide the clients with – ie what I can do for you
• I arranged an appointment with the supervisor stating that I was interested in offering
a program for the residents. I presented my “envelope” of information and briefly
discussed the benefits of aromatherapy.
• I was asked to meet with the activity directors. I brought a power point presentation
which was helpful in relaying the benefits of essential oils as well as the many ways the
oils can help to enhance health both physically and emotionally
5. Given that you are working with the elderly, I am assuming that you would not use a massage
table. How would you provide aroma care.
A. Care is provided in an “as is” position, basically, wherever they are. Because many times
they have difficulty moving and are unable to get up or even turn on their sides. I must
accommodate for them in whichever way they need.
I have a foot stool that I bring with me to each facility and it doubles as storage for all
my different blends. In it I carry a foot spray, with approximately 5 different blends.
For feet and lower legs I have the client elevate their legs so they rest on my lap.
For elimination difficulties, I massage the abdomen in a supine position on bed. For
shoulder and neck pain or headaches, the client would sit in a comfortable chair. This
allows easy access for back massage.
6. Who determines the clients you will be seeing and how long are the treatments?
A. The activity director will inform me if someone is experiencing pain for example, and
ask me to see them. As well, I will simply visit a resident and ask if they would like an
aromatherapy treatment. (the answer is always yes)
I have been approached by physicians and asked if there is anything I can do for a
patient who is experiencing issues such as agitation or anxiety.
Aromatherapy sessions provided by the chronic care facility are 15 minutes. If someone
wants to have extra time, the activity director will talk to the family to see if they wish to
pay for this extra time.
7. I find it interesting that you are hired under the Activity Centre department could you explain
this for me?
A. Yes, I think things are slowly changing in terms of aromatherapy being known as a
health benefit but for now, chronic care facilities are more open and comfortable with
offering aromatherapy as a “program”. As we all know, it will take time, education and
persistent promotion to bring to the forefront the benefits of essential oils.
8. What were the main hurdles to overcome and how did /do you overcome them?
A. Questions regarding fragrance and allergies…
…but I found that once I explain that the scent of the oils are not synthetic but rather a natural occurring aroma from plants all
fear of allergies disappear.
The other hurdle is always in play and this one is knowing when to stop and take care of
myself. I also provide aromatherapy to staff members at the Oakville Hospital and I find
that my thumbs ache due to the strain of massage. How I alleviate this is to schedule
a massage for myself and to try to remember to check in with my body to ensure that I
am not overworking or overextending my own body.
9. What is the most frequent complaint of the elderly client?
A. Pain.
10. What blend of oils would you use for pain for this clientele?
A. My generic blend would consist of peppermint, black pepper, ginger, clove, sweet
marjoram a little juniper berry and sometimes german chamomile.
11. Do you create individual blends for all clients?
A. I create generic blends for specific health issues such as constipation, agitation and
anxiety, as well as an anti-inflammatory blend and palliative blend etc. I also create
blends individually especially when there are other health problems to consider
12. What information is given to you in regards to the chronic care clients? Do you consult with
nursing staff?
A. At the majority of long term care facilities, I can access the client charts. The charge
nurse will inform me of the history of each client as well as any health issues. I chart in
my own log book plus I chart in the resident’s on site file. Charting would include such
information as blend of oils, any complaints of discomfort, changes in client demeanour
etc.
13. You mentioned that you work at Oakville Hospital. Could you describe what you do there and
what brought you there?
A. I work in the staff wellness program. This was a serendipity moment as I had scheduled
an appointment with the staff wellness supervisor who arranged to have her assistant
sit in as well.
After discussing aromatherapy and the benefits, I offered a 15 minute shoulder and
head massage.
This was the turning point. After the massage, they shared with me that they had
massages in the past but with aroma massage there was a sense of connection and
mindfulness. I was hired on the spot!
The staff wellness program now offers 15 minute chair massage to the staff. A
department is chosen and posted each week, staff sign up for a time slot and I provide
aromatherapy massage for 4 hours each week. This type of massage is strenuous as you
are endeavouring to loosen knots in shoulders and upper back area and as I said earlier,
can lead to achy thumbs.
14. What is the staff feedback?
A. Great! The staff love this – feedback is all smiles and positive. I receive emails from the
supervisor passing on testimonials staff have written on how much they enjoy this and
how it reduces stress.
15. Do you work alone?
A. When I started working in long term care facilities, I asked a friend Carla Piccolo, who
is also a CAHP, to join me. We work as a team although we do not work at the same
facilities. We practice aromatherapy at the Long Term care facilities and the Oakville
Hospital wellness program. It is great to have this mutual support and we meet every
Wednesday morning to discuss strategies, blends etc.
16. Could you tell me what inspires you the most in your aromatherapy journey.
A. Inspiration comes with each person. With each new day, there are new challenges, and
meeting and exceeding them is what inspires me. To make another human being feel
cared for, happy and comfortable is a great joy for me! I love what I do and I am truly,
truly grateful for this humbling work.
*Marianne has been invited to present information on the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils
to physicians in the Oakville area. We hope to re-interview Marianne following this presentation for
feed back from a physicians perspective.
By Ewanna Gallo. CAHP, CFA Board Member
February 8th, 2011
Join us in our ongoing discovery of all that aromatherapy has to offer to the client and to the aromatherapist. Our Q & A with Sharon DeRose is below.
Q How long have you been working as an aromatherapist?
A – I’ve been certified as an Aromatherapist for 7 years, but it hardly seems like work. Since herbology has been a huge part of my life for over 20 years I’ve yet to stop studying any aspect of it. My first couple years as an Aromatherapist were spent using oils in clinical treatments alongside reflexology and other modalities. Then I started designing my own natural skin care products and now it’s become my mission to provide quality education in natural product making ensuring that students leave with an appreciation of the oils they have at their disposal. As with any other profession, you’re only as good as your tools.
Q What was the most surprising aspect of aromatherapy for you when you started studying?
A – I had already studied Iridology, Chinese Herbology, Kinesiology and I could not believe when I got started with Aromatherapy that I had lived this long and not been exposed to essential oils. I was hooked and still use it almost every day in all aspects of my life. It combines so nicely with all other modalities. It’s simple, inexpensive to use and as a result we have a very low incidence of illness in my home.
Q What has been them most surprising aspect of aromatherapy to date?
A – I was most surprised to discover through my practice that oils have amazing application to spiritual healing. My course of study basically covered physical and mental traits but it was the discovery of the spiritual aspects of healing that most intrigued me and its what I’ve focused most on in the past few years. I truly believe that nothing happens physically that hasn’t been predicated by an emotional or spiritual shift. A very special friend gave me a copy of Robbi Zecks Blossoming heart book several years ago and it’s been my best friend since. My clients love that I can dowse for their most helpful oils and that sometimes it takes such a small amount to effect enormous change.
Q What is your favorite part of aromatherapy and working with essential oils?
A – I truly believe there is an oil for every conceivable need and it’s not the same for each person, which makes the process of blending such an adventure. It’s all about creating energetic balance for each client which can change from treatment to treatment. Aside from the sensory delight, my favourite part of working with aromatherapy is being the messenger. When clients give me all the credit for making them feel better, I remind them I’m simply an agent of nature, “the vehicle charged with delivering a powerful herbal message”. It’s way too much fun!
Q Can you share one point or highlight of aromatherapy with the world?
A – So many mini miracles come to mind but on a personal level a few years ago, I broke my arm and wrist in a slip and fall at my front door. Home alone, I quickly mixed Helichrysium in some carrier oil and smothered my arm and wrist, wrapped myself in ice and drove to the hospital. After the typical 6 hour wait I was told it wasn’t likely broken just sprained but I insisted on x-rays. The Dr. couldn’t believe when they discovered my radius was fractured and my wrist broken in 3 places as there wasn’t much swelling and absolutely no bruising. He said that it would be a difficult heal based on the x-rays and that I would have instant arthritis and pain in my wrist (not good news when you need your hands for a living). I was told I wouldn’t be able to do massage again as I’d likely have no flexibility in my wrist. I continued to rub the oils under my cast every day and when the cast came off the Dr. was shocked that I didn’t have the usual shrivelled dead skin arm. I very quickly regained my full mobility of my arm and wrist and to date there hasn’t been any pain at all. I’m not surprised in the least as it is what I expected from this most precious Corsican oil. Despite its cost I never go without it in my aromakit.
Q If you could place essential oils & aromatherapy programs into any one occupation as part of the work environment, which would you choose? Why?
A – I would design Essential Oils 101 for Teachers…a valuable tool for their work environment. So much good would come from diffusing oils, aside from the antibacterial and antiviral properties that would reduce illness. Research has shown how essential oil therapy can assist with stress, hyperactivity, learning disabilities … effect so many changes on so many levels. I’m grateful that both of my children grew up with herbs and oils as part of their life. They have the skills to help themselves through the rough patches. I wish that for every child and I think it could easily started in the classroom.
Q Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
A – In my dreams I’m working under the tattered awning of my modest dirt floor hut on a beach in Malaysia dispensing herbs and oil blends and giving treatments to the locals before my afternoon nap, but until I can retire I’d like to open an old fashioned style Natural Apothecary Shop with herbs and oils, healing teas, natural treatments and good quality natural body care products. I’ve always had a strong interest in crafting and training, and as I’ve been leaning heavily towards education this past few years I’d like additional classroom space to continue my passion for offering quality workshops in Natural Product Making and Health Care. My motto has always been: Live, Learn and Pass it On!
Sharon can be reached at:
Sharon DeRose
Focus on Health , Caledon
905-584-1544
sharonderose@sympatico.ca
January 20th, 2011
By Steve Chapelle
LEDs flashing ‘12:00’… It used to mean the owner never quite got around to programming the VCR.
Now, it’s more frequently an indication of yet another power outage.
A quick reference to your Blackberry or cell phone will confirm the correct time for resetting most devices. On the desktop computer, though, even a brief interruption of power could generate permanent problems. For example, the hard drive’s motor and electronic components could be rendered inoperable. The data platters and read/write heads could also incur damage, resulting in clunking sounds, slower response and shorter hard drive lifespan. Ongoing but incomplete program activity could corrupt the file system, creating potential read problems for the operating system (i.e. Windows) and other programs.
Furthermore, data in files you have changed but not yet committed through a successful ‘save’ could be lost.
A power surge, on the other hand, can quickly and with more likelihood destroy your hard drive. The data contents may be technically untouched, but the cost of having the data platters transferred to another drive is prohibitive. Depending on the strength and duration of the surge, other electronics could also get fried.
Several years ago, an acquaintance phoned me to report that he could not get an internet connection.
During my troubleshooting visit, he mentioned that his son had reported a ‘blue flash’ from the rear of the computer during a recent lightning storm. The problem was eventually narrowed down to the network card, which I replaced inexpensively. He was lucky; other components could have also been burned out, the most costly being the main board. If still under warranty, there should not be any additional monetary expense. With no warranty, a decision would be needed on the cost of a new board plus the technician’s time, versus the cost of a new computer. Finally, too much voltage can burn out the computer’s power supply.
This is in itself not fatal – a replacement runs about $60 plus the technician’s hourly rate.
What each of these scenarios lead to is down time for your business processing. This risk can be minimized by purchasing and connecting an ‘Uninterruptible Power Supply’ or ‘UPS’. Your computer(s) and other devices will then be protected from short and prolonged power surges and failures.
Steve Chapelle is an information security expert from Toronto. www.stevechapelle.ca
November 17th, 2010
Every month, the CFA will be profiling a new member and school. This month’s school profile is with Margaret Donaldson-Kuntz who is in the process of founding her own aromatherapy school. I caught up with her to get the details!
1. what made you decide to open an aromatherapy school?
Aromatherapy is truly my passion and I have always had a love for teaching it. My appreciation and concern about the misuse of the term aromatherapy also prompted me towards a goal of educating the public about the correct use of essential oils. As a starting point, I conduct ‘Introduction to Aromatherapy’ workshops and I participate in wellness expos for the public’s further edification. Often I get queries about teaching aromatherapy. When people truly understand what this modality comprises, they are both impressed and empowered. They are then able to make better choices, and it is very satisfying to see participants express interest in pursuing aromatherapy in greater depth, whether for personal use or as a career choice.
2. what courses will you be offering?
My course offering comprises the following (In alphabetical order):
Anatomy & Physiology
Aromatic Chemistry
Bodywork
Business Practice
Case Studies
Essential Oils
Expanded Application
Materia Aromatica
Pathology
Terminology
3. how long have you been in the field of aromatherapy?
I began taking aromatherapy workshops in the mid-nineties, then I was finally able to sign up for the full course, graduating in 1998.
4. where is your school located?
My school doesn’t have a physical address yet as I am in the process of re-structuring, but it will be in the greater Peterborough area.
5. tell us what makes your school/program different?
My approach to teaching aromatherapy will be value-enhanced, as I am also a Reiki Master and a Healer. Therefore, in addition to the science of the full complement of required course modules, I bring a certain art and sensibility for the further edification of the learners.
6. when will your school be opening?
My school will be opening in 2011, exact date t.b.d.
