-JS

As I grew up, I never remember feeling connected to my body, and I certainly don't remember feeling connected to my sensuality. I DO remember feeling a lot of shame, and a lot of self-doubt, mostly stemming from a strict catholic background. I remember people-pleasing, tension, overthinking, and perfectionism.

 

I also remember feeling different: Constantly dreaming about becoming an artist or a famous writer. Wanting to dress in funky colors and be SEEN. Wanting to explore everything with a creative eye...school projects, hobbies, basic routines. I mostly kept these desires to myself, feeling the shame of being different or odd.

 

My shame and self-doubt collected in my body and formed Vaginismus, or pelvic floor tightness, a condition causing chronic pain and total body disconnection. 

 

I didn't reach out for support with my Vaginismus until my early 20s. Up until that point, I lived with the pain and shame because it felt easier to ignore and try to "be normal." In reality, I was struggling. I'm so grateful I finally searched for answers.

 

I went to physical therapy. I experimented with pleasure in various forms. I quit dieting and over-exercising. I explored my sexual identity and came out as queer. Oh...and I got witchy. 

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At one point in my late 20s, I walked into a little apothecary in my hometown. I remember stepping into the space and feeling a deep sense of belonging. Also...it smelled so good. Essential oils and plant potions lined the shelves and I'm pretty sure I stayed in the small shop, circling the aromatherapy section, just SNIFFING, for hours.

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I promptly signed up for a plant medicine class, then an aromatherapy certification class, and then I ended up working at the shop for a couple of years, tending to inventory and helping customers discover their favorite plant oils and scents. 

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Aromatherapy has helped me connect with my sensory body, in the obvious ways, but also in a way that has tuned me into my intuition, my aliveness, my day-to-day mundanity. Because of scent and the other senses, I have this gorgeous, magical tool that calms me when I'm anxious; keeps me in conversation with my physical body; gives space for the flow of emotion; and delights me in the simplest ways.

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And here I am, 6 years later, running a business as an aromatherapist and perfumer. I enjoy using my hands and my creative heart to make magical, powerful potions for people. These scents are intended to connect wearers to their own sensory world and inherent brilliance, bringing them pleasure, joy, confidence, and deep self-connection. 

 

A few other facts about me: I live on the Appalachian mountains on unceded Piscataway and Massawomeck lands. I enjoy being outside amongst sun, trees, and dappled light, sipping coffee or tea. I have an eye for eclectic and funky decor and design and outfits. I find astrology interesting and fun to follow. I love the sounds of train whistles. I am drawn to neon lighting. I eat a lot of chocolate-covered pretzels and I drink a lot of seltzer. Velvet is my favorite texture. I rewatch the Veronica Mars series every few years. I read a lot of mystery novels. I live for a good breeze.

 

I cannot wait to make you a magic potion--I mean, perfume--babe.