FOUNDER STORY
With an ambition to formulate beautifully scented and sustainable natural candles with aromatherapy benefits, Lesley launched Essence+Alchemy in 2015.
Growing up in the northeast surrounded by woodlands, wildlife and the scent of sea air, Lesley was introduced to nature, wild plants and aromas from an early age. This was the start of her olfactory journey, and then in her early teens her mother introduced her to aromatherapy and essential oils. Immediately intrigued by their wonderful aromas and therapeutic properties, she would spend many hours experimenting and concocting formulations. A long time obsession with nature and its protection, Lesley graduated in environmental science and went onto work in the field of industrial and workplace pollution.
Years later and a continued fascination with the natural power of aromatherapy, Lesley grew an interest in the alchemy of blending natural essential oils into wax, and then in her kitchen the making of aromatherapy rapeseed wax candles began.
With decades of personal aromatherapy experience and research into sustainable and ethically sourced essential oils, science and wellbeing, Lesley set to work in creating the compositions, which launched her first signature scents, which are still as popular today.
A fascination with aromatherapy, old alchemical texts and symbolism led to the perfectly balanced equation of Essence + Alchemy and the continual evolution of the brand. Over time, the scents have developed and new ones have been formulated, in addition to creating bespoke collaborative scents for businesses, brands and events.
Lesley’s first book “Fragrance Your Home: The essential guide to enhancing your living space with natural scent” was published by Quadrille in April 2021.
“Essence + Alchemy is my way of elevating the art of natural scent by creating a sensory connection with nature and a core focus on wellbeing and natural science. Essential oils are the essence and life force of plants and they can support us physically and emotionally. When developing scents, the starting point is always the plants, their connection with the natural environment and their therapeutic properties. A strict alchemical process of using only pure steam distilled and cold pressed natural ingredients and small-batch methods ensures not only beautifully scented goods but consciously made products with therapeutic benefits that capture the true essence of nature.”