The Essence + Alchemy Story.
Launched in 2015 by Lesley Bramwell, Essence + Alchemy is a creative experiment in responsible design, ritual and natural aromas, focused on handcrafting beautiful sustainable collections with honesty and transparency to support natural wellbeing through aromatherapy scent.
AROMATHERAPY SCENTS THAT GO BEYOND FRAGRANCE.
Creating olfactory wellbeing rituals through the power of essential oils and aromatherapy scent.
The Perfect Formula
Inspired by the healing elements associated with traditional aromatherapy, old alchemical texts and mysticism and many years of experimentation and research with essential oils for her own wellbeing rituals, Lesley decided this was her true passion and wanted to share her positive experience of using aromatherapy to create a collection of naturally scented candles that not only smell good, but can do good too.
With a background in environmental science Lesley knew that her materials had to be both eco-friendly and locally sourced as possible and when she started researching back in 2014, she discovered a wax derived from rapeseed grown in the UK and Europe. It wasn’t the easiest choice back then as it was relatively new and still in early stages of development. It was also a difficult wax to work with, especially with essential oils, but she persevered and started creating candles in her kitchen.
Many late nights and weekends later, a flame was ignited and Lesley finally discovered the perfect formula - ESSENCE + ALCHEMY. The natural scent and energy of plants with a little bit of magic mixed in.
Taking a scientific approach that’s balanced with nature, Lesley designs, handcrafts and packages each product from a small garden studio in Sheffield.
Meet Lesley.
NATURE’S PERFUME.
Lesley uses an uncomplicated formula of natural simplicity, a plant base + pure essential oils for scent, that’s it, nothing else, no artificial fragrances, colours or additives only responsibly and locally sourced natural ingredients.
Mood Boosting Formulations
The aim of the alchemist was the creation of an elixir, a remedy that would prolong life. To help support wellbeing and retain the true essence and aromatherapeutic qualities of the plants, Essence + Alchemy scents are formulated by the careful blending of steam-distilled and cold pressed pure essential oils. By using only natural essential oils for scent, the full essence and aura of the plant with its mood positive properties, energetic vibrations and spiritual dimensions are also harnessed.
Each scent is unique, a botanical formulation designed to go beyond fragrance to bring aromatherapy and ritual to your everyday. They are warm and inviting, blending earthly undertones with the delicate aromas of the natural world to help calm, ground, restore and uplift.
“It has long been believed by alchemists and aromatherapists that essential oils are the life force and spiritual embodiment of nature - a plant’s soul, similar to the human spirit, and that’s why they work in harmony with our body and mind.”
PROTECTING THE PLANET.
Sustainability and ethical values should never have to be sacrificed for good quality and luxury. This philosophy is built into every Essence + Alchemy product.
As Above, So Below.
The Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, geology, oceans, flora and fauna are all connected and function as a complex system, a living body in the form of a planet that resonates with the ancient understanding that all is one - as above, so below.
Working in harmony with the planet; nature, sustainability and wellbeing will always be at the heart of Essence + Alchemy. By designing natural and eco-friendly products it helps protect our planet and wildlife now and for future generations.
Strongly averse to the waste and environmental impact of the home fragrance industry and with an aim to do things differently, Lesley created Essence + Alchemy Refill Candles in 2017 to encourage the reuse of candle vessels and minimise packaging waste.
Raw materials are always natural, sustainable, ethically sourced, cruelty-free and plant based. Product packaging is recyclable and biodegradable and always plastic free.
To minimise energy and resources used and prevent waste product, Essence + Alchemy products are formulated, produced and packaged in small batches in the garden laboratory in Sheffield.
“As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul…”