July 16, 2020
Aromatherapy With Michelle Roques-O’Neil
AROMATHERAPY WITH: MICHELLE ROQUES-O’NEIL
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Interviewed By: Nateisha Scott
Aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil has been working with aromas, oils and fragrance for over 40 years. With her own company Therapie, Michelle has introduced and transformed many lives through the physical and mental benefits of aromatherapy. The collaborator behind 111AROMATICS, Michelle, Eva and Yannis Alexandrides created and cultivated a range of oils to draw on mental, physical and spiritual stimulation.
NS: What products are you currently obsessed with?
MRO: I adore anything with Orange blossom in it, I absolutely love Orange blossom aromatic water by AS Apothecary, it utterly transports me. My second obsession is a perfume by Neela Vermeire Creations called ‘Trayee’ - it conjures up exotic memories of India where I was born. It’s highly complex and layered and very similar to my blending style. I also adore the 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Serum.
NS: What are your trusted in-flight essentials?
MRO: I have to confess, it would be my Therapie range, I never travel without Restore Aura Spray, it’s an aromatic spritz to calm my travel stress and hydrate my skin. It’s made of a beautiful Rosewater that we import from Jordan and it’s delicately laced with energy balancing essential oils like wild Rose, White Sage, Palo Santo, Tropical Basil and Fragonia.
NS: Do you have any essential skincare for the road?
MRO: The Farmacy Green clean, I’m obsessed! It feels great melting and has a delicate herbal aroma, I love the farm to face philosophy.
NS: What inspires the products you create?
MRO: My own products are very much linked to the therapeutic effect I want them to offer - I want them to offer immediate emotional and physical support. When working on projects its actually the client that inspires the scents, I like them to set the scene with aroma’s, feelings and memories.
NS: How would you suggest finding the right scent?
MRO: Trust your instincts, however, if you have a strong negative reaction with an essential oil it might be something your body really needs to balance it. Not all-natural oils smell the way you imagine them so diluting them allows them to diffuse.
NS: How do the energies of the body become influenced by essential oils?
MRO: Essential oils are bio-energetic materials, they are phytoestrogen’s and similar in structure to our own hormones - this makes them bio-available. The amazing thing about essential oils is that they influence both physically and emotionally. Scientists now know that our emotions effect our energetic state; therefore, if you can address both the physical emotional issues that when left unattended impact negatively on our energetic, our biochemical and electromagnetic then balance. As a result, improved feelings of health can follow, and essential oils can realign on multiple levels when harnessed into synergistic compositions.
NS: What inspired the Aromatics Collection?
MRO: The inspiration for this collection came from both Eva and Yannis - I asked them to describe where they grew up, in this case Crete and Bulgaria; this immediately unfolded a layer of aroma’s - separately I asked what their energy profiles were like, one was very vital and full of energy and the other calm, nurturing intuitive and feminine. For the remaining two formulas one was to reflect the sophistication of a metropolitan city like London, the energetics and challenges of a bustling environment; something to protect and balance whilst in the hustle of city life. The final element was more practical dealing with improving circulation, immune function and assisting energy flow.
NS: Do you have any scents that you are drawn to?
MRO: Yes! I love Neroli! I find it enchanting, it’s soft and dreamy, yet positive in a very soothing non-egotistical way. It’s for something that I’m working on for Therapie and will be launched next year.
NS: Tell us more about Therapie?
MRO: Therapie was a passion project from the very start … I’d been fascinated with both plant and energetic alchemy and always believed in the natural flow of energy described by the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang. At the time (2010), I was very aware of stress and mental health increasingly becoming more visible, certainly it was in my treatment room. This was my catalyst; I knew I could help people, but this was time for people to become more proactive in their own wellness.
I decided to create a range of products that targeted various aspects of stress and how it impacted both physically and emotionally. I decided to create specific blended elixirs using the principals of Chinese Alchemy, each would be suspended in a different unique medium, working synergistically both internally and externally to evoke a sense of deep balance and the potential for transformation.
Each product involves a ritual that engages its user to care for themselves consciously; rather than being an indulgence, it becomes essential self-care, taking moments throughout the day to reset. Some are quick fixes and others require more time. I am happy to report that people are finally getting this way of living, that celebrates each moment rather than letting life pass you by in a whirr of adrenalized stress.
NS: How do oils help to calm and create a sensorial experience?
MRO: Essential oils are organic sensory materials, when blended into synergies they create an emotional and mental response via the 4000 plus smell receptors in the nose each directly wired to the limbic system of the brain. Applied to the body… its aroma scents and gently penetrates the skin into our circulation; each oil has an affinity to a particular body system and will affect the body internally. In Chinese medicine they view the body holistically, each organ has a temperament that exhibits negative traits such as anger when in excess and positive trait like passion when in balance. Both touch and smell are very primal senses and offer a medium that can transform someone’s relationship to their body and life.
NS: What is it about fragrance that you adore?
MRO: How long have you got? Everything! They are so fascinating and complex spiritually, intellectually and creatively. They are so diverse, versatile and nuanced and utterly captivating for me. This will be my 40th year of working with essential oils and fragrance.
NS: Your number 1 rule for wellness?
MRO: Stay positive, give gratitude for every blessing, make time to be still and know when to take action. Worry and stress are a huge disrupter of wellness, leading to anxiety, sleeplessness and sometimes depression. This means eating well, taking regular exercise, having quiet time for meditation allows your body to recalibrate and expands your mind beyond negative preoccupations. Last but not least, good sleep allows your body to receive vital repair and time to problem solve.
Aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O’Neil has been working with aromas, oils and fragrance for over 40 years. With her own company Therapie, Michelle has introduced and transformed many lives through the physical and mental benefits of aromatherapy. The collaborator behind 111AROMATICS, Michelle, Eva and Yannis Alexandrides created and cultivated a range of oils to draw on mental, physical and spiritual stimulation.
NS: What products are you currently obsessed with?
MRO: I adore anything with Orange blossom in it, I absolutely love Orange blossom aromatic water by AS Apothecary, it utterly transports me. My second obsession is a perfume by Neela Vermeire Creations called ‘Trayee’ - it conjures up exotic memories of India where I was born. It’s highly complex and layered and very similar to my blending style. I also adore the 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Serum.
NS: What are your trusted in-flight essentials?
MRO: I have to confess, it would be my Therapie range, I never travel without Restore Aura Spray, it’s an aromatic spritz to calm my travel stress and hydrate my skin. It’s made of a beautiful Rosewater that we import from Jordan and it’s delicately laced with energy balancing essential oils like wild Rose, White Sage, Palo Santo, Tropical Basil and Fragonia.
NS: Do you have any essential skincare for the road?
MRO: The Farmacy Green clean, I’m obsessed! It feels great melting and has a delicate herbal aroma, I love the farm to face philosophy.
NS: What inspires the products you create?
MRO: My own products are very much linked to the therapeutic effect I want them to offer - I want them to offer immediate emotional and physical support. When working on projects its actually the client that inspires the scents, I like them to set the scene with aroma’s, feelings and memories.
NS: How would you suggest finding the right scent?
MRO: Trust your instincts, however, if you have a strong negative reaction with an essential oil it might be something your body really needs to balance it. Not all-natural oils smell the way you imagine them so diluting them allows them to diffuse.
NS: How do the energies of the body become influenced by essential oils?
MRO: Essential oils are bio-energetic materials, they are phytoestrogen’s and similar in structure to our own hormones - this makes them bio-available. The amazing thing about essential oils is that they influence both physically and emotionally. Scientists now know that our emotions effect our energetic state; therefore, if you can address both the physical emotional issues that when left unattended impact negatively on our energetic, our biochemical and electromagnetic then balance. As a result, improved feelings of health can follow, and essential oils can realign on multiple levels when harnessed into synergistic compositions.
NS: What inspired the Aromatics Collection?
MRO: The inspiration for this collection came from both Eva and Yannis - I asked them to describe where they grew up, in this case Crete and Bulgaria; this immediately unfolded a layer of aroma’s - separately I asked what their energy profiles were like, one was very vital and full of energy and the other calm, nurturing intuitive and feminine. For the remaining two formulas one was to reflect the sophistication of a metropolitan city like London, the energetics and challenges of a bustling environment; something to protect and balance whilst in the hustle of city life. The final element was more practical dealing with improving circulation, immune function and assisting energy flow.
NS: Do you have any scents that you are drawn to?
MRO: Yes! I love Neroli! I find it enchanting, it’s soft and dreamy, yet positive in a very soothing non-egotistical way. It’s for something that I’m working on for Therapie and will be launched next year.
NS: Tell us more about Therapie?
MRO: Therapie was a passion project from the very start … I’d been fascinated with both plant and energetic alchemy and always believed in the natural flow of energy described by the Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang. At the time (2010), I was very aware of stress and mental health increasingly becoming more visible, certainly it was in my treatment room. This was my catalyst; I knew I could help people, but this was time for people to become more proactive in their own wellness.
I decided to create a range of products that targeted various aspects of stress and how it impacted both physically and emotionally. I decided to create specific blended elixirs using the principals of Chinese Alchemy, each would be suspended in a different unique medium, working synergistically both internally and externally to evoke a sense of deep balance and the potential for transformation.
Each product involves a ritual that engages its user to care for themselves consciously; rather than being an indulgence, it becomes essential self-care, taking moments throughout the day to reset. Some are quick fixes and others require more time. I am happy to report that people are finally getting this way of living, that celebrates each moment rather than letting life pass you by in a whirr of adrenalized stress.
NS: How do oils help to calm and create a sensorial experience?
MRO: Essential oils are organic sensory materials, when blended into synergies they create an emotional and mental response via the 4000 plus smell receptors in the nose each directly wired to the limbic system of the brain. Applied to the body… its aroma scents and gently penetrates the skin into our circulation; each oil has an affinity to a particular body system and will affect the body internally. In Chinese medicine they view the body holistically, each organ has a temperament that exhibits negative traits such as anger when in excess and positive trait like passion when in balance. Both touch and smell are very primal senses and offer a medium that can transform someone’s relationship to their body and life.
NS: What is it about fragrance that you adore?
MRO: How long have you got? Everything! They are so fascinating and complex spiritually, intellectually and creatively. They are so diverse, versatile and nuanced and utterly captivating for me. This will be my 40th year of working with essential oils and fragrance.
NS: Your number 1 rule for wellness?
MRO: Stay positive, give gratitude for every blessing, make time to be still and know when to take action. Worry and stress are a huge disrupter of wellness, leading to anxiety, sleeplessness and sometimes depression. This means eating well, taking regular exercise, having quiet time for meditation allows your body to recalibrate and expands your mind beyond negative preoccupations. Last but not least, good sleep allows your body to receive vital repair and time to problem solve.
If you were to advise a London guide, what would be on your list?
Well, As I grew up in Notting Hill, it will always have my heart and if I was recommending spots in London, a wander around Notting Hill would be high up on my list. From there it would be all the best shopping destinations, the iconic private members club, Annabels, Harrods and Liberty’s for any cute and unique gifts. I would always pop into 111CRYO at Harrods for the Cryo Facial and treatment for the ultimate recharge. Sometimes the city is great, but the beautiful secrets of the English countryside is something that should be experienced.
Your In-Flight Essentials?
I don’t have a routine per say and I am certainly not as thorough as Naomi Campbell but I would apply the Meso Infusion Lip Duo and I would always wipe my phone down with anti-bacterial wipes, in fact I do this every day, the bacteria build up is no good for the skin.
In terms of Industry, where do you see the hair industry going?
Well Instagram has changed so much and has impacted the way we consume and learn within the industry, especially with so many creatives, but I still find that a massive amount of people come to the professionals to share the knowledge on how to carry out or complete a desired look, more than ever there is power behind ‘how-to’ videos.
A very valid point and in terms of 2020?
In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.
Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?
I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.
Finally, the best advice you have ever received?
It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.