Vocā: A Journey into Scent-Based Sleep Rituals and Wellbeing
|
Time to read 4 min
Vocā was born out of a shared passion for sleep, wellness, and the power of scent-based rituals. Co-founders Ebla and Ashley, inspired by their personal experiences during the pandemic, saw the transformative potential of aromacology in promoting restful sleep and enhancing well-being. With a mission to prioritize sleep in today’s fast-paced world, they collaborated with master aromacologist Danièle Ryman to create Vocā’s unique range of natural, therapeutic fragrances. Their commitment to sustainability and the healing power of nature sets Vocā apart, offering a soothing solution for anyone seeking to improve their nightly rest.
Tell us a little about yourself, and what inspired you to create Vocā?
Ebla: The idea of Vocā was conceived during the first wave of the pandemic when our apartments and houses suddenly transformed into offices, fitness studios, classrooms as well as places of rest and relaxation.
Scent-based night rituals offered me a profound sense of calm and great comfort, during the pandemic. I hadn’t realised how powerful aroma is in helping establish and enhance rituals, by creating an immediate sense of pleasure and building positive associations. That’s how the idea for Vocā was born.
Our brains love patterns and familiarity, that’s why scents are such powerfultools to help establish routines and rituals. As someone’s who has a life-longlove affair with sleep but always felt exhausted, I’m committed to helping peopleprioritise sleep and start to appreciate the vital role it plays in preserving ourphysical, mental and emotional health.
Ashley: For me, sleep is hugely linked to my wellbeing, and ultimately mental and physical performance. Having worked in a corporate environment where lack of sleep was worn as a badge of honour, I am driven to encourage others to reappraise their relationship with wellbeing and sleep specifically; hence launching Vocā. Through experiencing burnout, my mind and body quite literally made me prioritise sleep and I now know that this is an essential part of being able to thrive, both personally and professionally.
What makes Vocā completely different to all the other aromacology- based brands out there?
Ebla: Our Vocā products stand out thanks to the expertise of our master aromacologist, the legendary Danièle Ryman, who has a remarkable talent for crafting 100% natural, exquisite perfumes with powerful therapeutic benefits.Our unique blends are designed to work harmoniously with our bodies’ natural rhythms to restore a sense of balance from within. With Danièle’s help, we’ve created a deeply soothing and richly sedative range of three exquisite fragrances that harness the healing powers of nature to help prepare for a good night’s sleep.
How do you maintain the sustainable nature of your production?
Ashley: Our brief to Danièle Ryman (the Vocā master aromacologist) was always to pick the finest ingredients through the finest suppliers. As a brand, we are committed to ensuring that we are mindful of our impact on the people and planet. Without responsible harvesting, there simply won’t be the botanical ingredients for future generations.
How do your products aid a good night’s sleep?
Ebla: Our products are designed to enhance your sleep by leveraging the proven power of aromacology. Studies show that inhaling essential oils with sedative properties can significantly increase deep sleep, or slow-wave sleep (SWS). These oils stimulate alpha waves in the brain, promoting relaxation and inducing sleepiness. Beyond modern science, aromacology has a rich history, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans using the se natural ingredients for their therapeutic benefits. Our products continue this tradition, offering you a natural, time-tested way to achieve a restful night’s sleep.
As a company, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Can we expect new products/designs/ranges/materials?
Ashley: We would love to launch new blends and work with local suppliers in those continents to help launch new ranges. Both Ebla and I as well as Danièle are keen to do an American blend and I personally would love to work with yoga studios and wellness retreats to allow those with a passion for wellness to experience Vocā.
Run us through your recipe for great sleep, and some do’s and don’ts that we ought to follow in our pre-sleep schedules
Ebla: To ensure a good night's sleep, I follow a consistent bedtime schedule, which has been a game changer for me, helping align my body with its natural circadian rhythm. I typically fall asleep by 10:30 PM, my phone goes on sleep mode by 9:35 PM to block notifications and remind me to start my wind down routine. Before bed, I spray Dreams of Africa for its soothing scent, practice a brief meditation to relax, and write in my gratitude journal to focus on the positives of the day. This ritual helps me transition smoothly into sleep, setting the stage for a restful night and a refreshed start to the next day.
Ashley: There is no doubt that following an evening ritual helps my mind and body prepare for a restful night’s sleep. I tend to spray myself with Oriental Lullaby whilst doing a 7-minute bedtime Youtube yoga session, followed by writing one page of automatic writing in my journal to help clear my head of any worries. Iuse Dreams of Africa pillow spray on my bedsheets (and I sometimes spray my PJs too). Putting my phone on Do Not Disturb helps minimise any temptations and I sometimes squeeze in a Headspace meditation too. I am working on getting up at the same time each day, as I know this will also help support my circadian rhythm but I’m not quite there yet!
