What inspired you to start your business?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by scent. When my mum went into hospital and lay unconscious for days, I wondered how I could reach her and whether she would come back. I decided to capture her favourite flowers in a perfume and took it to her bedside. She nodded in appreciation. It was my final gift to her. That was the turning point – and how Ascetic Aesthete was born.
What problem does it solve?
Each perfume is designed to uplift, to create lasting memory and to help you embrace your true self, exactly as you were created to be.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
Trust your inner voice. The world may try to define you, but your intuition already knows who you are. Stay courageous enough to honour it – and remember, patience gains all things.
In the spirit of this year’s IWD theme – Give to Gain, share an example of support that helped turn ambition into action.
I have been fortunate to receive generous mentorship from Ray Lavery and Helen Roberts who run Ignite, the Council’s free business support programme. Their support has helped to accelerate my business growth.