I always admire people who have different talents and spirits. Today I have connected with another business owner, Sandra Marechal-Dupont who turned herself from an interior designer to an aromatherapist, when she got through the stress with the use of aroma! See how she did it below!
Hi Sandra, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your business?
I am a French and I have been living in Asia since 1993 when I had to do an internship for my business school. I used to be a Fashion & Interior designer and I moved slowly into the beauty & wellness industry 4 years ago, when I also received my diploma as a Certified Clinical & Holistic Aromatherapist in Hong Kong. Now I run my own business ~ Arhome Spa & Lab.
What motivated you to enter into this aroma business?
I used to run my own company as an Interior designer in Shanghai, but it was very stressful & hysteric. One day, a client of mine came into my office and convinced me to start yoga learning as a way to release my heavy stress. I must admit that I was very skeptical to the results in the very first beginning. However, my master yoga teacher who was one of my clients too, introduced me about aroma and the way to use it for our own well-being, then I fall in love with aromatherapy & herbalism.
How do you differentiate yourself from the similar products in town?
Insteasd of just selling essential oils, I actually offer one to one consultation at my Lab-Studio. I currently work with more than 300 different essential oils so I can always custom-blended the right oils for a particular healing. I also got my own organic skin care range handmade by myself!
What have you found to be your most effective way in finding your clients?
Definitely by word of mouth and I have placed some advertisements in local magazines too.
What is your business challenge and how do you try to get over the struggles?
Finding customers or clients who are in need of my services (aromatherapy clinical & holistic) is usually my biggest challenge. Promoting & selling my services are much more difficult than selling products.
How do you keep yourself motivated during the difficult times?
I simply love my job….. I love to research new formula and to get new recipe blended. I don’t even feel it’s a job! I just love doing it every day!
What is a day of your life like?
Basically the same of what other business owners do: double-check agenda for customers’ appointments; marketing, updating website and social network pages. I also develop new formulas, do my new pathologies research and blending in my lab.
As an entrepreneur, how do you see the “work-life” balance?
Since I’m in the wellness industry, when I plan my week, I also schedule some personal time for myself e.g. an evening out with my husband or friends, so this gives me something to look forward to every week. I never force myself to do activities and/or meet new people when I don’t really need to.
So how do you usually spend your leisure time?
Aromatherapy, herbalism, photography, yoga, traveling (in remote area!), spending time in middle of nowhere with my family!
If anyone want to get in touch with you, where should we send them to?
Email: Sandra@arhomespalab.com
Website: www.arhomespalab.com
Facebook: Arhomespalab
Linkedin: Sandra Marechal-Dupont
Instagram: Arhomespalab
You and I may also have another hidden talent that can become our profession just like Sandra. Think about what you like or what kinds of work that can make you happy and plan along that way! Or if you come across a moment of stress, you may also like to meet Sandra in person at the Prestige Summer Fairs. She will be happy to talk about how aroma helped her to get over the stress or anxiety and how she could help you too!
Date: 3rd June
Time: 10am to 7pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, Hong Kong.
