10 QUESTIONS WITH ASLI BİLGİN FROM HOMEMADE AROMATERAPI
- Jun 24, 2015
- 4 min read
Photos from Homemade Aromaterapi (Yeşim Ete on the L and Aslı Bilgin on the R)
Aslı Bilgin's love of aromatherapy started 10 years ago as a passion project: something she did because she loved it. She started slowly by reading, attending courses and delving into energy healing techniques, such as Reiki. She began making products for herself and friends, but found it challenging to find high quality and dependable ingredients in Turkey. After earning her Master's Degree from an aromatherapy university, she decided to open her own aromatherapy shop in Kuzguncuk -- her home neighborhood -- in order to bring the use of aromatherapy for relaxation and self-care into daily life, because as Aslı stated, "Many people see aromatherpy as being equal to going to the spa or getting a massage. It is something you do two or three times a year, but no more." Aslı wants to share her story of aromatherapy with the masses in order to educate them on how to use it daily for stress reduction, healing common ailments -- like headaches, nauseua and rashes -- and for general wellbeing.
Homemade Aromaterapi has a storefront in Kuzguncuk, with a production facility nearby, and is looking to expand its operations to the European side of Istanbul. It is also opening a shop in Izmir soon. Aslı works tirelessly with local producers to find the best quality ingredients. She buys locally whenever possible, but she also knows that the best quality essential oils often come from outside the country. Her shop has over 200 products for sale, all handcrafted in small batches by Aslı and her team. Homemade Aromaterapi also makes 100% cotton products, such as robes, pillows and towels, and offers monthly workshops for those who want to go deeper and learn more about how aromatherapy is used and how to create specific blends and products for their own needs. Aslı is quick to point out that her products are not about vanity. For her, using aromatherapy is about spiritual growth and connecting the mind, body and spirit. Her and her partner, Yeşim Ete, are not salespeople. They have created a community and want everyone to feel welcome in their shop. They treat every person like a friend, not a customer, and Aslı says she often spends hours with people explaining everything in the shop and all about aromatherapy -- whether they purchase something or not. A normal browsing experience turns into what Aslı calls "a mini workshop." Her energy is welcoming and clear. It is obvious she loves her job and to help others find their own piece of peace, which can often be hard to do in this city, which is why I was so excited to ask Aslı how she stays happy and healthy in Istanbul.
10 Questions with Aslı Bilgin from Homemade Aromaterapi
1. Three Favorite essential oils and why: Grapefruit -- it's the most popular because I love it the most. It is the best for balancing the mind, body and spirit; Ylang - Ylang -- it's good for the 2nd Chakra, which balances the feminine energy and makes you more lively; and Geranium, which is also energizing.
2. My favorite way to relax in Istanbul is...For the last three years, I am too busy to relax as much as I should. When I have the time, I do breath therapy and meditation at Studyo Prana in Nisantasi. Duygu there is one of the best teachers. I also watch films.
3. Relaxing aromatherapy treatment someone can do at home: Get a massage. Once a week, I have a massage therapist come to my home and use natural oils. My massage therapist is blind so he uses touch and pressure points to massage his clients. He can see energy. He uses different oil blends depending on the day, but Cantaron, St. John's Wort and Chamomile are all good for aches.
4. Favorite Homemade Aromaterapi product: The sniffy bags, which are filled with eucalyptus and menthol. They are great for flying and other times when you are exposed to germs. You can carry it with you, inhale the scent, and it acts as a natural anti-virus. I also love the Chakra oils, which are tailored for the person and can make the most impact, and our creams using shea butter increase micro-circulation, which is good for anti-aging.
5. Best medicinal use of essential oils is...Inhaling menthol, eucalyptus and tea tree, which are anti-bacterial and good for illnesses and headaches. Also, inhaling lavender is great for migraines and applying it topically can help soothe minor burns.
6. Favorite places to eat in Kuzguncuk: Kuzguncuk Balikcisi and Pita for breakfast
7. Perfect day in Istanbul is...Wandering and exploring in Karakoy, Beyoglu, Tunel and Cukurcuma.
8. Favorite holiday spot in Turkey: My summer house in Bodrum, or staying on Burgazada
9. A product everyone needs for summer: Our sun protection oil, which uses cold-pressed sesame oil, lavender and rosemary to block harmful rays; and our mosquito repellent with basil, eucalyptus, cedar and lemongrass.
10. Where to learn more about aromatherapy: I use my master notes as reference, but for beginners, I recommend they learn by taking a class or course. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Worwood is also a good resource.
To learn more about Homemade Aromaterapi, you can visit them in-person in Kuzguncuk or online here. A selection of their products are also sold at several locations: The American Hospital and Studyo Prana in Nisantasi; Cihangir Yoga; and several spas, including but not limited to Hillside, Raffles and Les Ottomans.
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