Sheraine Nelson finds Vibal Source in aromatherapy

Sheraine Nelson sees Vibal Source as an eco-friendly brand. - Photo courtesy Vibal Source
Sheraine Nelson sees Vibal Source as an eco-friendly brand. - Photo courtesy Vibal Source

Sheraine Nelson has a good feeling about this year.

After a two-year wait, owing to the covid19 pandemic, Nelson's fledgling wellness brand Vibal Source is set to take off.

Vibal Source is an aromatherapy range, and has, through its natural ingredients and novel, earthy packaging, become a favourite for many.

It includes scented candles and diffusers in a wide range of scents to meet as many olfactory preferences as possible.

"I also ensured there are scents that can be appreciated by men, because men also enjoy and can benefit from the regenerative effects of aromatherapy," Nelson, 31, told WMN.

Based on the reception she has received since launching the products in early 2020, she said she can confidently look forward to releasing new stock.

Vibal Source reed diffusers - Photo courtesy Vibal Source

“I look forward to having a presence in stores locally. The intention this year is to push myself even more. I feel much more motivated to make it happen this year.”

Work started on the brand in late 2019, around which time Nelson registered the company after what she called getting out of a place of limbo.

“I wanted to do something new and was trying to figure out what would be the next best move for me. I was considering going back to school to pursue a master's degree in mediation, which I still plan on pursuing, but at the time I knew that was not it.”

After a conversation, a friend who nudged her to learn candle-making. “I love candles and use them to help me manage my anxiety, but learning how to make them didn’t cross my mind until that conversation.”

Nelson, who is from Point Fortin, considered how candles contributed to her psychological well-being and thought if she learned to make them, she could teach others and share it as a gift for people to benefit from the positive impact aromatherapy has on mental health.

“Helping people has always been important to me, which is why I work in psychiatric social work.” Working in the field, she said, allows her to have a great understanding for the importance of recognising how to care for the mind in different ways.

In late 2019, she finetuned her candle-making skills after practising for months, following online guides and YouTube videos. “I actually registered for a course organised by the Ministry of Community Development to fortify my candle-making skills, but they weren’t able to have the classes due to the rising covid19 cases.”

Undeterred Nelson she made the best use of social media and used money from her savings to market and fund her product.

"I saw it as investing in myself. I remembered taking out some money from my savings to invest in Vibal Source. I knew it was a risk I was taking but I did it anyway. Regarding marketing – I did marketing on Instagram and Facebook, but then I got the opportunity to have a space at Rootsyardd."

Rootsyardd is an event, now held at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, where music meets, food, meets local artisans – a one-stop shop for vibes and locally-made products.

Sheraine Nelson said aromatherapy helps her manage her stress levels.. - Photo courtesy Vibal Source

"I visited Rootsyardd as a regular patron before I started the business and loved the vibe. I'm a fan of the music played there and the things I saw for sale from local artisans. When I started making candles, I thought it would be amazing to start selling them at Rootsyardd. When I got the opportunity, I felt at home and the patronage that followed was more than I imagined."

Nelson has also sold her products at other markets such as the Christmas market at the fabric and home store, Mode Alive.

Vibal Source packages includes information about the ingredients, and is enhanced by poetry. Poetry for each product is written by local poet Omavi.

"I explained to him the names of the scents, what they contain, the feeling I get from the scents that I hope customers will experience and gave him a draft of what I want to communicate. He did some amazing pieces. The poem that accompanies the scent Roots Daughter, for example, speaks to my experience of how rejuvenating the rootsy aroma is."

Nelson said she has received heart-warming responses to the enclosed poetry.

"It's great to know people really appreciate that addition to the packages. Many people say they find the poetry relatable."

"I am wowed by the feedback every day. Whether based on responses from customers or how I feel when I light one of my candles – just the thought that I made it wows me. I am amazed that I put my energy into creating something that I love and it has materialised into something I can be proud of. It has been doing well, given that I started just before the first case of covid19 was detected in Trinidad and Tobago."

She said many questioned her decision to continue building the brand in the uncertain economic space that took shape in the wake of the pandemic, but she followed her gut. "I thought people would need in more than before to contribute to creating calm spaces. I did not give up, even amid my challenges."

Nelson, who like many, copes with anxiety, said as a business owner she makes the best use of what is available to her to create a calm environment.

"One of our primary goals at Vibal Source is to help people like myself who battle with anxiety. I use aromatherapy candles and music therapy and I have been coping really well ever since. Symptoms of anxiety disorder may vary from person to person.

Vibal Source candles are packaged in natural, reusable materials. - Photo courtesy Vibal Source

"Once someone understands their anxiety disorder, they can explore are steps and tools to reduce the symptoms and regain control of life. Aromatherapy candles help create a sanctuary at home and so, I encourage people to try one of our candles, play some music and relax."

She said journalling usually reminds her things are normally not as challenging as they may seem.

"I know challenges are inevitable, but I am ready and it has been a journey of growth. It is a never-ending process. Being gentle with myself, not rushing, seeking advice from like-minded people, practising tips shared by other business owners have all helped me along the way. I want to see the brand in a global space, that's where I see the business going, and that is my mindset."

As for what's next for Vibal Source? Nelson said customers can look forward to journals and affirmation cards. She believes in the power of words and how the use of words through journalling and reading positive content can promote good mental health. "I'm really excited about expanding the brand."

Nelson said she is passionate about eco-friendly business models. She encourages customers to reuse the containers as plant pots, jewellery holders or anything they see fit.

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"Sheraine Nelson finds Vibal Source in aromatherapy"

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