On Valentine's Day 2016, I gave a dear friend some homemade organic shaving cream scented with peppermint and rosemary essential oils. The two of us had long shared a spiritual bond, so when he told me I had a gift for helping people with essential oils, I should have listened. But life went along at its usual maddening pace and soon it was winter once again.

My sister bought all the kids bath bombs for Christmas. And as I watched the big red ball fizz in the bathtub, the scent of something good filling up the room, the words of my friend echoed in my head—you have a gift.

I started researching the healing and soul-soothing powers of essential oils and began developing my vision for creating all natural handmade bath and body products that promote well-being and serenity. Everyone has to start somewhere, so I decided to focus on creating mood-elevating blends for Valentine’s Day that will arouse your senses. I am very excited to expand my product line and to share my new scents with you!

Along with my 2017 resolution to make big changes in the way I was living my life, came the perfect solution to channel my creativity and passion—the birth of BODE Mind + Soul. The inspiration for the name, BODE (body), came from my only child and love of my life, Bode (bo-dee), who helps me make many of the products with excitement and love.