The Power Of Scent: Creating A Home Sanctuary
Pictured: Melody Lim, Mala the Brand
This past year has left many of us hungry for something to sniff about. I know I am not alone when I say I yearn for the days until we can gather again, safely around a meal that means so much more than we can see. We eat with our eyes, not much different than our smells. Like many, I essentially grew up in the industry, surrounded by distinct scent in the kitchen and beautiful talents. In the early days of the pandemic, I would often catch myself, closing my eyes and reflecting on a particular scent, evoking a travel memory that filled my soul so deeply. As someone who is interiors obsessed, creating a home space that is my sanctuary to succeed was crucial. I was desperate to focus on the comforts of what seemed so simple, scent.
We don’t typically associate scent with Tourism and hospitality, yet many properties rely on a custom, bespoke fragrance as part of their first impression. That yummy smell you experience, when you enter a hotel is typically crafted with a thoughtful approach. Big brands have calculated teams that sniff their way into the world of scent branding, while pumping it through the ventilation system into the memories of travelers. It is often a standard that elevates the personality of the brand. Harvard Business Review states that regular internal surveys and public online comments reveal that scent has enhanced the visitor experience and increased brand memorability for thousands of guests.
As a former, Luxury Concierge, I argue that it all starts with the nose. Often guests would request a particular scent to be used in their room or removed, for that matter. Scent carries us to places we cannot comprehend, it tells a story of the past, a memorable travel journey. With all the restrictions and vacation plans being halted, I know I am not alone when I say we are desperately counting down until we can experience that sense of exploration, nudging us to get lost in our dreams.
Vancouver’s very own, Melody Lim, owner and creator of Mala the Brand, shares the same philosophy when it comes to craft, details, and mother earth. Our home, is a place to gather and seek comfort and rest. Currently, it is playing double, if not triple, while we are managing our office, throughout home schooling and never-ending Zoom calls. We sat down with Melody to gain insight to chat about how to create a home sanctuary and maximize the power of scent.
With travel and landscape of the traditional office being sidelined, what advice do you have for turning a home into a cozy oasis and sanctuary. How has your shared love of travel and curiosity, affected the process?
Apart from making your home smell oh so good, scent has been shown to provide emotional relief from anxiety and stress. During my years of studying and working before starting this business, candles were what I turned to daily, to help calm and relax me. I think this is especially important and relevant now as many people are staying home more with the pandemic. During my travels in 2016 where I first conceptualised Mala, the unique flavours and scents I encountered abroad were what inspired the aesthetic and influenced the first line of candles, such as Succulent, inspired by the light natural florals by the beaches in Milos, Greece.
For some of us, working remotely allows us to indulge in scents or green, plant life we may not be able to partake in should we be working in an office or customer-driven environment. Any advice on how to incorporate scent and comfort whether in a crowded nook or larger space.
Candles are such an important part of my self-care routine- I often light one to start my day and another to help me unwind during the evening, especially when drawing a bath or sitting down to read or journal. A lighter citrus scent such as Morning Dew is a great one as the notes of citrus freshen up spaces, whereas a scent such as Chai with spicier more vanilla tones help relax your senses to unwind.
I see scent as an integral part of our daily lives. In your opinion, how can the Hospitality, Tourism, and Travel sector incorporate more scent into their offerings, keeping in mind the sensitivities of many travelers?
I think diffusers could be a great way to incorporate light scent into offerings, they offer a flameless alternative to candles as well as a light yet constant whiff of scent throughout. I find that public spaces tend to lean towards more neutral scents such as light citrus and coconut.
Our planet has over-extended itself with the demands of modern life, recycling is a non-negotiable in our industries. Having eco-friendly products was a priority for you, how have you incorporated sustainable practices into your personal life?
In my personal life little sustainable practices I actively try to live by are shopping local, eating plant-based, avoiding one-use plastics, and walking or biking where possible! Especially now during this pandemic, shifting our dollars from big box stores to small local businesses is more important than it’s ever been. Our entire local economy and livelihood of our community depends on it as they are the heartbeat of every city, and they need our help and support, whether it’s through sharing with friends, online reviews, or purchasing!
What advice would you offer someone who is in their ‘first’ life, considering a shift into a new industry, following your lead? What transferable skills may women consider beneficial in an entrepreneurial leap from our world of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality.
My advice with anyone who is considering a shift in career path is first, talk to a few people that are already in the industry to pick their brain, and secondly, just do it! People say this all the time, but I’ll say it again- just start! The best education you can get is simply by experiencing and learning from mistakes that will inevitably happen along the way. The communication and customer service skills from hospitality and tourism are transferable into entrepreneurship. With starting a business, you need open communication in order to learn and ask questions, and customer service is required to build a loyal community and a network.
About Melody
Melody Lim is the Founder of Mala the Brand, a Vancouver based eco-friendly soy candle company that prides itself on creating sustainably scented candles, without sacrificing quality or affordability. Before founding Mala, Melody was in school completing her communications undergraduate degree while simultaneously working as a marketing manager at a local skincare company.