I’m ending 2024 with heaps of gratitude. Esker Fields has made massive strides and as a founder, I’ve had some pinch-me moments. I’m so proud we’ve been able to help even more people through our essential oil infused products.
Now it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There have been ups and downs but as I’ll explain that has enabled me to grow and get the word out about the power of making essential oils part of your everyday routine. This year has been a real testament to my message: look after yourself. When you care for yourself, mind and body, you do amazing things that benefit us all!
1. Launching Nature’s Glow
This summer, we launched the Nature’s Glow skincare collection. It was a really big moment for me! I’d been thinking about expanding our product range into skincare for a while. But I kept putting it off and putting it off because I doubted myself. Despite my extensive training in aromatherapy and formulating products, I had a voice in my head saying “Who do you think you are?” I finally worked through it and launched Nature’s Glow Cleansing Oil and Moisturising Balm.
It was well worth pushing through the self-doubt because the response has been amazing! You’ve loved using the Nature’s Glow collection (so have I) and it’s created another way for people to fit self-care into their busy schedules. Their skincare routine might be the only time they have in their day for them. Now they can enrich it with essential oils that support stress management and wellbeing.
2. Irish Made Awards Beauty Finalist
If that wasn’t reason enough to push through self-doubt and do the thing you’ve been putting off, this will convince you! After the release of the Nature’s Glow skincare collection, Esker Fields was entered into the Irish Made Awards. For the first time, we were recognised in the Beauty category because of the skincare collection. All that self-doubt and we were being recognised as a beauty brand!
It was such validation of what I’d been working on – bringing essential oils into the every day to create more vital moments of self-care. As a finalist, Esker Fields ranked among other well-known and well-loved beauty brands in Ireland. Products created, formulated and bottled right here in my studio on the family farm have made such a difference to people that they were celebrated on a national stage.
3. Putting myself first
While it wasn’t quite as glamorous as reaching the finals of the Irish Made Awards, another really important moment this year was practising what I preach. With everything going on in the business and my personal life, I’d lost sight of the reason I created Esker Fields in the first place. All this was to help people take 2 minutes out of their day to let essential oils create a mindful moment, ease their stress levels and bolster their resilience to take on the day. But I wasn’t doing that myself and I was paying the price.
In September, I had to slow down and reset. In all honesty, I was so exhausted I felt like giving up. Now, even though things have been really busy again, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming because I’m back on it with my self-care routine. I have habits I do on autopilot to keep me in a place where I feel able to handle it all. This includes meditation, yoga, journaling and aromatherapy through my products. My Relax Rollerball is always on my desk!
4. Collaborations with holistic therapists
Another way we’ve spread the message of self-care and the power of essential oils this year is by working with holistic therapists. Using Esker Fields products, we’ve enhanced the calm and restoration reached in their client sessions. For example, aromatherapists use the rollerballs at the beginning of sessions to help clients relax faster. Reflexologists use the Lavender and Peppermint Foot Cream in their massages. The Moisturising Balm is perfect for facials.
The range of products allows them the freedom to naturally integrate essential oils into their practice. It’s been really rewarding to hear the stories of clients who were helped by my products, relaxing faster and deeper, so much so that they purchased their own to enjoy between sessions. It’s more than the sale. It’s the story – the ripple effect of these products.
What a year! I can’t wait to share what we have in store for you in 2025. Essential oils and quick self-care rituals make such a difference to our stress levels, energy levels, mind chatter and how we feel in ourselves. I’ll continue to show you how in new and fun ways. Join the email newsletter to be the first to find out what’s next for Esker Fields.
Use this as a reminder to reflect on your accomplishments from 2024. What are your top 4 moments? What are you proud of? What are you grateful for? Small or big, recognising them builds your self-esteem, resilience and belief that you can do amazing things.