AKT x Anatomē - Interview with Brendan Murdock
Aromatherapy may sound like another concoction by the beauty industry - but you know by now that, here at AKT, we don’t do things without purpose!
So this Aromatherapy Awareness Week we have collaborated with anatomē to take a deeper dive on the benefits of aromatherapy.
HOLISTIC HEALING
Aromatherapy is, at its core, a therapeutic treatment which promotes health and well-being using essential oils. As a holistic practice (which means incorporating mind, body and spirit) it’s both an art and a science.
With its roots in ancient cultures, it wasn’t until 1937 when French perfumer René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term AROMATHERAPY that it transformed into the craft we know today.
PARALLEL PATHS, ONE DESTINATION
AKT began as a solution to a problem. We knew that AKT had to handle sweat but it also had to smell great. Not to mention the benefits of using essential oils to promote health and wellbeing. Each scent is tailored to tell a story whilst addressing specific well-being requirements.
Anatomē is a London Apothecary created by Brendan Murdock. They harness botanicals and essential oils, recognising through institutional research and history, their potential in supporting emotional and physical wellbeing.
Naturally, we had to get together to talk all things AROMA!
We sat down with Brendan to learn where his passion for lotions and potions stemmed from and how it can transform your well-being:
Q: HOW AND WHY DID YOU START A BRAND BASED ON AROMATHERAPY AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE?
Brendan: "Anatomē, actually specialises in creating aromachology oils, a progression of aromatherapy where we discover how the structure of scent can support your wellbeing, and often our customers come to us with sleep challenges.
I have always been passionate about apothecaries. My interest stemmed from the time I created Murdock London, where I created perfumes, lotions and potions for men, so I did a lot of research at the time focused on world famous apothecaries such as Dr. Harris and Santa Maria Novella.
We work with a broad team of perfumers, nutritionists and skin care specialists to build out a collection based on wellness practices. At anatomē, I'm seeking to redefine the apothecary for a modern-health epicurean customer through oils, salts, teas, supplements and skincare, all to support your quality sleep, help you move, create and focus better!"
Q: WHY DO YOU THINK INCORPORATING AROMATHERAPY INTO YOUR SKINCARE AND WELLNESS ROUTINE CAN BE LIFE-CHANGING?
Brendan: "I think we need good foundations to be well, and to thrive. The power of scent and botanical ingredients help anchor your well-being.
Botanicals from around the world can transform your well-being and often many of us do not realise the power of nature to anchor our health. In our sleep collection we include exquisite natural candles, health supplement formulations, teas and organic skincare to transform the elasticity and glow of the skin.
The incorporation of our formulations into your daily wellness practices is key to supporting your body and mind: knowing it's the time to relax and sleep better; to anchor a mindfulness or a skincare practice in the morning. When we feel anchored we feel better, we can thrive."
Q: WHICH OF YOUR PRODUCTS WOULD YOU PAIR WITH OUR SCENTS?
Brendan: "SC.01 Orange Grove - Petit Grain, Mandarin and Neroli are wonderful summer scents that work so beautifully with our own Energy + Strength essential oil blend, an oil we wear in summer, activating the body."
Q: WHAT TYPE OF SCENTS MAKE YOU FEEL CONFIDENT TO STEP ONTO YOUR STAGE AND PERFORM DAILY?
Brendan: "The Energy + Strength oil is so awakening. I like wearing it as I move around London, in the summer heat. The scent changes on my skin, the rich neroli and fleur d'oranger is both enlivening and comforting for me. We created it with Roger Federer one of the world’s greatest performers."
Q: WHY DO YOU THINK SCENTS (WE CALL THEM SCENES) TELL STORIES, AND WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE SCENT FROM OUR RANGE?
Brendan: "I think its SC.01. Orange Grove. I've been wearing it recently and now that it is t-shirt weather I'm enjoying the scent and the application. It makes me feel good and adequately protected for the summer heat."
Thank you to Brendan and anatomē for giving us such insight into the powers of scent and how something small can make a difference to your day to day personal care. How will you take care of yourself today?
BEGIN YOUR RITUAL WITH AKT & ANATOMĒ
One lucky winner will receive a full set of products from AKT worth £165, and a £300 gift card from anatomē.
