I remember as a child feeling safe when I encountered certain smells. For many, familiar scents like their mother's perfume, their father's aftershave, or the aroma of home baking evoke a deep sense of comfort. However, for others, especially those with sensitivities to fragrances, strong smells can be overwhelmingly unbearable. This is just one of the many challenges faced by individuals on the autistic spectrum in today's world.
Smells have always been a part of our lives. For example, in Victorian times, walking down the street could often be accompanied by unpleasant odours. Personally, I found immense comfort as a child sitting in a field surrounded by grass and wildflowers. This connection made me feel safe and accepted. In those moments, I felt invisible, free from the judgment of others. Even now, the scent of freshly mown grass evokes a sense of home and can nearly bring me to tears of happiness—though I don't think I've ever actually cried from joy.
Another scent that made me feel secure was my bed sheets. Falling asleep while inhaling their comforting aroma allowed me to feel safely tucked away. Only my dreams would disturb me, and I was never scared of them—just fascinated. When I experienced anxiety or depression, I would retreat to bed, often sleeping for many hours and waking up feeling much better. To me, those blankets symbolised the warm embrace of a loving cuddle, which was missing in my family. As an adult, I still sometimes seek refuge in my bed when I'm stressed, although my anxiety levels have significantly decreased lately, and I haven't needed those blanket cuddles in a while.
As a neurodivergent person, I aim to create scents that are gentle and non-overwhelming, using plants from my garden, foraged from the wild, or sustainably sourced. I want others to experience the same sense of safety that certain smells can provide. Additionally, I plan to offer a custom-created line that allows individuals to design their own uplifting, calming, or nostalgic scents in the form of wax melts or room sprays, helping people move away from synthetic and overpowering fragrances in their homes.
Sending hugs to you all! x
"If this spoke to you, mist the silence with my handmade room spray- crafted for moments like this"
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