Dealing with the stress of graduate school, Brittney Erica Lyons and Dr. Simone N. Woody found that aromatherapy was a calming way to practice self-care and recharge. Their hobby of making custom aromatherapy blends led them on a journey to found Twisted Oil Blends, a premium luxury line of aromatherapy oils.

Discover the Many Benefits of Aromatherapy

The brand was created to help support their community and those that are dealing with anxiety, depression, injustices, and stress-related issues. We caught up with Lyons to learn more about Twisted Oil Blends and how aromatherapy can be incorporated into a wellness routine.

How did you first get into aromatherapy?

My journey with aromatherapy began while my girlfriend/business partner and I were in graduate school. At the time, I was obtaining my Masters of Divinity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology and my girlfriend, Dr. Simone N. Woody, was studying physical therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. We were both stressed, like going bonkers between exams, presentations, and internships. It was something, yet very rewarding.

Both of us understood that we were called to help people holistically by using movement and counseling, but in order for us to do that we needed to take care of our temple, too! Aromatherapy began as a hobby—we would go to our local oil shops in Richmond, VA to purchase essential oils and fragrance-based oils. Whenever my girlfriend would create scents, I would be full of excitement, so we turned those nights into our at-home date nights. When COVID-19 hit, it really affected our mental health. At the time I was working a very very stressful job, so we created an environment that allowed us to remain calm and peaceful. Before we knew it, Twisted Oil Blends was born.

What are your tips for incorporating aromatherapy into a wellness routine?

1. Meditate.

2. Take a swift when needing a recharge.

3. Add a couple of drops to bath water.

4. Wear, diffuse, and burn twisted oil blends.

Can you share a little about some of the scents you offer and what people should know about the blends?

Our blend names have been inspired by my research called Womanist Theology. Whenever a person takes a moment to swift our products they feel powerful, positive vibes, fearless and aligned with the universe. Our scents are subtle, smooth, and beautiful, featuring over 25 different blends.

We have sweet, woody, and citrus blends that open your palate. We have blends that calm your spirit, wake your senses, and give you bursts of energy that take the stress away. Motha-God's ingredients are frankincense, Myrrh, and Green-tea fig—this is such a great blend of sweetness. Motha-Earth ingredients are eucalyptus and olive—both scents together are powerful. Kingdom ingredients are citrus and grapefruit. This blend is a burst of energy in a bottle, it always wakes me up whenever I need a recharge!

Do you have a favorite blend?

Motha-God is our favorite blend because it was our first blend that we created. We love all of them, it’s so hard to choose.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy