sarah

Share a little about yourself…

I live in the beautiful region of Gippsland Victoria. I grew up here, moved to Melbourne to study design at RMIT University, which followed on to living in London for a year. I always knew I wanted to come back to my roots – I love being close to my family, and its a great place to live. 

I would love to know more about the early story of your exploration into natural therapies? I understand the idea behind Shikoba Therapies initially began to ease your own symptoms - ?

As a young child I was diagnosed with Epilepsy, growing up with this condition was frightening at times and I experienced anxiety frequently. I was on some pretty harsh anti-epileptic medication for around 10 years (from the age of around 12–22) it was in my early twenties when my anxiety started impacting my quality of  life, and I started experiencing unusual feelings (like I was in a dream, which I now can identify as derealisation). I sought help for my symptoms and went through a series of tests by a new neurologist, he discovered I no longer had epilepsy, and that my previous neurologist was supposed to re-test every three years – but didn’t for ten years. The whole experience was quite traumatic for me, I was thrilled to be off medications, but what I was left with was an anxiety disorder. Over the years I was open to trying many alternative therapies to ease my anxiety – what works for me is counselling and hypnotherapy (when I need it), meditation/yoga, essential oils, herbs and reflexology – which is why I created Shikoba Therapies. 

Because of my anxiety disorder, living in constant panic for so many years, I was left with digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Finding relief from energetic healing and aromatherapy, I created Shikoba Therapies, designed to help others balance energetic flow and relieve physical symptoms.

What a powerful story of you and your product, Sarah! Can you tell us a little more about what informs and inspires your practice?

Anything that is natural and organic inspires me, whether it be food, herbs, tonics, supplements, alternative therapies – all of it. 

You also work as a Graphic designer- how do you balance both these business’?

It's extremely hard juggling both businesses. My design practice is my full-time gig as its what pays the bills and allows me to create the products in the Shikoba range. Being self-employed has its positives like choosing my hours – It’s a real juggling act.  

Could you share a little about how you use Shikoba in your daily life…

I cannot live without the Root Chakra Body Mist, I use this as a natural perfume daily. I spray before I leave the house and keep one in my hand bag for times when I need to shift my energy. 

I use the supportive/balancing blend range depending on how I’m feeling on the day. If i'm feeling anxious or down – I use the anxiety/depression blend, if i have a digestive upset – i use the digestion blend. This entire range literally sits in our medicine cabinet.

After my morning yoga routine, I always sit in Savasana with the aromatherapy eye pillow – the smells of lavender and peppermint are so relaxing, it sets me up for a good mind set for the day. My Sunday night ritual is always a herbal face steam. I always feel glowy and rejuvenated after.

Do you have any other tools or rituals which help to keep you grounded through out your day?

Self-talk is a big one for me. I love burning incense in the morning, drinking herbal teas, being outside.

If you had one message for other Women, what would it be? 

Try and see the good that comes from something bad. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!! You can find out more about Shikoba Therapies over at www.shikobatherapies.com