Ep 28| Anna Noxon: Ayurveda & Aromatherapy: Experiment, Observe, Pivot, Evolve

Join me as I interview Anna Noxon, the owner of Anna B. Nana Products, a company that produces personal care (mostly bath) products – based on the integration of the principles of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda.  Anna is currently a student at Maharishi International University (MIU) – she is enrolled in a unique Master’s program that combines the healing principles of Ayurveda with Holistic Aromatherapy.  In this interview, Anna shares her a-ha moments:  • How Ayurveda is truly a system of self- healing; • How eating at a table with her family offered more nourishment than dining in front of the TV; • How essential oils have a profound impact on her physiology.”The program is experiential.  In our Ayurvedic training, we learn how to take our own pulse to determine our state of balance or imbalance.  In class, we have the opportunity to sample different essential oils and then take our own pulse.  We then share our observations with our classmates and teachers.”“Your business is Anna B. Nana Products?”  “Yes.”  “What made you start this business and when did you start?”  “I started it two years before enrolling in the Master’s program in Aromatherapy and Ayurveda Wellness.  I produce bath bombs and shower steamers.  I also sell lip balms, sugar scrubs and salt soaks.  I am currently developing a lip scrub due to customer demand.”“Are you using single oils or blends?”  “Both.”  “Customer favorites?”  “Easy Breathe Shower Steamer.” “Do you attribute this to Covid?”  “No, it has always been our most popular blend.”  “And its components?”  “Peppermint and eucalyptus.”  “Their properties:  mucus-reducing; anti-inflammatory; anti-bacterial; anti-viral.”“When you started your business versus now – two years into an academic program combining Ayurveda and Aromatherapy - how has this transformed your business – in terms of your ability to deliver products of greater therapeutic value?”  “I am working on that right now with the sugar scrub I am developing.  It is a body scrub for local areas.  I designed this product for my eczema, for my own healing.”“How about your top-five tips for individuals who are considering a similar business to yours?”  “Have your game plan in mind and make it part of you.”  “Do you mean that you are encouraging people to be their own authentic selves?”  “Yes, for sure.  Own who you are first and be realistic about what you can do at each stage.”  “Anything else?”  “Always be open to learning something new.”  “Anything else?”  “Never give up.”  “What do you mean by that?”  “I primarily sold at vendor events.  Due to Covid, the venues dried up, so how do you sell?  Being able to say – it is going to be hard – but just keep going.”  “It sounds like having faith in your purpose is a good takeaway, but being willing to adapt and change when required is also important.”  “For sure.”  “How has studying Ayurveda enhanced your experience of studying Aromatherapy?  At first it can be a bit overwhelming, but as you progress in your education – you can see how they weave together.”  “It sounds like just allowing (sometimes we push something away when we feel overwhelmed) the process to happen and eventually, connections begin to emerge.”  “Yes, you do have to work at it however.” Find Anna:www.annabnanaproducts.comInstagram:  @annabnana422I would love it if you would follow, rate, or write a review for my podcast.  What you think matters and I appreciate all feedback!Get in touch with topic ideas relating to my podcast's categories:The meaning of health and well-being, personal and collective consciousness, and maximizing full human potential.  My email:  [email protected] sincere gratitude, Noreen