Scentered is a 100% natural aromatherapy company that has created a unique Wellbeing Ritual, teaching people how to use the power of sense of smell as a tool to direct our thoughts, emotions and actions to live happier lives.
Stop. Inhale. Reset.™
How did it all begin?
Our founder Lara Morgan, a world traveller, had a mission to bring value to every day lives through a wellness ritual – delivered through wholly portable aromatherapy balms. Intending to modernise aromatherapy, we disrupt the essential oils category by bringing natural portable wellness applicable to all. Lara had built a successful global amenities business and the year before selling it, she had spent over 221 nights traveling globally. Having relied on essential oils to help manage stress, sleep issues and balancing home and work, she was frustrated with the lack of portable, natural options in the essential oils category and unsatisfied with diluted weak sprays that did not perform.
What sets your business apart?
We are making aromatherapy easy for everyone to incorporate into their daily lives. With quality at every point, from ingredients through to our complex blends incorporated into wonderful travel sized candles and balms, we deliver a portable modern mindset change. We deliver wellness and support positive mindsets by teaching people to use Scentered daily as part of a Wellbeing Ritual.
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
Common problems are leaky, messy, oily, greasy and non-effective blends. Our concept and solution is to provide solid, non-leaky, truly effective aromatherapy balms and complimentary items.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
These balms have led to the development of a range of certified organic biodegradable liquid products in PCR 100% already recycled plastic. We anticipate and believe we are at the forefront of a truly eco-friendly option for hotels that will change the way guests understand the possibilities to enjoy premium dispensed products, whilst caring for the environment.
Lara Morgan
Founder of
Scentered
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
Time is the most valuable commodity in the world. Time for self-care, time for family, time for exercise. I invest in and develop great products that aid wellness, whether supporting mental health, wellbeing, outdoor exercise and always with an eye on sustainable, appropriate, conscious capitalism.
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
My fathers’ business went bankrupt and that brought with it all the complexities of trying to live on a limited budget. That experience shaped me in the way that I live and work – nothing is for free but nothing is impossible – the more you put into life the more you take out.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
Being considered a 5* brand specialist in the global hotel market. Selling a company and being recognised as an Entrepreneur. Being able to speak eloquently to influence those in pursuit of enterprise fast growth. Being in an earned position financially to make the right choices for myself and my family. Always, and above everything, the fantastic relationships, the laugher and the people I have had the pleasure of working with and for, the fabulous teams of people working together to be the best that we can be.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
Be humble, admit when you are wrong, learn from other people and never stop learning.
Best piece of advice you have received?
If you don’t ask you don’t get. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again. Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves. Get three quotes before you buy. Trial stuff to test it and to take the strain out of things… I have been lucky enough to have received a great deal of solid advice.
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Find an unusual or more memorable way of approaching the people you need to talk to, network like crazy and record data as if it is gold.
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
Scentered is wholly funded by Lara Morgan, me, thus far.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
With strong beliefs, experience and a level of tenaciousness, my team and I have overcome challenges with regard to packaging, product formulation (which was a million miles tougher than I thought), viable costs and workload. The hurdles are always there to be jumped, dodged or ducked!
Why is it important to support women-led business?
Too many men in the business world and not enough women with the confidence to take up the gauntlet. Many brilliant minds and ideas do not develop through lack of confidence and guidance, and we need to give the next generation of entrepreneurs all the tools we can – whilst also demonstrating to my own children, it is healthy to work for a living and exceptionally rewarding – but not every day. The value of being an entrepreneur is we choose how to feel about the days we create, and we are in charge of our own destiny.
60
Seconds
with
Lara Morgan
My inspiration is...
To encourage health, wellbeing, exercise and fitness for everyone.
My greatest fear is...
Losing my marbles.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
Marry.
Guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and great coffee.
Mantra you live by?
If you don’t ask you don’t get.
Female role model?
My mother.
Women-led brand you love?
I think about product, great people and great companies.
Top productivity tool?
Time management habits, also the early bird catches the worm.
