Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Hoover. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amanda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
While I have been using herbs and essential oils in self care for over twenty years, my shift to creating incense arose out of need in early 2020. As I became increasingly sensitive to heavy, artificial fragrances, I set out on a luckless quest to find incense that was truly all natural. It took me too long to come to the realization that perhaps I could create it myself. My research lead me to Carl F. Neal, an incense artist and author whose book Incense: Crafting & Use of Magickal Scents guided me through the trials and errors of creating my own unique fragrances. Since then, I have been on a mission to create incense that is not only safe to burn, but that invokes emotions and opens the mind and spirit. I want to break the stigma that incense is a heavy, headache and sickness inducing thing and introduce the concept of using it as aromatherapy to set the mood and heal the soul.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I aim to convey a story through fragrance. It brings me so much joy when I hear that someone is overcome with a rush of memories and emotions upon smelling the sweet smoke of one of my incense cones. I encourage them to explore the meaning behind it and reflect. I also aim to teach as many people as possible how to work with the different woods and plants to create their own fragrance story. That is why I jump on every opportunity to teach workshops and classes on the art of incense. Although incense isn’t the only thing I make, it is my main passion.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities most impactful on my journey thus far have been courage, perseverance, and commitment. As someone with an anxiety disorder, I struggle with finding the courage to apply to different markets and doing things to expand my demographic. And even though I am a ball of nerves the day of an event, I push through and show up. That’s the best advice I can give anyone. Be scared, but do it anyways. And do your best to show up to your commitments.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed I turn on music. I sing, I dance, I create. I take relaxing baths with my homemade salt and herb blends. I stretch and do yoga and meditate. These are the things I have found that bring me the most peace. It’s all about finding Your peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Faerievicious
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faerievicious?igsh=azF3MHYydmVlaGFt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faerievicious?mibextid=sCpJLy
Image Credits
I am the photographer
