Voted as one of the Top 10 Aromatherapists in the world by Vogue, Michelle Roques O'Neil is no stranger to the world of all things spiritual, holistic + balancing. Her brand Therapie is home to crystal-infused beauty products that help you glow from the inside out. Today, she shares the rituals + practices that go beyond skin deep in order to keep her balanced from morning to night.
- Hi Michelle. We would love you to tell us little about your journey and the story of Therapie.
Therapie evolved out of my treatment practice, where although I got great results, I felt that people were not investing fully in their wellbeing on a daily basis. I’d be filling people up only to receive them back in a completely burnt out state once again – I wanted to change their daily mindset and habits.
- How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
My daily dose of golden balance comes in the morning; it’s a precious time for me. I’m usually up early, I love the silence as I sit quietly sipping on hot water and lemon... a habit I picked up 30 years ago when working for Micheline Arcier. I do my morning pages at this time, it’s a process I’ve done for 20 years – it’s just great for decluttering the mind and dumping anxiety, some days it’s just that ... other days it can be really inspirational.
- How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
Absolutely, self-care is essential to keep the spirit and soul on track. It’s so integral to Therapie’s philosophy and one of the key pillars of the brand ...engaging in little moments of respite throughout your day to reconnect with life and notice the little pleasures- whether it’s a cool shower taken with some deep breaths or anointing a scented oil over wet skin, just doing this consciously will get you out of your head and connect you to the boundaries of your physical being. I take small breaks like spritzing myself with Therapie Restore Aura Spray, £32 (roquesoneil.com) (it s a desktop staple) 3-5 deep breath (inhale for 3 seconds, exhale for 5 seconds) is enough to revive and reset your inner balance. So the answer is yes – they are essential and help you to step out of the norm into the magical.
- Share a quote with us that inspires you every day.
“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” - The Dalai Lama
- We know nourishment from the inside out is fundamental to you. How do you practice this every day?
I do 20 minutes of integrated Qi Gong. It’s been something that I’ve done for over 20 years. It’s a moving meditation which physically heals whilst increasing my sensitivity. It really sets me up for the day.
- What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Meditation, reading, listening to music and cooking.
- Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
Chilli, garlic, fresh coriander.
- Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
Iced cold brew black coffee (only one and not everyday)
- What is your favourite way to use turmeric, be it in your beauty regime or recipes?
We use organic turmeric oil in our Comfort Warming Rub, £24 (roquesoneil.com). Earlier this year I caught the Aussie flu, I hadn’t been so ill in years and that amazing pot of soothing kindness really eased away my aches and pains, it’s quite magical and the most brilliant multi-tasking hero.
Food-wise I make dal with turmeric, definitely – my ultimate comfort food. I serve it with finely shredded hispi cabbage with grated coconut, turmeric, coriander, a dash of coconut milk and a squeeze of lime, with Himalayan salt to taste, delicious!
- Matcha or turmeric latte?
Turmeric latte all day long!