Wellbeing Wonder

Guest Author - Kathy Chillistone, Co-Founder of ChilliWinter

We should probably all take a leaf out of Mother Nature’s book and practice human-hibernation like the Scandinavian equivalent: ‘hygge’. We try to in our own home with cosy candle lighting, but its more than that, isn’t it, it’s a lifestyle.

As we emerge from the wet winter months here in the UK, it’s a natural time for reflection and renewal, armed with goals and resolutions. Sometimes these good intentions are short lived, and sometimes we discover new rituals, and rediscover hobbies, which make us feel, somehow, more whole again.

Do you follow a strict regime to achieve your goals, or do you adjust here and there? It’s a good question, because an all-or-nothing approach can help us stay on track, but the downside can be feeling overwhelmed, like we are failing. After the hectivity of the festive season it is no wonder that we are having some low, down days.

Kathy ChilliWinter’s professional background is Wellbeing. She ditched the long commute with the corporate world 4 years’ ago, to pursue her creative love, with her partner Dave, building their micro business from their garden studio on the Isle of Wight. A high personal risk for sure – let’s face it, we know it’s tough starting a business, with the power giant warehouse retailers have, and what with Covid, and an economic crisis too.

Following the theme of Wellbeing Wonder, here, Kathy shares a bit about their story so far, and how keeping this at the core of their focus benefits their business and keeps them fulfilled.

“Our own hobbies have always been creative ones, helping us to relax and unwind from work, and finding pleasure in the simplest of things in nature surrounding our coastal home. Dave is a Key Worker and loves designing and handmaking unique sterling silver jewellery in his spare time. I run ChilliWinter, as well as a business consultancy ad hoc, specialising in Mental Health.

We design and make vegan, eco conscious, zero-waste gifts and treats. Think skincare, apothecary-style Reed Diffusers, Mindfulness Gifts, Wellbeing Oils and Aromatherapy Candles – all of which are designed to boost your mood, and help you feel good.

Running our business gives me the space to grow, and the freedom to manage our own Wellbeing. The nature of  the design processes, and regular small-batch manufacturing gives us a lot of satisfaction, and relaxation. It’s fulfilling to know the pleasure our customers get from enjoying them all.

Our business ethos is all about people and planet, before profit. Being intentionally small, this still means growth, but stagnation as we mature. We stay true to why we started our business in the first place, and what it gives back to our community locally and nationally, We support charitable partners and collaborate with other like-minded small businesses. By sharing resources together, it this sense of fulfilment which is integral to our sense of Wellbeing.

It’s been quite a bumpy ride establishing ourselves, but I guess our only regret is that we didn’t make this lifestyle change to run our own business, sooner”.

The hard work has certainly paid off – in a saturated market, ChilliWinter was given recognition by leading UK industry experts, winning 3 awards in the Gift of The Year 2022. Not only do their products stand up to the rigorous quality standards, as well as having a very relevant appeal to consumer Wellbeing, ChilliWinter were celebrated for being values-led.

“We received a High Commendation for ‘My Gift of All Time’ with our Little Box of Mindful Moments. It’s a little gift box with 15 handmade mini beeswax candles, a small brass candle holder, and a positive affirmation card to guide you. Each little candle burns for 15-20 minutes, which is just enough time to disconnect from 21st century life, and recharge. Watching the flame reflect and flicker against the brass is mesmerising, it helps you slow down, and feel calm.

“We were also winners of ‘Best Beauty Bath and Spa’ product, and also received a High Commendation for ‘Best Home Fragrance’ with our remedial Aromatherapy Collection. We developed five remedial blends which nourish and restore your wellbeing, to boost your mood, so you can enjoy a spa experience at home. 

• Breathe – Enliven and awaken your senses. A naturally woody blend, infused with refreshing Eucalyptus, spicy Bay and Clove Bud.
• Calm – Soothing Aromatic Lavender, Clary Sage, Chamomile and Geranium. Entwined with refreshing notes of Bergamot.
• Energise – Invigorating zesty Orange, Mandarin, and ripe green Bergamot. Infused with Lavender and Chamomile.
• Rest – A floral heart of Lily, English Lavender, and Patchouli. Harmonised  by a musky base of Dead Sea Minerals, Vetivert and Cedarwood.
• Uplifting – A revitalising citrus fusion for the mind, body, and soul. Blended Lemongrass, Lemon, Geranium and Litsea Cubeba.

To perk you up, get your mitts on some ChilliWinter loveliness, with 15% off when you subscribe to their newsletter, just head over to their website www.chilliwinter.co.uk and depending on the kind of pick-me up’ you’re looking for, you can enjoy their award-winning aromatherapy in 3 different ways:

• Wellbeing Oils: Add a few drops of pure concentrate to your bath, pillow, or room atomiser
• Enjoy as a Reed Diffuser, with long-lasting natural fibre reeds
• Candles, in 50g, 150g and 3-wick 400g sizes

Check out their socials  join the ChilliWinter community on Facebook and Instagram for tips, new products, fun, Lives and a whole lot more, they’d love to see you there. Ones to watch for sure.