Scottish Women’s Awards: East Lothian businesswoman shortlisted

23/08/202323/08/2023

The Edinburgh Reporter: Phyllis Stephen

Geraldine McCullagh, a clinical aromatherapist who runs her business Me-Time Therapies from Musselburgh has been shortlisted in the Beauty Entrepreneur category of the Scottish Women’s Awards.

She explained that she handcrafts her ethical skincare products with 100% natural ingredients and therapeutic-grade aromatherapy oils and high quality base ingredients.

Geraldine said: “It feels amazing to be nominated for this award and to be recognised alongside such an inspiring group of talented women. The last few years have been extremely challenging for small business owners and, for me, this is an opportunity to celebrate all of the hard work that has kept the business on track and moving forward. I sincerely believe having a business that you love is the secret to a happy, fulfilled life. This is what motivates me to keep growing and expanding Me-Time Therapies from a local to a national brand.”

After establishing her aromatherapy business she qualified in reflexology and mindfulness teaching to provide complete therapies for clients. Geraldine said that as the world returns to the new normal and stress takes hold over modern life, she has realised that her products have an even more important role to play in delivering essential “me-time” to as many people as she can reach. She said: “The best way to do this is by spreading the word about the benefits of natural products, and aromatherapy and encouraging more people to invest time and energy in their own well-being.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Women’s Awards said: “We are truly humbled by the overwhelming response we received for this year’s Scottish Women’s Awards. The sheer talent, resilience, and commitment exhibited by the finalists have left us in awe. Their achievements are an inspiration to women everywhere, empowering future generations to aim high and break barriers.”

The awards ceremony will be held on 16 September at the Marriott in Glasgow.

Aromatherapy scents article in House Beautiful

04/04/202012/07/2023

Aromatherapy scents will make you feel calm and less anxious, according to science.

Here is the part of the article where I am quoted on ‘how Aromatherapy scents can affect our mood’.

Geraldine McCullagh, a registered Clinical Aromatherapist at Me-Time Therapies, commented: ‘When we breathe in a scent, it triggers a reaction in the part of our brain (limbic system) and sets off a reaction in our bodies such as feeling calm or energised. The limbic system also associates smells with emotion and memories.

‘People tend to like the fruity-floral aroma of bergamot, which can result in feeling relaxed and their spirits uplifted. Lavender reduces muscle tension, and is regularly used to aid sleep. Geranium helps us to feel emotionally balanced and helps to reduce anxiety caused by stress and overwork.

‘Citrus scents are associated with an uplifting mood. For example, orange is sometimes called “sunshine in a bottle”, due to making people feel joyful and positive. Frankincense can create a sense of peace, helping people have time to breathe and be still.’

Geraldine says to stop anxiety from escalating, we can ‘train’ ourselves each time we feel anxious. ‘We can breathe in a smell and start to associate that smell with making us feel calm,’ she adds.

Full article 31st March 2020 – www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle

Article in Happiful- Mindfulness & Aromatherapy to feel calm

05/03/202012/07/2023

How scents can help root us to the present moment and help us feel calm

I am interviewed about how I blend Aromatherapy and Mindfulness together to help me feel calm.

Here is the article – A short-cut to mindfulness

Meditation is the usual go-to mindfulness technique, and is highly recommended, but it can also be helpful to find quick ways to anchor yourself throughout the day for those moments when you can’t really drift off into a meditative state.

A tool that’s been helping me recently is so simple, I’m not sure why I didn’t think of it sooner – scent.

Why does scent help us feel calm?

The reason aromatherapy can be so powerful in helping us feel calm is because it triggers our limbic system, the part of the brain linked to emotions and memories. Speaking to Cosy Owl following their survey results, clinical aromatherapist Geraldine McCullagh expands on this.

“When we breathe in a scent such as an aromatherapy oil it triggers a reaction in the part of our brain and sets off a reaction in our bodies such as feeling calm or energised.

“The limbic system also associates smells with emotion and memories. For example, the smell of Lavender can trigger a memory of a summer holiday in France and associate that memory with feeling relaxed.”

Geraldine goes on to say that because of this link between scent and memory we can effectively train ourselves to associate a certain scent with feeling calm.

“The next time we are starting to feel anxious, we can smell the essential oil and our minds will associate the smell with feeling calm. It means that we can stop the anxiety from escalating.”

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed with worry, find a scent you adore and breathe it in for a few long, slow breaths. Focus on the scent and being exactly where you are.

You can read the full article here – 3rd March 2020 – happiful.com/using-scent in Mindfulness/

Joanne Thompson

I’ve tried the new Comforting Massage balm for over a month now and it’s certainly easing my aches and pains. Took a few days to start seeing a difference but my osteoarthritis in my hands isn’t as painful and neither is my lower back. Think I’m just going to put it on my knees now too. It’s great that it doesn’t smell either so people don’t ask you if you are using deep heat as soon as you walk through the door. Worth the investment.

S B

I’ve tried Me-Time Therapies balms before and love the products so I was excited to try the new comforting balm. I was not disappointed. I’ve suffered from knee pain and joint pain in my hands for some time now but since using the comforting balm, my pain has considerably improved. I have found the results to be quite amazing and it feels lovely in your skin which is an added bonus. I’m closely keeping my eyes open for any new product from this company!

Elspeth Walker

Me-time therapy balms are incredible. There is a new balm out called Comforting Balm. It’s a miracle balm. It soothes all types of pain and especially arthritis complaints. As a therapist (25yrs) my hands get very sore. Not now! Thank you Me-Time Therapies

Niamh Clancy

I purchased the self-care kit as an activity to do with my flat mates to unwind after a stressful week of lectures and studying for exams. The products were a great size and perfect for a group activity on a Friday evening ! The clay face masks were so relaxing and the hand reflexology videos were so informative and de-stressing, to accompany the beautifully smelling body butter. The pamper evening finished off with a lovely refreshing mist of orange blossom water. The kit was a great purchase and there is plenty left over to do another pamper night ! Perfect for a well needed self care night.

Grace Budge

I love this balm, the scent provides an ambience conducive to relaxing.and it has a silky non greasy texture that leave my feet nourished and the skin is smooth and soft.

jacqueline McGrath

I have been looking for a product that will help with rosacea and discovered this product- I could feel the face clay working it’s magic and can see and feel the difference in my skins condition. Added benefit was the vegan body butter. This is really good on dry skin- especially around heels…. The packaging is lovely- and really good instructions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hand reflexology and learned a lot from that. The blossom face spray has a lovely scent. I also thought the cloth that was included was a very high quality product . So overall- I am very impressed with the quality of product and packaging and am looking forward to trying out more products from this range.

Lisa McCormick

I have been using the relaxing massage balm for use during Indian head massage on my clients and they all comment on how nice it smells, I love how well it goes on and would definitely recommend it for this use. It’s also great for control on how much you use

Judith Dunn

I really appreciate the Muscle Relaxing Massage Balm. I’ve been using it for a few months now whilst recovering from some serious injuries caused by an accident. The feel of rubbing it in is so therapeutic, and with its gorgeous texture and aroma it is lovely to use, hugely soothing and calming. I am certain this product has been key to getting my body working again, so thank you Geraldine for your wonderful product.

Vijay Chumber

Brilliant products used in my clinic, ethical, natural and super smooth on the skin. The scent is lush and leaves an everlasting impression. Great value all round with service, quality and sustainability in mind. Excellent overall! Craven Physio Clinic

Fiona Robertson

I bought four Me-Time Self-Care Kits recently as gifts for friends - two who were under a great deal of stress with work and family issues, one who is under-going treatment for cancer and one who is struggling through a difficult menopause. Apart from the products, which are entirely natural and smell wonderful, my main motivation for buying these was the very original link to the reflexology and meditation videos. I have never seen this with any other gift product and, given their individual circumstances, I knew that my friends would appreciate them - and they certainly did! One friend was keen to try meditation, but had no idea how to start and this was the ideal introduction. The others said that it was a wonderful boost to morale in difficult times and, combined with the lovely products, was the perfect excuse to carve out some essential, therapeutic me-time. This little kit is very aptly named and is a very thoughtful gift for anyone in need of some time to themselves and a spot of mindful pampering. I'll definitely be buying more in future - including one for myself!