About Tree of India
Growing up in a rural area in southern Ohio with parents who took a “live off the land” approach to life, I developed a strong bond with nature and the woods around our little log cabin. Although I saw the value and beauty in our lifestyle, I always felt like I was missing out on the perks of modern living. After all, it was the 1980’s and it seemed everyone else was living large!
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Upon graduating from college I tried my hand at living in the "big city." I found much to explore and was quickly immersed in a busy new life filled with wonder and adventure. I moved from city to city for nearly 30 years exploring the world of corporate America. No matter where I lived, I could always find places to hike and be alone in nature. My relationship with nature kept me physically fit, emotionally grounded, and mentally stimulated. I relied heavily on it!
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In 2007, I found myself in Fort Lauderdale, FL working for a large corporation in the natural products industry with a side hustle as a yoga teacher. My marriage was falling apart and I was working long, irregular hours. I was always busy, always exhausted, and couldn't find a way to slow down. For the first time in my life, I couldn't find wild green spaces where I could be truly alone to recharge my batteries and reconnect.
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I saw that the acceptable pace of life keeps us disconnected -- not only from diverse activities, social interaction and healthy food, but from ourselves, emotional well-being and physical well-being. I felt tired, sad, desperate and alone.
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I worked for my mother's herb business as a teen, and since then had kept a shoebox full of essential oils. One day, desperate for contact with nature, I pulled out every essential oil that had come from a tree and mixed them together. I was AMAZED at how much better I felt after inhaling it! I began to share the blend in my yoga classes. The students loved it. Soon yoga studios began to sell it, and Tree of India Aromatherapy was born!
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Within a few months, I opened the first Tree of India shop in a tiny space that I rented for $500/month next to my friend’s yoga studio. In almost no time, I outgrew the space. Over the next 10 years, Tree of India continued to evolve through Farmers' market booths, wholesale accounts, private labeling, a webstore and 3 different retail locations. My fast-paced life did not slow down. If anything, it had become more frantic, more busy and more stressful. I was now a recently divorced female entrepreneur with big passions and few resources.
I reached another “turning point” in 2016 when I left Florida for the mountains of North Carolina. I spent the next 3 years exploring my relationships with Tree of India, yoga, nature, and my personal wellbeing. I dove deeper into my yoga studies, went on a pilgrimage to India, and began to connect the dots. I realized that Tree of India is about moving at Nature’s pace. It is about surrendering into the flow of life, letting go of worry, allowing things to evolve naturally, and accepting every outcome as it is.
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I feel strongly about helping to create a more connected world through my work as a yoga therapist and aromatherapist. Today Tree of India is a simpler operation that allows me to share and serve more. The Tree of India School of Yoga and Oxford Community Yoga allow me to share the gift of Yoga. I am sure they will continue to grow and evolve through the years as all things do! Tree of India Aromatherapy is now a webstore that I can easily run from my home office. I am honored to offer you these gifts from Nature.
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Jessica Lohrey is a Certified Aromatherapist and Business Member of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy. She continually trains and studies to stay current on aromatherapy science and research. Jessica is also a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is additionally certified at the highest level with Yoga Alliance as a Continuing Education Provider and E-RYT 500.
OUR CORE VALUES
NON-HARMING
Our products, services, and messaging shall cause no harm to the consumer, to non-human animals, or to the earth.
HONESTY
Reflected in marketing, transparency, and authenticity
REVERENCE FOR NATURE
Spiritually
Scientifically
HOLISTIC APPROACH
We consider health to include body, mind, and spirit.
PLAYFULNESS
We strive to maintain a “GO WITH THE FLOW” attitude towards life, “enjoy the journey”, allow everything to be as it is, see beauty and wonder everywhere.
