European summer is so close, it’s as if we can smell it. Although, actually, that may be because we can thanks to Vyrao’s latest fragrance – aptly named Sun Ræ – which we’ve been spraying on repeat since it launched this month. Much like the other scents in Vyrao’s range it’s born from energetic healing, master perfumery and Ayurvedic medicine ingredients – and even proven to boost wearers’ happiness by 25 per cent.
Smith members can stock up for summer with an exclusive discount, but first we sat down with founder Yasmin Sewell to talk wellness, dancing, meditation and more…
Can you tell us about the process of starting Vyrao? Where did the concept come from?
I knew I wanted to do something in the wellbeing space, but not something we traditionally associate with wellness. Scent – and healing using the senses – is extraordinarily powerful. Scent can bypasses the logical brain and go straight to the core: to our centre. And that’s what Vyrao is all about – the spirit, mind and body connection; emotional wellbeing, energetic wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing.
Describe Vyrao in three words
Colourful, radical, beautiful.
You seem to always be on the move. How does travel inform your scents and the brand itself?
When you travel you always open up in some way. Stepping out of your usual routine, day-to-day way of life. It is so good for us in so many ways. I think it gives you a huge perspective to step away from everything and look at it from afar. It also helps to be in a beautiful place, preferably at a Smith hotel. It’s when you truly escape that inspiration comes.
Is there a place on earth that best embodies your brand?
The spirituality of Santa Fe, the energy of Ibiza, the colours of Mexico, the creativity of London, and the mindfulness of Thailand.
What about the brand makes you the most proud?
Whenever people message me and tell me how the fragrances and home scents made them feel, and especially how the emotions connected to the scent resonate with them, that’s when I feel most proud.
Who or what inspires you?
I’ve worked and trained with many different holistic wellness teachers. I have trained in different forms of energetic healing. I have held meditation retreats; I’ve spent a lot of time with incredible healers. The people I’ve met in doing so – Katt Nicholson, Gary Gorrow, Jane Vukovic, Louise Mita, Michael Berthand, Wayne Walker and more – have altered my life path to where I am today.
What helps you feel better on a daily basis? What wellness tools or rituals do you incorporate into your life?
A morning meditation. Daily practice is essential to ward off overthinking and anxiety, which can happen so easily in our busy lives. I also try to do some form of exercise around three times a week, and I think part of that process is finding and prioritising the time to do it.
Otherwise, making sure I see people I love, and having friends round for dinner. Great food and laughter – you can underestimate how good these things are for the soul. And anything that’s good for our souls is also incredibly good for our physical bodies.
Oh, and one last thing, I try to dance as often as I can with my kids in the morning. A pre-school-run dance!
Vyrao are offering Smith members 20 per cent off candles, fragrance and incense – use vyraosmith at checkout