As a trusted educator, Monique Blake’s passion is to blend modern techniques and ancient wisdom to empower individuals and organizations to claim their ultimate wellbeing. She is a certified Clifton Strengths Finder Coach with 20 plus years of executive experience in the education, corporate, and spa settings. She is also a NAMA-certified ayurvedic practitioner, Kepler College-certified astrologer, aromatherapist, tarotist, and award-winning chef.
IECSC Florida Class: Scent-sational: Aromatherapy for Spa Professionals (*NCBTMB CE credit available)
What makes you passionate about your class topic?
When you use essential oils, at some point, you realize that you are in a relationship with nature. Personally, this has been a 40-year relationship, and I am in it for the long haul. Essential oils are the soul of a plant, and they allow us to understand the profound and abundant healing power of the earth. They also allow us to understand ourselves better on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Physically, they show us where we need support in our bodies. Whatever ails us, there is an essential oil that can assist. On a mental level, they incite greater clarity, focus, and attention when we stop to smell them. Emotionally, they are therapy in a bottle as the sense of smell gives us access to memory and emotions. Spiritually, they re-imagine our connection to the devas, the Source and the Oneness and remind us of the magic in the world. Essential oils give so much. To create a bit of balance in the relationship, I am inspired to share the incredible potential for healing they create in our personal and professional lives.
What brands are you most interested in checking out on the IECSC Florida show floor?
I plan to visit Saffron’s booth. The Saffron website states that ‘it is Nature that nourishes us.’ Amen! I am also an ayurvedic practitioner and Saffron is a legend in Ayurvedic skincare. I am interested in seeing how they blend ancient wisdom with modern technology.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My grandmother taught me a lot. One piece of advice was how to quickly differentiate what is truly important in life. She said if I would be thinking about this problem, situation, person, etc. as I take my last breath on this earth, then it is truly important. Nurture that person. Fix that problem. Take charge of that situation. Everything else might be critical and urgent, but it is not truly important. This is the formula for living and dying with no major regrets.
For readers who have never attended an industry trade show, what's the number-one reason they should attend?
The number-one reason to attend is to build relationships. Business runs on relationships. Come to the show to meet potential new vendors and network with both current and new colleagues. Attend classes and get to meet and learn from industry experts. Come have a Scent-sational experience.
To attend Blake's class or any of the classes offered at IECSC Florida, be sure to register here to attend IECSC Florida from October 13-14, 2024. What's more, use code AMERICANSPA to get 20% off education classes.