To mark Mental Health Awareness Month in the UK, we’re teaming up with our wonderful partner and supplier, Evelyn Naón, to run a special fundraiser for British mental health charity Mind. For the month of May, 10% of the proceeds from a range of our frankincense and fragrance products will go to Mind, to support their work providing mental health advice and support, as well as campaigning to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Although most of our content focuses on the Middle East and North Africa, there are many causes that are dear to our hearts, as well as the hearts of our community. We are running this fundraiser in honour of the lovely Fearne Cotton, a fierce advocate for mental health and Ambassador for Mind who has supported Evelyn’s business for many years.
Fearne’s work in this space stems from her own struggles with mental health, being in the spotlight from a very young age and dealing with the enormous pressure that entailed. The has spoken openly about her struggles with anxiety and depression, and has dedicated her career to promoting mental wellbeing through her podcast, Happy Place, and her books, Happy, Quiet, Speak Your Truth and Bigger Than Us.
Fearne ran into Evelyn by accident at a market in Ibiza and has been obsessed with her perfumes ever since. Here’s what she had to say about Evelyn’s Ibiza al Oud:
My favourite, favourite, favourite smell ever – I found this lovely lady at this market in Ibiza about two summers ago and as I was walking past, I was like, ‘what is that smell?’ I went back and had this lengthy chat with her, and now I go back every year, we have this catch up and I buy as many bottles as I can. The brand is called Evelyn Naón. There are two scents, but the one that me and Jesse both love is unisex and it’s called Ibiza Al Oud. It’s otherworldly, churchy, mysterious, amazing, exotic heavenliness. I pass someone and they ask me how I smell like some kind of healing hippy. The bottle is so beautiful, you have to Google it or go on her Instagram, they’re such beautiful containers. I buy as many as I can to last me the full year before I go back the following summer. Again, I like supporting small brands and small companies who do things well, and that’s a nice way to do it.
Fearne Cotton, TV Presenter, Mental Health Advocate & Mind Ambassador, in an interview with Marie Claire
The products included in the fundraiser are Evelyn Naón perfumes and bakhoor, and our Omani frankincense – which is widely used as a remedy for stress, anxiety and depression, as well as in spiritual practices to connect people to the divine. We will donate 10% of the proceeds of every product sold during Mental Health Awareness Month to Mind.
Every one of our products has a story behind it – here’s a preview of the products included in the fundraiser – click to shop the collection! ✨
DHOFAR | Pure Omani Frankincense Resin
Not only does it smell sacred and luxurious, but Frankincense is a natural remedy that has been used to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression and stress. Omani Frankincense (known locally as Luban) is legendary, and is widely believed to be the highest quality frankincense in the world.
Dhofar, with Salalah as its trading centre, is the historical source of the Frankincense that famously travelled along the Silk Routes centuries ago to be traded in markets as far flung as China and the western Mediterranean.
Our DHOFAR Omani Frankincense is available in 50g packets and beautiful 100g jars.
SALALAH | Natural Oil Perfume with Frankincense and Myrrh
Evelyn Naón’s natural oil blend, Salalah, is inspired by the ancient frankincense trade between two of the main perfume capitals of antiquity – Salalah on the Arabian Sea and Ibiza Island.
Bold Phoenician traders created links between these faraway lands, bringing luxury goods such as exotic resins, perfumes and textiles from South Arabia to Mediterranean Ibiza. Evelyn Naón created this beautiful, natural perfume to keep this ancient heritage alive, preserving history and culture by “building bridges through your senses”.
Tracing the trading routes of old, this perfume incorporates notes of Salalah frankincense, myrrh, Egyptian geranium, Moroccan rose, Seville lemon, cade smoke, saffron, sandalwood, amber and musk.
Available in 10ml and 6ml bottles.
IBIZA AL OUD |Natural Oil Perfume with Oud, Seville Orange & Lemon
Evelyn Naón’s natural oil blend, Ibiza al Oud, is inspired by the Andalusian Valley of Buscatell in the heart of Ibiza. The valley’s lush and majestic irrigation channels were created in the 11th century by the South Arabian and North African tribes that migrated along the Silk Routes of old. Being masters in water management and perfumes, they developed fruitful agricultural lands that allowed Ibiza to export food, perfumes, woods and salt to the world.
Reflecting the valley’s history of migration and multiculturalism, the Ibiza al Oud blend features the herbs and fruits of this land, along with the ancient scents the tribes brought with them from their homelands. It incorporates notes of Seville orange and lemon, bergamot, Andalusian bay and basil, smoke, Spanish labdanum, Guaiac wood, sandalwood, oud, Atlas cedarwood, musk and amber. Just a little of this perfume goes a long way.
Available in 10ml and 6ml bottles.
SALALAH BAKHOOR | Incense Blend with Frankincense & Myrrh
Evelyn Naón’s natural Bakhoor is created with the same fragrance blend as her signature scent, Salalah. Bakhoor is a blend of natural ingredients and oils that is burned on a charcoal disc to create a gorgeous, smoky aroma. It is a staple in many households in Oman and Yemen.
This particular blend was handmade by Evelyn Naón, who learned how to make it from Yemeni women during her time living in Sana’a and Salalah. The scent is inspired by the ancient frankincense trade between two of the main perfume capitals of antiquity – Salalah on the Arabian Sea and Ibiza Island.
Tracing the trading routes of old, this 100% natural Bakhoor incorporates notes of Salalah frankincense, myrrh, Egyptian geranium, Moroccan rose, Seville lemon, cade smoke, saffron, sandalwood, amber and musk.
By buying any one of these beautiful products during the month of May 2022, you are not only supporting our small business and Evelyn’s, but also Mind and their incredible work to support and advocate for people struggling with their mental health.