From earth to bottle

By Veenu Singh

“Sustainability isn’t a choice; it’s a responsibility,” says well-known Aromatherapist and more Dr Blossom Kochhar in an interview with The Mind Diaries

Blossom Kochhar’s name is synonymous with aromatherapy, not just in India but all over the world. The seeds for the same were sown in 1994 by Dr Blossom Kochhar and her husband, the late Col. V. Kochhar. Today, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic is the country’s premier
aromatherapy product range company, offering more than 200 products. The product portfolio includes essential oils, skin care, body care, hair care and cosmetics available across 100 cities in India and over 10 countries abroad too.

Besides being the chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, she is also the Founder and Chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar College of Creative Arts & Design and is also associated with several organisations and Government bodies related to skill development. Blossom Kochhar also has many awards and accolades to her name, including the Best Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and is also the Grooming and Happiness Coach for Femina Miss India since 2018.

Interestingly, there are several facets of her personality that many may not be aware of. Besides being a successful businesswoman, Blossom is also a philanthropist, a keen golfer, yoga practitioner, a Kathak dancer, master of many alternate therapies including Reiki, pranic healing, NLP, EFT, colour therapy, crystal therapy and kinesiology. She has also authored five books, including the latest book, The Glow Getter’s Guide to Everyday Skincare.

“I firmly believe that what we apply should be as natural and nourishing as what we eat,” says Blossom, adding that she is not just an aromatherapist but also an environmentalist and naturalist too. Explaining this further, Blossom says, “All our products are natural and sustainable and that’s why our tagline also says, ‘Earth to Bottle’ where all our signature aromatherapy skin, hair, and wellness products are sustainably blending nature’s plant extracts
to provide natural healing from within.”

As a socially responsible and climate conscious company, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic engages itself in a plethora of tree plantations too. The company runs many conservation drives in collaboration with Give Me Tree (GMT) Trust. Apart from this, Blossom Kochhar has adopted several other means towards climate consciousness, both as an individual as well as an entrepreneur. Let’s find out more about that.

As an entrepreneur, what are your thoughts about climate change and climate consciousness?

I have always been deeply connected with nature through aromatherapy, and as an entrepreneur, I believe climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The beauty and wellness industry must take responsibility for reducing its environmental footprint. At Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, we have always been conscious of the impact our products have on the planet. That’s why we focus on natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly solutions –from using 100 per cent pure essential oils to ensuring our packaging is minimal and recyclable.

Beyond products, we have also incorporated sustainability into our spaces, including our Green Salon concept at Blossom Kochhar Spalon. Here, we make sure that every product, service, and amenity we use is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals. We promote water conservation, energy-efficient practices, and minimal waste generation, ensuring that beauty doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.

For me, sustainability is not a trend; it’s a way of life. Businesses today need to align their goals with the well-being of the planet. If we take from nature, we must also give back – through responsible sourcing, ethical business practices, and spreading awareness about clean, green, and conscious living.

Climate consciousness isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s a lifestyle. I encourage people to switch to natural beauty solutions that are free from harmful chemicals, support eco-friendly farming practices, and reduce water and energy consumption. Small changes like choosing biodegradable packaging, reducing plastic, and promoting cruelty-free, plant-based products can make a huge difference.

Since you are an Aromatherapist, you have always had a close connection with nature. How do you ensure that things around you are sustainable?

Nature has always been my greatest teacher and inspiration. As an aromatherapist, I believe that when we work in harmony with nature, it gives us everything we need for beauty, wellness, and healing. Sustainability is at the core of everything I do – both personally and through the Blossom Kochhar Group. To ensure sustainability, we follow a nature-first approach in all our products:

1. 100% pure essential oils and naturally derived ingredients
2. Eco-friendly formulations that are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances
3. Minimal, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging to reduce waste
4. We also support ethical sourcing by working with farmers who use sustainable harvesting practices for essential oils and raw materials. This ensures that we do not overexploit nature but rather nurture it for future generations.

Beyond products, we implement sustainable practices at Blossom Kochhar Spalon, our Green Salon. Here, we ensure that:

1. Water is conserved through efficient usage in treatments
2. Energy consumption is minimised with eco-friendly lighting and appliances
3. Biodegradable products and organic alternatives are used in services
4. Waste is managed responsibly to minimise environmental impact

I also advocate for a sustainable lifestyle – switching to eco-conscious beauty routines, reducing plastic consumption, and promoting plant-based, cruelty-free alternatives. Even small daily choices, like reusing glass bottles, composting organic waste, and conserving water, contribute to a healthier planet. Sustainability isn’t a choice; it’s a responsibility. Through education, awareness, and mindful consumption, we can all do our part in creating a greener, cleaner world.

Your tagline says – Earth to bottle. How do you ensure this is followed in every phase of production? And how do you give it back to nature?

Yes, our tagline ‘Earth to Bottle’ reflects our deep commitment to using nature’s purest ingredients while ensuring that we give back to the planet. Every phase of our production process is designed to stay true to this philosophy – starting from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product.

Ensuring ‘Earth to Bottle’ in every phase

1. Sustainable sourcing: We carefully select natural, ethically sourced ingredients from farmers and suppliers who practice sustainable harvesting and organic farming. This ensures that nature is not overexploited.
2. Clean formulations: Our products are made with 100 per cent pure essential oils, natural extracts, and eco-friendly ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colours.
3. Eco-friendly production: We follow a minimal-waste approach, reducing water and energy consumption during manufacturing and ensuring that our processes are as green as possible.
4. Sustainable packaging: We use biodegradable, recyclable, and minimal packaging, reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.

Giving back to nature

● We encourage tree plantation drives and sustainable farming initiatives.
● We educate people about natural living, aromatherapy, and eco-conscious choices to create a ripple effect of environmental awareness.
● We actively reduce our carbon footprint by supporting ethical supply chains, minimising waste, and promoting cruelty-free, plant-based beauty solutions.

Sustainability is a cycle – what we take from the Earth, we must return with gratitude and care. That’s why ‘Earth to Bottle’ is not just a tagline, it’s a promise.

You regularly have tree plantation drives and also say you plant a tree a day. Where doyou do these drives? Tell us how regularly and where you conduct these drives.

We are deeply committed to sustainability and believe that planting trees is one of the most impactful ways to give back to nature. We have a collaboration with Give Me Trees Trust, where they plant one tree every day on our behalf at multiple locations, including Jaunapur, Noida, Rajasthan, and other regions. This ongoing initiative ensures that we are consistently contributing to reforestation and environmental conservation.

Apart from this, our Head Office team and regional teams actively participate in plantation drives throughout the year. These drives are conducted based on seasonality and regional requirements, ensuring that the trees we plant thrive in their natural environment. By integrating tree plantation into our sustainability efforts, we aim to restore green spaces, improve air quality, and support biodiversity, reinforcing our commitment to a greener, healthier
planet.

Explain a little about your environment-friendly activities like manure making, etc.

At Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, sustainability is not just about creating eco-friendly products – it’s about adopting a holistic, nature-conscious lifestyle. We engage in several environment- friendly activities to ensure that we are giving back to the planet as much as we take from it.

Manure making and waste management

One of our key sustainability practices is converting organic waste into manure. Instead of discarding natural waste, we compost plant-based materials, essential oil residues, and herbal extracts to create nutrient-rich manure. This natural fertiliser is then used for gardening and farming, ensuring zero waste and enriching the soil instead of polluting it.

Eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction

● We minimise plastic use and focus on biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable packaging.
● We actively reduce water and energy consumption during manufacturing.
● We encourage customers to reuse and recycle our product containers.

Tree plantation and green spaces
We believe in replenishing what we take from nature. Through tree plantation initiatives, we improve air quality and also create green sanctuaries that contribute to biodiversity.

What is nest making which is also part of your environment-friendly activities?
We are planning to introduce nest-making initiatives as part of our environment-friendly activities to provide safe shelters for birds, especially in urban areas where natural nesting spaces are disappearing.

Our plan is to:

1. Create eco-friendly nests: We will use sustainable, biodegradable materials like coconut shells, bamboo, dry grass, and recycled wood to craft bird nests that blend naturally into the environment.
2. Install nests in green spaces: These nests will be placed in gardens, parks, farms, and urban green areas to offer a safe space for birds to rest and breed.
3. Encourage community participation: We plan to conduct workshops to teach people how to make and install their own bird nests in balconies, terraces, and backyards, promoting biodiversity at a local level.
4. Spread awareness in schools: As part of our environmental outreach, we will introduce nest-making activities in schools, helping children understand the importance of coexisting with nature and protecting birdlife.
5. Monitoring and maintenance: We will collaborate with nature enthusiasts and volunteers to track the impact of these nests and ensure they continue to serve as safe havens for birds.

Through this initiative, we aim to restore lost habitats, support biodiversity, and inspire people to take small but meaningful steps towards environmental conservation. This is just one of the many ways we are working towards a more sustainable and harmonious world.

Climate anxiety is a very real issue especially with young children. In your interactions with school children during your activities have you ever come across children speaking about it? How do you deal with them?

Climate anxiety is a very real concern, especially among young children who are increasingly aware of environmental issues. During our environmental activities in schools, such as seed ball making and leaf painting, we have noticed that children often express their worries about
pollution, deforestation, and climate change.

To help them navigate these concerns, we focus on engagement, education, and empowerment:

1. Encouraging positive action: Through activities like seed ball making, we teach children that they have the power to restore green spaces and support biodiversity in a fun and interactive way.
2. Fostering a connection with nature: Leaf painting and other creative activities help them appreciate the beauty of nature, making them more inclined to protect it rather than feel helpless about its decline.
3. Spreading hope through awareness: We share real-life stories of environmental success, showing them that small efforts can lead to big changes.
4. Creating a supportive space: We encourage open conversations, reassuring them that they are not alone and that many people worldwide are working toward a healthier planet.

Through these initiatives, we aim to replace fear with action, inspiring children to become future eco-leaders who actively contribute to protecting the environment rather than feeling anxious about it.

How do you deal with climate change? Does it make you anxious? What do you do to cope?
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and while it is a serious concern, I choose to focus on solutions rather than anxiety. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I channel my energy into sustainable actions that make a difference.

How I deal with climate change

1. Sustainable living: I ensure that my lifestyle and business practices align with environmental consciousness – using natural, biodegradable ingredients, reducing plastic, and promoting earth-friendly packaging.
   
2. Tree plantation and green initiatives: Through our collaboration with Give Me Trees Trust, we plant a tree every day, contributing to reforestation. Our team also conducts seasonal plantation drives to restore green spaces.
3. Engaging future generations: We regularly organise seed ball activities, leaf painting, and nature-based workshops in schools to help children connect with the environment in a positive way.
4. Encouraging aromatherapy and natural wellness: By advocating for natural healing methods and sustainable beauty care, I promote a lifestyle that is gentle on the planet and beneficial for people.
5. Staying hopeful and taking action: While climate change is a reality, I believe that every small action counts. Instead of worrying, I choose to inspire, educate, and create change through my work.

Coping with climate change isn’t about ignoring its impact – it’s about transforming anxiety into meaningful action. By making conscious choices and encouraging others to do the same, I believe we can work toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

How do you see the future ahead in terms of climate change
The future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Climate change is a real and urgent challenge, but I choose to look at the future with hope and determination.

A future of change and responsibility
I believe that as individuals, businesses, and communities become more aware and responsible, we will see a shift towards sustainable living. More people are embracing eco-friendly choices, reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting brands that prioritise the environment.

The role of innovation and sustainability
With advancements in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable products, we have the potential to slow down environmental damage and create a more balanced ecosystem. Businesses like ours play a key role in ensuring that everything – from sourcing to packaging – aligns with the principle of giving back to nature.

Educating the next generation
I see the future in the hands of our youth. Through activities like seed ball making, tree plantations, and environmental workshops, we are helping children develop a deep connection with nature, so they grow up to be responsible stewards of the planet.

A call for collective action
While climate change is a challenge, I believe that through collective action, responsible consumerism, and a deep-rooted respect for nature, we can pave the way for a greener, healthier future. The key is to stay committed, make sustainable choices, and inspire others to do the same.

As a certified Happiness warrior, here are some suggestions from Blossom to enhance one’s mental well-being

1. Raise your vibrations: Emotions play a key role in overall well-being. Engage in activities that promote happiness, peace, and compassion to elevate your vibrations and improve mental and physical health.
2. Manage beauty blockers: Negative emotions like anger, fear, and worry can manifest as skin and hair issues. Recognising and addressing these emotions helps maintain mental balance and overall beauty.
3. Harness happiness chemicals: – Boost dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin through exercise, music, laughter, social connections, and meditation to naturally enhance your mood and resilience.
4. Practice gratitude: Cultivating gratitude shifts your perspective, helping you appreciate life’s positives. Expressing gratitude daily can bring emotional fulfillment and open doors to better opportunities.
5. Smile more often: Smiling triggers the release of neurotransmitters that reduce stress, enhance immunity, and uplift mood. A genuine smile not only improves personal well-being but also spreads positivity to others.
6. Engage in mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation helps manage stress, improve focus, and create inner peace, leading to long-term mental well-being.
7. Surround yourself with positivity: Build a supportive environment by engaging in meaningful relationships, acts of kindness, and activities that nurture joy, strengthening emotional and mental resilience.