From Course to Calling: Emi's Journey With Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers
Graduate Spotlight: Emi
When Emi took the Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers course, she was looking for something specific: the confidence to blend and create her own way, rather than follow a sales script. A friend had introduced her to essential oils through a multi-level marketing route, and while the oils themselves resonated, the business model didn't. "I wanted the genuine confidence to create, mix, blend, and support women's health in a truly holistic way," she told me.
That search for genuine, grounded knowledge has since become the foundation of her entire teaching practice — and, as it turns out, the direction of her whole business.
Oils as a monthly ritual, not a fixed formula
Rather than settling on a handful of "signature" oils, Emi treats her oil choices the way she treats her sequencing: as something that shifts with the season and the theme of her practice. "I love linking my oil choices to Traditional Chinese Medicine and whatever theme I'm weaving into my somatic and yin yoga practice that month," she says.
In class, that shows up everywhere — deep inhalation during breathwork, guided self-massage on the wrists, neck and feet, and what she describes as the undisputed crowd favourite: the Savasana temple rub.
Her approach to blending is refreshingly honest. "I take a very hands-on approach: pure trial and error. I love researching the healing properties of each oil and experimenting. Honestly, some combinations have been absolute disasters, but others have turned out utterly amazing." It's a good reminder that expertise isn't about getting it right every time — it's about being curious enough to keep experimenting.
The biggest lightbulb moment from the course itself, she says, was learning about top, middle and base notes. "That was a total revelation."
A monthly sanctuary is born
The ripple effects of the course went well beyond Emi's regular classes. It inspired her to create Scent and Serenity, a monthly event dedicated to somatic exercises, yin yoga and meditation — "a total sanctuary for women to step off the hamster wheel and genuinely rest."
It's also reshaped her business entirely. Emi is currently rebranding from Blossoms Yoga to EmiLouEmbodied, with a new focus on supporting women through midlife, menopause and post-menopause — informed in part by her own experience of navigating menopause without HRT, and her long-standing use of essential oils as part of that.
One moment in particular has stayed with her: a student once told her, "All I can think about all month is the smell of that oil — I literally can't wait to come back!" Emi ended up blending her a small rollerball so she could find that same moment of peace at home, without having to wait for the next class.
Who this is for
Asked who she'd recommend the course to, Emi doesn't hesitate: "Honestly, any yoga teacher would benefit, but it's absolute magic if you teach slower, more restorative, or holistic classes." For her, the course gave her the practical grounding to "curate delicious experiences where women can truly surrender and rest" — which, given where her business is heading, feels like exactly the right words for it.
You can follow Emi's new chapter at EmiLouEmbodied on Instagram.If Emi's story resonates and you'd love to build this kind of practical, confident knowledge into your own teaching, you can find out more about the Essential Oils for Yoga Teachers course here.
3 Easy Essential Oil Gifts to Make in Your Yoga Classes
Yoga students making aromatherapy inhalers with essential oils during a Deaville Yoga workshop.
One of my favourite ways to end a block of yoga classes is by treating everyone to a simple aromatherapy gift to take home.
We usually make these during the final class of the term. I still want plenty of time for yoga, relaxation and connection, so anything too complicated—like body creams, candles or sewing projects—is firmly off the list.
Over the years I've found three beautiful, quick-to-make gifts that students absolutely love. They're perfect for regular weekly classes, but they also work brilliantly during longer workshops or retreats.
Here are my top three.
1. Aromatherapy Inhaler Sticks
Best time to make them
At the beginning of your final class, or during the middle or end of an aromatherapy workshop once students have explored a variety of essential oils.
You'll need
* Aromatherapy inhaler sticks
* Essential oils
* Optional labels
How to make them
Display all the essential oils you've explored during the course or workshop and invite each student to choose one or two favourites.
If they're choosing two oils, encourage them to smell them together first to make sure they enjoy the combination.
Add 10 drops of essential oil to the cotton wick inside the inhaler.
Click the base firmly into place and it's ready to use.
Blending guide
I generally use the following ratios:
Base note: 3–4 drops
Middle note: 4–5 drops
Top note: 5–6 drops
Example
A calming blend:
Frankincense – 4 drops
Lavender – 6 drops
Did you know?
Aromatherapy inhalers are widely used in supportive healthcare settings, including cancer care, to provide comforting aromas and help manage symptoms such as anxiety or nausea under appropriate guidance.
2. Aromatherapy Rollerballs
Best time to make them
At the beginning of a class, or towards the middle or end of a workshop after students have experienced a range of oils.
You'll need
Empty 10ml rollerball bottles
Carrier oil (I use *80% Sweet Almond Oil** and 20% Jojoba Oil)
Essential oils
Optional Witch Hazel (to clean excess oil from the outside of the bottle)
Small labels
Kitchen roll
A small pouring jug
Remember to check for nut allergies if using Sweet Almond Oil.
How to make them
Fill each rollerball bottle around 90% full with your chosen carrier oil.
Invite students to choose one or two essential oils (three can work, but I usually encourage just two).
Once they're happy with the aroma:
Add *10 drops** of essential oil in total.
Firmly click the rollerball top into place.
Shake well.
Wipe the outside with Witch Hazel if needed.
Add a label.
Blending guide
Base note: 3 drops
Middle note: 4–7 drops
Top note: 4–7 drops
Example
An uplifting blend to encourage energy and focus:
Lemon – 6 drops
Rosemary – 4 drops
Did you know?
Rollerballs make a wonderful natural alternative to perfume and are ideal for applying to pulse points throughout the day.
3. Body Scrub
Best time to make it
At the beginning of a class, or during the middle or end of a workshop. Students love taking these home.
You'll need
Bath salts
Carrier oil
Measuring cups
A clean jar (students can bring one from home)
Essential oils
How to make it
Mix together:
1 cup bath salts
¼ cup carrier oil
20 drops of essential oil
Stir thoroughly and your scrub is ready.
Blending guide
Base note: 6–8 drops
Middle note: 8+ drops
Top note: 8+ drops
Example
This morning we made a simple, gentle scrub for a student with sensitive skin.
We blended:
Sweet Orange – 10 drops
Lavender – 10 drops
Simple, fresh and beautifully uplifting.
Did you know?
This recipe also doubles as a luxurious bath soak or foot soak.
One of the reasons I love this activity is because it's so affordable and easy for students to recreate at home. All they need is bath salts, a carrier oil (olive oil or rapeseed oil from the kitchen work well), and a few drops of their favourite essential oils.
A Few Safety Tips
When making aromatherapy gifts with students, always:
Check for allergies and sensitivities.
Follow the recommended dilution rates for adults.
Avoid oils that may not be suitable during pregnancy or for certain medical conditions.
Encourage students to carry out a patch test before applying a new blend to larger areas of skin.
Final Thoughts
Creating a small aromatherapy gift adds something really special to the end of a yoga course or workshop. It's a lovely way for students to continue their self-care long after they've rolled up their mat, and it's always one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
I hope you've found these ideas inspiring.
If you have any questions about using aromatherapy safely in your yoga classes, or you'd like to learn more about blending essential oils, I'd love to hear from you.
Heather Deavilleheather@deavilleyoga.com
New to Aromatherapy?
Want to use essential oils confidently in your yoga classes?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, my Aromatherapy for Yoga Teachers Course will teach you how to blend safely, choose the right oils for different themes, and confidently introduce aromatherapy into your classes and workshops.
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Read my Essential Oils in Pregnancy Yoga blog
Experience It Yourself
Join Me on a Yoga Retreat
Many of the aromatherapy activities in this blog are inspired by my yoga retreats. From creating personalised inhalers to mindful blending sessions, they're a beautiful way to help students slow down and connect with themselves.
If you'd love to experience yoga, nature and aromatherapy together, I'd love to welcome you on one of my retreats.