Smart Cookie: Hannah Stanton, Founder of Lune Essentials

1)  Could you tell us a little about yourself and what’s your business about?

My name is Hannah, and I am Australian who was living in London in 2019 where I started Lune. Yoga and meditating played a big role in my life in terms of regulating my mental health and I was in search of a completely natural yoga mat/aura spray that I liked the smell of. I couldn’t find one that I liked so turned to create my own concoctions.

After many experiments, I found the perfect blend of essential oils. I then began giving them out as gifts and was soon encouraged to sell them at markets. I then added the Relax Roll-Ons and candle range and before I knew it, Lune was born. I returned home to Australia at the beginning of 2020 and have now set up Lune in my home country.

Mental health advocacy is important to me, so I’ve written a little positive message on the side of the Mists and Roll-Ons plus it’s believed that the benefits of essential oils also help to calm busy minds.

2)      Do you have a morning routine? If so, what is it you do to set yourself up for the day ahead?

My morning routine starts the night before where I write a list of all the tasks, I aim to accomplish the next day. When I wake up, I usually review the day ahead and then write in my diary to centre my thoughts and check in on how I feel.

If I have a bit more time, I’ll meditate (I really need to prioritise this and do it daily. Unfortunately, I spend too much time checking emails and social media which are something that can wait until later). If I have the time to meditate, I’ll set up a little Lune ritual; light a candle, apply the Relax Roll-On onto my pulse points, and spray the area with some Lune Mist. After this, I’ll shower and then almost always have a soy milk Adaptogenic hot chocolate.

3)      Why did you choose to go sustainable and eco-friendly?

I was very conscious when entering the world of consumerism. I had worked in retail for many years and witnessed first-hand the waste and over consumption within the product industry until it began to really wear me down and dishearten me. Lune began from personal necessity and grew organically through requests.

I knew without a doubt that if I was going to sell a product, it would have to be something that I wholeheartedly believed in and one that wouldn’t impact the environment in a negative way. It was important for me to add value to the world and not create more waste. This is the main reason I have tried to keep all aspects if lune sustainable and eco-friendly and there’s always room to keep improving.

4)      What was the hardest part of starting your own business?

I went into starting a business quite naively, but I am grateful for that. If I had known some of the obstacles I would come up against, I may not have started. Saying that though, the times I’ve learned the most have been when I’ve come up against a wall and been forced to educate myself and work it out. For me, the legalities have never been my strong point so educating myself in that area has been tedious and confusing at times. It’s important and humbling to ask for help though.

5)     One book and/or documentary everyone should read/watch? Why?

“Accidental Courtesy” is one I think many people would benefit from watching. Although it may not be my favourite documentary of all time, it has taught me so much about effective conflict, respect, and tolerance. It’s the true story of Daryl Davis, a jazz musician and person of colour who has befriended members of the KKK despite their obvious opposing beliefs. Through peaceful constructive conversations, he has been indirectly responsible for over 200 people leaving the Klan. To me, it shows that there is often much more effective and peaceful ways to deal with opposing opinions and generally, quite a remarkable and inspiring story.

6)       Best piece of advice you have ever received?

I love this question and ask people this all the time. It changes depending on what’s going on in my life but right now, perhaps “Stay in your own lane. Don’t compare yourself to others. Only compare yourself to who you were yesterday”. I also really try to remember that obstacles are blessings and opportunities to grow if you can find the lesson. Also, Maya Angelou said that “people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel”. This inspires me to aim to leave as many interactions as possible with a mutual feeling of positivity and uplifting energy.