What does the idea of power mean to you?
Power to me means knowing ourselves, understanding and accepting our weaknesses as well as our strengths. Power is having confidence in ourselves and not doubting our self-worth. Power is knowledge. Power is strength and using our strength to help others.
Which powerful woman do you admire the most and why?
I admire Malala Yousufzai who was shot by the Taliban for standing up for the education of girls, she has electrified the world with her determination and courage in the face of ignorance and hate.
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
The most important piece of advice I have been given is to be kind, be genuine and to be yourself. We are enough.
What is the worst piece of advice you have ever been given?
The worst piece of advice I have been given is to believe that making lots of money will make you happy, it does not, we need to take care of our souls to feel connected to the Universe, in order to find our happiness.
Take us through the journey of launching Synchronicity Scents? What sparked the idea?
I was inspired to launch Synchronicity Scents when going through my own personal challenge. I turned to meditation to give me the strength and comfort I needed to move through my challenges. It is whilst I was meditating that the name and the inspiration for the idea of a candle brand came to me. It was whilst I was taking some quiet moments for self-reflection that sparked the idea. I believe that meditation brings a sense of grounding, peace and nurturing and understanding that we are not alone, we are being looked after by our guardian angels. I have always felt strongly connected to nature, since I was a little girl scent inspired me. I love flowers, plants and winged insects, so it felt like a wonderful connection putting all these elements together in a candle.
How integral is sustainability to Synchronicity Scents?
Sustainability is key to Synchronicity Scents. Because of its links to Mother Earth and nature, it must be a brand that gives back to the Earth and does not deplete it.
What would be your main advice to another female entrepreneur?
My advice to another female entrepreneur would be to believe in yourself and your product with a passion. Learn about your market, who are you wanting to inspire, what goals do you want to achieve.
Any words of wisdom for your younger self?
My words of wisdom to my younger self would be to worry less and live in the present more. I was so worried about what my future would hold. I have found peace now that I am more spiritually in tune. Life is a journey, with many challenges, by being grateful for what we have and taking time to love ourselves and to be kind and compassionate to our fellow human beings, we can live enriched lives.
Do you have a mantra/affirmation that you live by?
My mantra that I live by would be “Everything I need to create abundance is within”.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
The three inspirational women who I would choose to have dinner with are Melinda French Gates because she is a philanthropist, businesswoman and a global advocate for women and girls. She co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and she is founder of Pivotal Ventures, an investment company working to drive social progress for women and families. Melinda has also written a book called ‘The Moment of Lift” which is all about how empowering women changes the world. I would invite Jo Malone as I am fascinated by her story and inspired by scent. As a child she was dyslexic and told by a teacher that she would never make anything out of her life. Jo dropped out of school and begun combining ingredients in her kitchen with four plastic jugs and two saucepans to make it into a multimillion-pound brand. Jo also suffered her own health challenges which she has come through. Jo says finding and following a passion is critical to success as an entrepreneur or a leader. Then I would invite Amma the Hugging Saint, Amma is completely self-made, she was never initiated by another guru or spiritual teacher. Her “darshan” is so unique: hugging. To date she has hugged over 37 million people worldwide and her non-profit organization, Embracing the World raises about 20 million a year. Her organization has supported charities in over 40 countries worldwide. We need more love in our world.
Annick Knutsen
Founder of Synchronicty Scents.
