Chico SHIGETA Interview: Discussing SHIGETA's New Blend Essential Oils (Part 2)
Chico SHIGETA Interview (Part 2)
Working from within, from the mind, from energy, for greater beauty
“These oils are a friend to busy women!”
The challenge to create something even better, without disappointing those who use SHIGETA’s blend oils with affection.──Behind that success lay research skills that accurately read needs and the presence of rare, vital plants. In the latter half, Chico shares the evolution of the new blend essential oils.
Text by Harumi SomeyaPhotos by Emiko Hara
Wake Up Blend: A “Switch” to a Positive Self
――“Morning Spark” is a blend to use first thing in the morning to boost immunity and activate vitality. It's said to restore depleted energy. What are its characteristic essential oil components?
Morning Spark ¥6,300 (15mL)
We’ve newly blended “Manuka” and “Fir.” Manuka is a New Zealand plant famous for honey that boosts immunity. While my experience with essential oils is still recent, its efficacy is certain. Fir balances the autonomic nervous system.
――So, it’s a blend that strongly affects the mind, isn’t it?
Exactly. What we focused on this time is a phenomenon called “burnout,” which is seen in many women working in cities. Are you familiar with burnout? It’s a phenomenon that causes various symptoms due to working too hard.
In a society that is still male-dominated, women are working incredibly hard not to fall behind. They work with constant pressure. So, when they hit even a small roadblock, they blame themselves for not succeeding.
They blame themselves, thinking they are inadequate because they can’t do it, and lose confidence. As a result, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in people developing depression or autonomic imbalance. This isn’t just in Japan; it’s a global issue.
Everyone tells themselves, “I have to work hard today,” to start their day. But that’s an enormous strain. Things that are forced don’t last long.
It would be simple if one could switch to a positive self before becoming completely exhausted, but it’s difficult to flip that switch oneself. So, we decided to create something that acts as that switch. That is this Morning Spark.
Hair Care Blend: Apply it and instantly improve your energy flow and concentration!
――Lastly, there’s “Midnight Luster.” It’s a hair care blend, isn’t it?
This one is truly amazing. I was most surprised while blending it myself (laughs).
What’s amazing is that we’re using the new essential oils “Frankincense” and “Myrrh.” When these two combine with the other ingredients, they create a very powerful “qi” (energy).
Midnight Luster ¥5,250 (15mL)
The top of the head is the entrance for qi, so when you apply it there, the entrance immediately opens, and qi flows through smoothly. Let me have you try it. …Don’t you feel refreshed? It’s only two drops.
――Indeed, I feel more alert.
Right? Perhaps it’s because one’s own good qi flows, but most people’s eyes open wide when they use it. In any case, it increases concentration, so I highly recommend it for those crucial moments. Keep one at the office (laughs).
Both Frankincense and Myrrh are plants that have been used in prayer rituals of various religions since ancient times. This isn’t a coincidence; there’s a reason they were used. I truly felt their power through blending them this time.
Of course, as it’s a hair care blend, we are confident in its ability to promote healthy hair. Luster means radiance. Midnight was named because healthy hair is created while you sleep. We hope you’ll use it for your nighttime hair care routine, along with “Provence Moon” applied to the ends of your hair.
What’s next: A Journey to Find Ingredients and Contact with the Soil
――Last year, you also launched bath salts, among other new products. How about this year?
I want to bring “what would be nice to have” into reality. I hope to gradually increase both my own “what would be nice to have” and everyone else’s. That said, it all depends on encountering the right ingredients. Everything is about connection, so I can’t promise when it will happen (laughs).
For now, in 2010, I want to travel to various places to search for ingredients. Bulgaria first, perhaps. Last year, I had a wonderful experience there, working alongside farmers to pick roses, so I definitely want to visit again during the rose-picking season. This time, however, I want to work diligently as a laborer.
Lately, I’ve been feeling that “connecting with the soil” is incredibly important. To create good products, we are ultimately receiving the life force of plants, aren’t we? And where do those plants grow? In the soil. If we are to receive the power of precious plants, we must also take responsibility for the soil. Without that, I feel it’s impossible to encounter good plants.
――So, encountering good ingredients is also about encountering good soil, isn’t it?
As another new initiative, starting this spring, we will launch an eco-project called “Gardening Planet.” This is about returning to the earth the vitality we receive from plants.
――Specifically, what kind of activities will it involve?
You will purchase “trees” for reforestation. After purchasing a tree, you will be presented with a card containing a number. By entering that card number on the website, you can choose the planting location yourself from reforestation projects in Asia, Africa, and South America.
SHIGETA advocates a self-care method, so our eco-activities are also self-directed (laughs). We provide the opportunity, and then everyone participates individually – I think this is the most SHIGETA-like eco-activity.
――Thank you very much.
Chico SHIGETA
Founded “SHIGETA” in Paris, France, in 2004. After years of exploring various well-being practices in France and Japan, she developed her unique self-care method, “Vitality Coaching®,” with the keyword “bringing out one’s real beauty comes from nurturing inner beauty.” She engages in awareness activities to convey the importance of self-care. Currently, she is highly regarded as a beauty expert not only by celebrities and artists in Paris but also by VIPs in Japan. She also works as a consultant for major cosmetic companies and as a brand spokesperson.
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