The benefits of essential oils and their ability to support mental health and well being has been known for over 6000 years. After the last couple of years, enduring the pandemic, essential oil products have definitely been needed and appreciated. I think the essential oil sticks are the bees knees! There is one for every situation – to calm, to boost energy, to support sleep quality, and to aid concentration. I caught up with Marc Shipman, MD of GO2, to find out more about his well being business. Hi Marc…
Hi, my name is Marc Shipman and I am the Co-founder of The GO2 Brand. We produce on the GO common sense wellness products resulting in a better you!
What inspired you to set up “GO2”?
The idea came to me in my time of need, due to a very hectic lifestyle in running various businesses, 3 small children and at the time Free Style Wrestling for Wales, I guess like so many others life just caught up with me despite not wanting to accept the doctor telling me after 4 visits that I was suffering from anxiety.
Looking back, it now explains the terrible chest pressure I was experiencing. Having had tests it was confirmed – Gastritis that was brought on by stress. I found myself at a crossroad and had to decide whether to take the medication that for me had longer lasting adverse effects or look for an alternative. After all, stress starts with the information we process in our minds and if I could control my state of mind, slow it and calm it down, then I knew the rest will follow.
After many months of trial and error I found essential oils and so the journey began. Bottles of essential oil blends in my pocket or bag was not ideal and I remember my light bulb moment when I thought, surely essential oil blends in a device like an inhaler stick made more sense!
Having more Energy, Focus, Calm etc on the GO in the most convenient and practical way is what I needed and that is quite simply when the brand was born! We worked with a very experienced and knowledgeable aromatherapy consultant to produce what we have today, 4 amazing 100% natural blends that are now helping people all over the world.
What are the benefits of essential oils?
We have used essential oils for the last 6500 years for all their benefits. When inhaling the GO2 stick the odour molecules are released. The olfactory receptors in our nose are activated and send electrical signals to the higher region of our brain, the neocortex and limbic system which is the part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses.
The limbic system then sends messages to our hypothalamus, the area of the brain which through the pituitary gland sends messages to the other parts of our body, different odour molecules will result in different messages being sent.
Out of the 4 essential oil sticks (Calm, Energy, Sleep, Focus), which sticks are the most popular at the moment?
I would have to say B.Calm and Sleep which under the current COVID situation and mood of the nation, we are not surprised.
What are the ingredients in each of the 4 essential oil sticks?
We have used tried and tested but most importantly much researched essential oils.
ENERGY – Eucalyptus – Peppermint – Lemongrass
FOCUS – Rosemary – Peppermint – Lime
B.CALM – Cardamom – Lavender – Bergamot – Sweet Orange
SLEEP – Lavender – Red Mandarin – Frankincense
When I have been anxious in the past I have used the B.CALM stick & it did help. What is your favourite stick to use?
That’s an easy one, I love them all but B.Calm is my baby and the one that started our wonderful journey.
Have you any other new products to add to your range in the pipeline for 2021?
We have a few new amazing products coming in the second half of 2021 so watch this space!
Have you always been interested in aromatherapy?
Before being told that it was anxiety causing my issues, no. I had not used essential oils prior to this and now I we want to tell the whole world about the amazing benefits of essential oils.
As you are based in UK, are your products available to purchase overseas?
We pride ourselves that we are “Made in the UK” this was so important to us that we sourced and produced from UK supply.
Growing up, did you have career aspirations in the medical field or something entirely different?
Definitely something entirely, as a kid I was always fascinated by the Wild West and thought one day I’d become a rancher and you know what, I made that dream come true…For a while, anyways, I lived in Montana USA where each day I rode the vast wild plains, herding cattle and chasing down wild horses. I always had a deep connection towards the wilderness and the great outdoors. However, I fell in love with a wonderful woman and moved back to the UK.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Oh no, OK, as my wife always tells me, sometimes it’s OK to look a little less comfortable!!!!
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?
I do like Next and ASOS
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Sorry, not the answer you really want to hear, but a good pair of dog walking boots
Boots or Shoes?
Dog Walking Boots!
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook/twitter etc so that readers can find out more about GO2.
@thego2brand
Thanks for the chat Marc – is has been fascinating learning about your essential oil sticks ….. and your life as a rancher in Montana!
Linda x
All photographs have been published with kind permission of Marc Shipman
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