Page 66 - Society Life_Feb_2019

SENSORY SUCCESS

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AROMATHERAPIST THERESA MENDEZ

matherapy program for continued ing meetings, but honestly, I find it
education to enhance my skills and challenging unless I hire someone to
passion for what I do. Having my work in the store for me. It isn’t an
background and experience allows easy task to find the right person who
me to offer fun and unique girl’s night understands my brand and vision.
out and birthday parties at the studio.
SL: What’s most satisfying? TM:
SL: What experiences led you to your When someone pops in and tells me
present position? TM: As an occupa- they received a gift from Wandering
tional therapist, I saw patients expe- Thistle and how much they loved it,
riencing stress, which led to burn out, and of course, when they say they
depression and anxiety, and some were able to relax and truly enjoy the
even developed irritating skin issues. experience. My love language is Gifts,
I worked in a psychiatric and addic- Service and Affirmations. I love cre-
tion treatment setting for eight years ating special gift boxes such as house
before moving into home health care. warming, hostess, birthday, thinking
I noticed a common thread among of you, or basically any occasion gifts.
my patients, even those later in life— I want to know a little about the re-
people did not or would not take time cipient before we ever begin. This is
to relax, to recharge, or to reinvest in No. 1 in creating a customized gift.
themselves—and it affected their
health. I keep this in the forefront for SL: What do you like and not like
Wandering Thistle. I encourage them about working in this industry? TM:
to enjoy creating moments and have I adore the freedom of being creative
an experience that can enhance their and developing new designs, aromatic
overall well-being. blend and collections—to find my
niche and run with it. Hmm… It can
SL: What is your work flow like? TM: be very physically and emotionally
It is never the same. Each day brings exhausting at times and I have to take
new opportunities that challenge my my own advice and carve out some
time management and creativity. self-care time for myself.
Some days I may be in production
mode creating custom essential oil SL: What accomplishment makes you
SOCIETY LIFE: What do you do for a living? THERESA blends, soaps, scrubs, serums, etc. Or fly highest? TM: Creating products
MENDEZ: I provide a sensory experience from the moment maybe I need update photos for the that make people happy—everyone
my clients step through the threshold of my quaint boutique. website. While other days I am in a deserves to feel loved and happy.
I create happy moments at Wandering Thistle Studio. People total client-care mode or being the
may be here to shop, enjoy a birthday party, or a girl’s night hostess for a birthday party. And you SL: Are you a road warrior or in the
out event in our special party space. The aromatics, the guessed it, some days I am doing a office most of the day? TM: I am in
beauty of intricate swirls in the soaps, the tactile pleasure of little bit of everything. the office/store kind of girl, but I love
my Body Shuga and Body Soufflé make every single visit to a fun-loving road trip!
Wandering Thistle a pleasant experience. I strive to make SL: Best and worst things about your
everyone feel welcome—regardless of if they are visiting to profession? TM: This profession can SL: At the end of the day, I look for-
shop for themselves or a friend, or just to take a moment to be lonesome at times, and very con- ward to… TM: The store windows
step away from their hectic day and breathe. fining due to deadlines and running showcase the colorful and beautiful
the storefront—rather than being Texas sunsets... it reminds me to be
SL: What are your duties and responsibilities? TM: As a solo able to take a spur of the moment grateful for the opportunity to serve
entrepreneur, I wear many hats. Much like Winston Churchill, road trip. On the other hand, I get others and that now I can journey
I stand in front of my towering responsibilities and ask myself, to meet wonderful people—many home to be with my family.
“Who do I want to be today?” I own Wandering Thistle Studio of whom have become cherished ——————————————–
where I formulate and create each piece of our bath and self- friends—and I love the opportunity
care collections. I am the smiling face of my business. to help them take better care of Connect with Theresa or Wandering
themselves or others. Thistle Studio at The Shops of
SL: What interests you most about this unique line of work? Cheek-Sparger at 3700 Cheek-
TM: I have a creative soul and this is the perfect outlet for SL: Problems or hurdles you face? Sparger, Ste. #130, Bedford, TX 76021
me. I use my experience as an occupational therapist to create TM: I love getting out and joining or visit WanderingThistleStudio.com
joy and fulfillment for clients. I studied an intensive aro- other like-minded women at network- ——————————————–

64 FEBRUARY 2019 | SocietyLifeMag.com