&Sister chats with Neom founder Nicola Elliott

Who doesn’t love Neom? We totally LOVE it, and our guests on our wellbeing weekends do too as we like to treat our guests to a few Neom goodies.

So we had to find out more about the person behind the Neom brand, Nicola Elliott, to see what inspires her, drives her and how Neom came about.

 

 

 

What was life like before Neom?

It was hectic! (not that it isn’t now of course as I have two children and Neom!) but I was working as a journalist at Glamour magazine and I was completely burnt out. I was surrounded by women who were really stressed – they were either having problems with lack of energy or sleeping badly, or were just generally in need of a mood boost. At that point I started thinking of starting my own business, it was clear to me from the beginning that my products had to be 100% natural and, where possible, organic.

 

Was there a specific ‘moment’ that led to you setting up/ creating Neom?

My light-bulb moment came 11 years ago when I was looking for some organic pampering gifts for my very green-minded but glamorous sister. I had to either choose something glam that was full of synthetic chemicals or head to a health food shop, buy something with great organic credentials but stuffed in a brown paper bag. To crack the market, I realised my essential oil blends had to look good as well as do good. My business partner Oliver and I started with just five candles, the first candles on the market to be made only with 100% natural wax and pure essential oils.

Where did the Inspiration for the name come from?

Neom is the combination of my initials and my business partner Oliver’s initials – Nicola Elliott and Oliver Mennell.

What’s your one piece of advice for those setting up their own company?

Work hard. Don’t dwell on problems and barriers. If you don’t know something, learn about it, there are plenty of resources out there to educate yourself, get online, read the expert business books, these are great places to start.

What are your morning rituals?

When I can I love to do a morning run. It really clears my head and sets me up for the day. I always make sure I have a healthy breakfast, if I have time before the school run I will make a healthy green juice to go.

Where is your favourite place to retreat?

Actually I love to retreat to my sofa with a good book and a Neom candle.

Do you enjoy yoga and if so, how do you fit in your yoga fix?

I am new to yoga but so far I’m really enjoying it! It’s just quite difficult to fit it all in as I travel to London a couple of times a week and when I am at home I want to see my kids and husband! But I am trying out some lessons at home on Saturday mornings, which are working well.

If you are feeling sluggish, how do you energise?

When I am at my desk and I need an energy boost, I force myself to take five minutes to go outside into the fresh air so I can return to work feeling refreshed and focused. A spritz of the Neom Energy Burst On the Go Mist also helps, it’s jam-packed full of the purest possible essential oils.

If you were a scent, what would you be and why?

I would be the Energy Burst scent – a crisp, uplifting scent blending the freshest grapefruit with sparkling lemon and a hint of rosemary. Zesty, kick ass and energetic!

 

Neom have #NeomBigSleep on the 28th September with some amazing sleep bundle giveaways, so sign up and check in with The Neom Big Sleep challenge