Gift Focus - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 116)

87 COMPANY PROFILE Creating calm Gift Focus talks to Dharmesh Bhayani, managing director of madebyzen, about how he and creative director Kajal Bhayani have become pioneers of ultrasonic aroma diffuser technology Tell us a bit about madebyzen. When did you start the business and why? The journey began around a decade ago when Kajal and myself returned home one evening to find we’d forgotten to blow out the tea light of the traditional oil burner. We came back to an awful burnt mess, which could easily have been worse. We embarked on a mission to find a way to safely diffuse fragrance without the use of naked flames, harmful smoke and a direct heat source. Kajal was aware that when a heat source is applied to an aromatherapy oil, its healing benefits may be somewhat compromised. Eventually we discovered ultrasonic technology, which was being used to create a cooling water vapour mist within humidifiers. Together we worked relentlessly with our technology partners in the Far East to develop the concept so that they could diffuse essential oils with the water. We perfected the technology in 2009 and launched madebyzen ® ; the pioneering brand that introduced safe, heat-free diffusion of  essential and fragrance oils into the western world. Today, madebyzen ® is at the forefront of this technology and the brand continues to grow from strength to strength and is distributed across several continents. Our diffusers now use state- of-the-art ultrasonic technology, which is not only safe to use, but very effective. All our plastics meet the WHO standards for BPA and the designs now also incorporate the use of sustainably sourced materials like bamboo. Protecting the planet as much as possible is important to the brand, alongside our focus on creating conscious luxury. What products did you start selling and how has your product range evolved? The madebyzen ® range has grown from just two products to an extensive and constantly evolving collection of more than 40 aroma diffusers with a wide variety of price points, finishes and features. As we refine and develop our range of diffusers further we’re looking at natural and sustainable materials and exploring different ways that diffusers can aid health and wellbeing. Our collection of oils has grown from small beginnings to three distinct and expansive ranges covering 90 different scents. From luxury fragrance oils to pure essential oils, we have a scent for every occasion. What challenges have you overcome? As pioneers of ultrasonic aroma diffuser technology, it’s been an interesting journey spreading awareness of a different and healthier way to scent your environment. Whilst candles, reed diffusers