Scent Style: Little Mountain Shop Founder Natasha Neale

Natasha Neale is a true champion of community. The Vancouver entrepreneur is the founder of Little Mountain Shop, a former brick-and-mortar and current traveling pop-up showcasing the best in local goods. The current Little Mountain holiday pop-up at North Vancouver’s Polygon Gallery is a beautiful manifestation of Neale’s vision: from chocolate, nut butter, and tea to ceramics, jewelry, and bath soaks, she expertly sources artisan-led, women-owned, and ethically-produced finds (for yourself and for your loved ones). That passion for all things local is evident in her beautiful Vancouver home, too; here’s how she uses scent to enhance the space.

Scent is so personal. What does it mean to you? 

Scent to me is about one’s mood and memories. I think we gravitate towards scents that uplift us or take us back to fond memories. Or at least, that’s how I play with scents. I enjoy using a room mist, candle, or diffuser to elevate the energy of my space; I love scents that take me back to a comforting memory of a person, place, or something delicious.

Describe your personality in three to five words. 

Independent, community-connector, optimistic, loving, and resilient.

With those words in mind, tell us about the diffuser blend that you’ve created to represent your scent style.

I am immediately drawn to scents that are bright, as they make me feel hopeful and positive, so Golden Blend is my perfect base. I also like to feel grounded, and Retreat Blend provides that calm and easeful tone. Then for a touch of comfort, I added a few drops of Bergamot to the mix because it reminds me of the delicious aroma of Earl grey tea, which is a flavor I love and grew up on.

Why did you choose each of these oils and how do they work together? What does the final aroma smell like or remind you of? 

The final scent is refreshing and calm, and brings an easeful energy. If we were to tie it back to one of my personality traits, this blend provides a sense of optimism.

What room do you diffuse this scent in and when do you diffuse it?

The living room is my main home for the diffuser, as it is minimalist and all white, and is the most relaxing and open area of my home to enjoy scents. But what I love about the Move Diffuser is that it’s not stationary; I love taking it from the couch, to the bath, to the bedroom to continue the flow of the mood that the scents bring for the perfect nighttime routine.

Aside from scent, what else makes you feel truly at home in your space? 

Fresh floral bouquets not only bring an addition of beauty into my space, but also take me back to my roots and my very first job at a flower shop when I was a teenager. All the items in my house have a story, as I’m fortunate to work with many local makers and creatives and have their wonderful products, books, and art be a part of my home. Last but definitely not least is my dog, Ryu, who is my little buddy that truly makes our place feel like home.

What’s your favorite thing about your home? 

I live in an older apartment built in the ‘70s and I love the hardwood floors and archways. But perhaps my most favorite fun fact about my place is that it is the first and only home I’ve lived in since leaving the nest 15 years ago. It has had so many iterations of what my style has been, and these walls have witnessed the journey and growth of who I’ve become.