How Pillowsprays Began

A pandemic is probably not the best time to set up a new company… but it was the start of the Covid lockdown in 2020 that pushed my hand into establishing the Pillowsprays brand sooner than intended.

My work as a Reflexologist had literally stopped overnight in March of that year and I was faced with the prospect of being out of work for an unknown period, with no income, bills to pay and only a vague ambition of being able to start this business. The old saying that, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ certainly applied in my case and – with nothing to lose and plenty of time – I knuckled down to developing our range of natural sleep aids. But why pillow sprays?

Steven Crumblehulme, founder of Pillowsprays, a natural sleep range

I started my career as a Psychologist having attained an MSc at the University of York; my specialism is Cognitive Psychology (including the cognitive impact of sleep). My Psychology background still informs a lot of what I do but it was ten years ago that I also trained as a Reflexologist.

My nature has always been to find a more holistic route to good health and well-being, and Reflexology (and aromatherapy) fitted the bill.  As a Reflexologist, I work with so many clients that list poor sleep as an area of their life they would like help with.  There are a wide range of factors that influence getting to sleep, sleep duration and sleep quality. Years of experience has shown me that holistic therapies, including aromatherapy and the use of essential oils, can be of great benefit. 

Steven Crumblehulme, in his Cheltenham Reflexology studio Sole Therapies

So back in 2020, and with my background in Sleep Psychology and Aromatherapy, it’s probably not a surprise to know that, for some time, I’d been looking to release a range of pillow sprays, each blended with organic essential oils, to help improve sleep. 

There were a few things that I wanted to achieve:-

  • I wanted to use my Aromatherapy expertise to select a range of scents that included non-Lavender options, as well as the more traditional Lavender varieties.
  • I wanted our products to be affordable (I’ve always believed that ‘You shouldn’t need deep pockets to get a deep sleep!’)
  • I wanted to be able to share my Sleep Psychology knowledge so that customers could use these tips, as well as our products, to achieve a better sleep.
  • I wanted our products to be Organic, Cruelty-Free and suitable for Vegans

Having developed the blends, I just needed to develop the branding, source containers, design a website… (actually, quite a lot!). However, I was determined to see my vision through and, following many hours of hard work and finding some gifted, creative people and companies, www.pillowsprays.co.uk was born in May 2020. 

A natural range of sleep aids from Pillowsprays - featuring the best essential oils to help sleep

Since then, I’ve added a night-oil to the range.  This harnesses the power of essential oils including Apricot, Rose Damask, Rose Geranium and Frankincense, in a beautiful Marula Oil base. I included this as it is the serum I have used for many years as part of my Facial Reflexology treatments and I know how popular and effective it is. 

I have been thrilled at the response since launching in May 2020.  The many positive comments, recommendations and repeat orders suggests you love these products as much as I do. We’ve taken on many small stockists throughout the UK who tell me that their customer’s love the products, too. And, as I write this at the start of 2021, I’ve now got a small, family-team behind me to expand as we start this new year.

There’ll be more blog posts coming soon but in the meantime if you want to jump in and have a look at the range of products we have for sale, you can do so here.

Let me know in the comments below what kind of information you'd like me to share and what suggestions you have for products I can release in the future!

 

 

All Blog posts are written by Steven Crumblehulme, the founder of Pillowsprays. Steven has a background in Cognitive Psychology and Holistic Therapies. The Pillowsprays range is a selection of products made using premium essential oils to help you sleep better, naturally.

2 comments

I love your pillow sprays use mine every night,also the night oil is so luxurious and smells divine.
My grandson and granddaughter were here and took back pillow sprays and night oil my granddaughter loves the oil hope you will be back in stock soon

Cath December 03, 2022

I love your pillow sprays use mine every night,also the night oil is so luxurious and smells divine.
My grandson and granddaughter were here and took back pillow sprays and night oil my granddaughter loves the oil hope you will be back in stock soon

Cath December 03, 2022

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