When my Mother passed suddenly in 2011, it felt like I fell into a world of darkness because of what she taught me about incense as a child. After she passed I would sit by her alter and burn incense, one after another, in the hope that she will hear me. I didn’t realise until years later that the very act of doing so gave me a sense of calm and connection. That's why I've dedicated many years creating the best incense I could, and this is how MAHŌ came to be.

What does sustainability mean to the brand? Our incense is made only from wood and bark that has fallen from trees. We harvest the specific types of wood we need, only by hand picking them from the ground.  Sustainability and responsibility to the earth is very much a part of our zen – we must perverse our earth not only for this lifetime but many futures to enjoy. 

At MAHO Sensory, Fair Trade practices and a commitment to traditional techniques are at the heart of your philosophy. Can you tell us a bit more about that? Incense itself dates back to 3300BC and was not only used in spiritual practices, but as home fragrance. 

For this reason, and for my mother, I wanted to create incense of the highest quality, created with traditional techniques and using recipes handed down generations through historical scrolls. I spent quite some time working with families or communities who all make incense differently.

The family we work very closely with are multi-generational makers and this is their passion. All the incense is produced in-house using only Fair Trade practices.  

What have been the biggest challenges of creating and growing your brand? We launched in January 2020, and by March the WHO declared a global pandemic which is probably the biggest setback, especially as we were so new.  

Since then, there have been recessions, change in government, fuel prices, supply chain disasters, shipping prices, a war and low consumer confidence which are all major challenges we must work through. I am just hoping it will be over very soon and retail bounces back stronger than ever.  

Where do you look to for inspiration? Different cultures and their practices. I find so much intrigue and fascination in ethnic and religious richness. So much so, I would travel to many far reaches of the globe to study them. I do also find much of my inspiration during travel, for example I re-created a scent Rose Bois (which is a blend of distinct floral and woods), while scooting around the alleys of Seminyak, Bali,

Next I will visit the Maya civilization in Mexico towards in December. I'm super excited!

What is next for MAHŌ Sensory? For me personally, I find creating products more effectless if they are something I am passionate about. Building on the ritual focus of the brand, MAHŌ is excited to be launching a range of artisan teas, very much like the intricate tea ceremonies you will find in Japan and China. I don’t drink coffee, as I am sensitive to caffeine, so tea is my obsession not only for taste but wellness. Working on this new collection has been an absolute dream of mine.

MAHŌ has also been nominated for the Melbourne Design Awards 2022 for an upcoming art collection which I am hoping to launch in 2023. Watch this space!