THE SECOND SALON

🍋 I always profile Lemon essential oil in my workshops. At first, people are usually underwhelmed, and I see them avoiding it. Then I ask them to think about cooking — about what a squeeze of lemon does to whatever you’re making. Sometimes I gently encourage them to just try it. And then — ohh. Lemon might seem unremarkable on its own - though I often diffuse it that way - but in a blend it has a beautiful way of lifting everything. Lemon essential oil smells sharp, clean, citrusy — crisper and more defined than other citruses. It feels clarifying, energising and optimistic. Lifts low mood and cuts through mental fog. Blends well with most essential oils, but especially — Lavender, Neroli, Grapefruit, Ginger, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cypress, Rosemary, Cedarwood Atlas, Frankincense, Chamomile, Eucalyptus. Common name: Lemon 🍋 Botanical name: Citrus limon Botanical family: Rutaceae Aromatic family: Citrus Distillation method: Cold expression or steam distillation of the peel or zest #essentialoils #essentialoilprofile #lemon #citruslimon #aromatherapy #sensorydesign #diffuserblends #essentialoilblends #thesecondsalon #lemonessentialoil #sensoryexperience #cleanscent #moodboost #smallbatcharomatherapy #perthsmallbusiness #pertharomatherapy #perthmade #australianaromatherapy #workshopstory #scentworkshop #aromatherapyworkshop #sensoryworkshop #aromaworkshop

I’m Katie — founder of The Second Salon. I launched The Second Salon in 2016, guided by two things I’d known for years: my love of natural aroma and my desire to build something of my own. I travelled to New York to study at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy and completed cosmetic chemistry modules with the Institute of Personal Care Science. At first, I imagined The Second Salon as a niche essential oil brand — creating small-batch retail blends and facilitating more informed conversations about essential oils through workshops and writing. Over time, it has become a micro-studio collaborating with artists, designers, and cultural organisations on sensory installations and custom aroma. I’ve also created a bespoke aroma for a wedding, diffused through the ceremony and reception, then gifted to guests to take home. The part I love the most is that it’s a way for me to make up stories about aromas and the rooms they’re in. I’ve always believed that how we spend our days is how we spend our lives. My hope is that anyone who comes across The Second Salon leaves feeling a little lighter — more hopeful, more optimistic, more supported. Photo of me: @taryn.gelder @personalcarescience @aromaticstudies #TheSecondSalon #katieleenen #ScentStudio #AromaDesign #SensoryDesign #ScentStory #AromaStorytelling #ScentMaker #CreativeStudio #PerthArts #PerthDesign #WAArtists #CreativePerth #DesignCulture #ArtAndScent #SensoryInstallation #SmallBatch #NaturalAroma #ScentBlending #AromaCraft #StudioPractice #WeddingScent #BespokeAroma #ScentedCeremony

Late last year I was invited by architect @nic_brunsdon to create a sensory element - an aroma - for Room Service, a two-night event that was part of the @fremantlebiennale . The installation transformed Fremantle’s heritage-listed P&O Hotel, with more than 40 artists taking over 31 hotel rooms, bathrooms, balconies and hallways with contemporary art, music, performance and place. Nic Brunsdon brought together a creative team to bring this vision to life: natural-dye researcher @helencolemanart , sculptor @emmalindegaardstudio , furniture maker Spencer Parks of @classy.joints , and me. The vision was to create a “meditative little pause space” - a room that gently transported guests elsewhere. The space was stripped back to imagine what existed long before the hotel: the trees, soil and coastal ecology that once shaped this part of Fremantle. Scent has a powerful, intangible presence. It’s invisible, but it’s never not felt. My brief was to explore how aroma could add another dimension to the room - a way for guests to pause, soften, and settle into a quieter state, while feeling like they were being transported somewhere else. During the event I found myself watching how people moved through the space and how they responded to the scent (yes, I was absolutely loitering and eavesdropping). Seeing first-hand how people were noticing and appreciating the aroma was such a joy. Projects like this remind me how much I value thoughtful, interdisciplinary work and why I keep making space for it. If you’d like to discuss a sensory collaboration reach out. Katie x #FremantleBiennale #SensoryDesign #OlfactoryDesign #PlaceBasedDesign #ArtInstallation #DesignInWA #experiencedesign

A sneak peek at our upcoming work for the @fremantlebiennale Presented and designed by @brunsdon.studio , the installation curates the works of ceramic artist Emma Lindegaard @emmalindegaardstudio , textile artist Helen Coleman @helencolemanart , furniture maker Spencer Parks @classy.joints , and scent maker Katie Leenen (me) to reimagine place through sensory experience and material resonance. Conceived as an immersive environment, it invites a meditative encounter with deep locality and the stories that shape it.

HI friends, I’d love to see you at the @stackwood_ Made Local Market. 🩵 I’ll be there alongside these amazing humans. @anyclay @benjaminandthemoon @brightpress @carley.oneil.art @dohntsheree @fiwilkietootstudio @flomartinart @happyhubco @jotterbook @jessicawyld @kateflowerfood @louisetakesphotos @louise_coghill_art @milly.mae @nirr.imi @rebekahclark_ceramics @sevelyova3 @shilohblondel @splat_creative @swiirl.studioo @theproducts @thesecondsalon @stackwood_

Every blend has its own story to tell. #essentialoils #essentialoilblends #thesecondsalon #thesecondsalonessentialoils #essentialoilsperth #rosalina #kunzea #peppermint #eucalyptus #vetiver #cedarwoodatlas

I haven’t had this online for a while, but am going to bring some to the @fomofreo Festive Fair tomorrow. Certified Organic Jojoba Oil. This jojoba oil is so beautiful. I use it every day. Several times a day in fact. Jojoba is the perfect carrier oil. Why? Well, for a start - jojoba is actually not an oil. WHAT? Jojoba is in fact a waxy ester. Similar to your skin’s natural sebum which means it absorbs incredibly well and doesn’t leave an oily residue. Jojoba also has a very mild aroma. You can hardly smell it - if you can smell it at all. This makes it perfect for blending into face and body oils with essential oils. And this one is certified organic. Katie x #thesecondsalonessentialoils #thesecondsalon #thesecondsalonjojoba #jojobaoil #certifiedorganicjojoba #fomo #fremantle #thisisfremantle

A little bit about me and The Secons Salon ahead of the @fomofreo Festive Fair tomorrow. I’m Katie, the human behind The Second Salon. ❤️ I’ve always been conscious of the fact that how we spend our days is how we spend our lives – be that consciously or otherwise. Mindful of the pitfalls of an unexamined life, I’m interested in why we do what we do, and how staying mindful of such things can help us to create a good life for ourselves and those around us. I launched The Second Salon in 2016, after years in planning and a lifetime in my dreams. It was always my intention for The Second Salon to be a way to facilitate an informed and intelligent conversation about essential oils. I travelled to New York to study the School for Aromatic Studies program at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy in 2019. I have also completed cosmetic chemistry modules with the Institute of Personal Care Science. All of my blends are made using 100% pure essential oils. And every blend has its own story to tell. Running this business fills me with joy and I’m immensely grateful for everyone who has supported The Second Salon. My hope is that everyone who comes into contact with The Second Salon leaves feeling just a little bit better; more hopeful, more optimistic, more supported.  If you’re around tomorrow please come and say hello. If you’re a regular customer and we’ve never met PLEASE say hello and tell me what you buy and why. Katie x _____________________________________________ On Saturday 14 December, 11am - 4pm FOMO Freo and Walyalup Koort transform into a sprawling open-air Festive marketplace perfect for a day of Christmas gift shopping, dining, sipping and creating! With more than sixty of Perth’s best artists, designers and collectors, expect an incredible range of jewellery, clothing, one-of-a-kind ceramics, homewares, original artworks & prints plus a plethora of giftable vintage treasures and collectibles. #freo #thisisfremantle #fremantlemarkets #fomo #fomofestivefair #fomomarket #thesecondsalon #thesecondsalonessentialoils

Friends, thrilled to be stall-holding at next week’s @fomofreo market! Perth’s newest open-air market for curated and praiseworthy gifts, design goods, art, vintage and handmade wares lands at FOMO FREO Saturday 14 December from 11am - 4pm.  Featuring an incredible lineup of renowned WA designers, artists, ceramicists, makers and collectors including Anya Brock, Shupiwe Chongwe, Kate & Abel, Porch Ceramics, Carla Adams, Kate Sale, SBA Label, Neighbourhood Press, Our Folk Studio, Bright Press, Cowboy Karaoke Family Vintage, Freo de Janiero and plenty more! On Saturday 14 December, FOMO Freo and Walyalup Koort transform into a sprawling open-air Festive marketplace perfect for a day of Christmas gift shopping, dining, sipping and creating! With more than sixty of Perth’s best artists, designers and collectors, expect an incredible range of jewellery, clothing, one-of-a-kind ceramics, homewares, original artworks & prints plus a plethora of giftable vintage treasures and collectibles. #freo #thisisfremantle #fremantlestory #fremantlemarkets #fomo #fomofremantle

Friends ❤️❤️❤️ Join me for a cute little Twilight Makers Market this Thursday at @frisksmallbar 🍸 Perfect timing for a special gift for a special someone (or yourself) before the panic buying kicks in. Come along, support local makers and sip some gin. 📍Frisk Small Bar - 103 Francis St 🗓️ Thursday 5th December ⏰ 6-9pm Lovely human creators coming include @anyclay @studiopeppercorn @deanne.jecks @sarah.zincke.music @cottonpossum ps: the event will help to raise funds for @ruahcommunityservices

This is me at the @stackwood_ Made Local Market in 2019. I’d just returned from New York where I was studying an intensive aromatherapy course. I was so inspired and excited about where my little business going. And I still am. I was also a bit of an awkward stall-holder. And still am. LOL. I’m not sure why but I think it has something to do with trying to balance making myself available to help customers and answer questions, while being mindful of giving people space. So PLEASE feel free to start the conversation if you’re coming to the @stackwood_ pop up tomorrow. STACKWOOD POP UP Saturday 23th November 9am - 3pm I hope to see you there, Katie xx Photos: @raefallon #stackwood #stackwoodmadelocalmarket #stackwoodpopup #thisisfremantle #thesecondsalon #fremantleshopping #fremantlemarkets #thesecondsalon #thesecondsalonessentialoils

YOU ARE HUMAN. A funny thing happened. I was working on the design for my new business / thank you / blotting cards. YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN is written on the front. But my finger slipped and the word beautiful dropped off. It just said YOU ARE HUMAN. Yeah - you are. We are. But this world seems intent of taking us away from our humanness and de-humanising us at every turn. Remember your roots friends. When you forget find a tree to hug. Katie x #human #youarehuman