Meet The Duo Behind Oilori, The Wellness Brand On Everyone’s Wishlist

Oilori

Oilori is a homegrown essential oils brand founded by Dr. Aanisa Tramboo and Owais Gore, who believe that natural, slow living is the answer to wellness. Their mission is to make people prioritize their wellbeing through mindful, daily rituals that lower stress and increase longevity. In a heady and humorous Q&A, we get to know more about the couple that started the essential oils company, what aromas inspired them, how they practice wellness, and where Oilori is going next.

1. Describe the scent of your childhood.

Aanisa: I grew up in Srinagar, Kashmir. Nature was a huge part of my upbringing. I have memories of my father taking me for walks through fields of lavender and rose. Till date, the essence of lavender oil is my favorite smell.

Owais: I grew up between Mumbai and London and had a very sporty childhood so I can clearly remember the smell of chlorine from daily swimming lessons and the smell of squash courts, especially the particular odor of a squash shoe's gum sole.

2. Why choose essential oils?

Aanisa: We all lead busy lifestyles but there was nothing in the market that spoke to me personally about slowing down and feeling well. As a doctor, I saw people turning too quickly to medicines for the smallest complaints. Growing up in Kashmir, essential oils were often used to soothe pains, coughs, and colds. Smell is strongly connected to the brain and certain aromas can reduce stress and discomfort. We created Oilori as a lifestyle alternative to rushing to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter solution. Our oils are not a replacement for medication but they are a great daily self-care option.

Owais: Also using the roll-on makes you instantly stop and focus on your breathing. It is a commitment to your wellness.

3. What is the first thing you smell in the morning?

Aanisa: Ginger and lemon from my morning cup. Then I use Oilori ‘Energize' to start the day.

Owais: Rosemary and lavender essences from an oil we're testing out for our upcoming hair health line.

4. What is behind the name Oilori?

Aanisa: You go to a library for books, a perfumery for perfume. For essential oils, come to Oilori.

5. What makes Oilori different?

Aanisa: Wellbeing is a personal goal for us. Oilori is a very personal brand. My background as a doctor with a Master's in Public Health also puts me in the unique position of balancing medical research with natural care.

Owais: Unlike other brands, we are directly involved at each stage, from research and production to packaging and delivery. We are constantly talking to customers so that we can adapt formulas and make changes. We aim to be transparent, accessible, and supportive.

6. Where do your ingredients come from?

Aanisa: Our key ingredients are grown in Kashmir which has the ideal climate and incredible natural resources. The mountain air is clean and the soil very fertile.

Owais: We have an amazing community of farmers there and it is very special for us to be able to support them and keep growing with them.

7. What is your favorite essential oil from Oilori and when do you use it?

Aanisa: When I'm at work, I use the Oilori ‘Anxiety' roll-on after lunch. Just before going to the gym, I use ‘Energize.'

Owais: When I get to the office, I start with Oilori ‘Energize' as a springboard for my day. If things get too hectic, I use Oilori ‘Anxiety Relief.'

8. Name an aroma you love outside of Oilori?

Aanisa: The smell of izband during Kashmiri weddings. It is an incense made from a Kashmiri shrub grown and is burned during special occasions.

Owais: The aroma of coffee and woods like cedar, pine, and mahogany.

9. Describe the scent of Kashmir in three ways.

Aanisa: Home, Kangri, and dried Kashmiri chillies.

Owais: Kagzi almonds, pine, and deodar trees.

10. Describe the scent of Mumbai in three ways.

Aanisa: Salt water, fish, and chaat masala.

Owais: Humans, hard work, and the sea.

11. Name one ingredient that you would climb Mount Everest for.

Aanisa: Certain rose oils that are very rare and cost a fortune.

Owais: I'd have to climb it to see.

12. How do you balance today's hectic pace with Oilori's slow living philosophy?

Owais: Sometimes there is only so much you can cut down on, but you can always take breaks. At its core, Oilori is about making you pause throughout the day to check your inner balance.

13. Three words to describe the essence of Oilori

Aanisa and Owais: Nature, science, and slow living.

14. If you could collaborate with any celebrity for a signature essence, who would it be?

Aanisa: Deepika Padukone. We love her stance on mental health and wellness.

15. What's next for Oilori?

Aanisa: We are working on a line of oils for hair health.

Owais: And we are looking forward to building our Oilori community!