In February 2022, Kim joined the Trelonk team as Director of Innovation and Commerce, heading a team focussing on the science behind the brand “Trelonk Wellbeing”, working tirelessly on promoting evidence-based solutions for everyday common conditions. “We remain committed to our audience to provide advanced botanical solutions that actually work to support them through their health and wellness journeys.”
Raised in Africa, Kim Lahiri, Trelonk Molecular Wellbeing’s expert formulator and aromacologist was strongly influenced and inspired by her father, a surgeon who grew and made his own herbal medicines. Her father’s message “Look to nature and there you will find solutions” has stuck ever since.
With a portfolio of company’s people can only wish to work for, Kim has grown and developed through multiple high-end companies, learning from the best. Starting her career in the hair and skin department, formulating and testing products for Unilever, Kim eventually moved into the world of cosmetics and perfumery. With a trained nose, Kim became very successful at creating signature fragrances for many hotels and international spa companies such as Espa. The food and drinks industry also appetised Kim, which led to her working for 10 years in the world of Master Blenders and Sommeliers. Teaching the industry how to ‘nose’ correctly, Kim took company-after-company under her wing, with creating specific aromas for brands such as Diageo, Pernod Richard, Bacardi and other spirit and wine brands.
Wanting to share the knowledge she had acquired, Kim travelled internationally lecturing and teaching subjects such as “Awaken your sense of smell” and “Smell, the forgotten sense” with her qualifications as an educator and examiner. Travelling as far as Japan and Australia, Kim thoroughly enjoyed sharing her high level of aromatherapy knowledge and expertise. Besides from teaching face-to-face, she has spoken on BBC radio, talking about the role of essential oils in religion. Now a Director of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), a professional body of aromatherapists that is known to hold the highest standard of education internationally, Kim continues to work with government health committees worldwide to improve the practice of aromatherapy and is actively involved in elevating academic standards and influencing policy in the field.
Furthermore, Kim is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS), British Society of Perfumery (BSP), and is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner. More recently, Kim joined the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network, which was set up to connect Clinicians and Aromatherapists worldwide, sharing the latest research and evidence-based information.
With over 46 years of experience in the field of complementary therapy, cosmetics and perfumery, Kim’s passion remains ignited about combining the powers of science and nature. Kim wants to discover more molecular compounds found in essential oils, carrier oils and plant extracts, such as terpenes and specific CO2 extracts. Her enthusiasm also lies in harnessing the rich synergies of fatty acids and waxes found in vegetable oils to formulate credible plant solutions for everyday ailments. Passionate about combining the powers of science and nature, Kim joined the team at Trelonk in 2020 as a New Product Development Consultant.The crops grown at Trelonk are full of these compounds, and Kim intends to harvest the power of plants for improving the health and wellbeing of Trelonk Wellbeing’s audience. The Mediterranean native of the forget-me-not family, borage, is among Kim’s favourite Trelonk crops, as it is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid, which is well known for its natural healing properties.
Igniting my love for science at school, I went on to complete various scientific qualifications, including forensic science. Staffordshire University provided me with the fantastic opportunity to undertake a course which involved recovery of evidence from crime scenes to preserve, analyse and present in a court room.
After college I went to work for an Engineering Consultant as a Geo-Technician where I performed soil engineering and chemical testing. During my time there I contributed to publishing a paper in the Journal ‘Geoscience in South-West England’ in which I performed experiments to mimic the transit of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) through the human digestive system. As well as a full time job I worked on a day release basis to achieve my degree in BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering in which I concentrated my dissertation on ‘Soil arching within piled embankments’. After my degree I worked as an ATO in Derriford hospital combined labs and as a QA technician for a dairy manufacturer. Having spent half my career at the dairy manufacturers as a supervisor to the chemistry and microbiology laboratories, I grew a strong interest for microbiology particularly investigation work with listeria and Pseudomonas. Here I also achieved my food safety, auditing and HACCP qualifications.
When I am not working I like to practice yoga, bake my own cakes and go for walks on the beach or in the woods and take my camera for macro shots of insects and flowers. With a high interest in yoga and my health & wellbeing, I switched to a plant-based diet after reading the benefits it can have. To now get the opportunity to combine my love of both nature and science with over 15 years’ experience of working in laboratories is amazing for me.
Pete has worked for over 18 years as a skincare specialist for some of the world’s leading cosmetic and spa brands.
Passionate about helping each partnered business to develop and grow with Trelonk Wellbeing, Pete will be carrying out training, demonstrations and full service and support.
“My passion is seeing both people and their business develop and grow with us. I am excited to see the products develop from seed to skin this year and to promote authentic, sustainable and science led wellbeing. In my spare time I like walking the coastal paths with my dachshund Darcey or visiting National Trust properties across the UK. With Sicilian roots I enjoy nature and love to see the change of nature throughout the season.”
Pete’s Favourite Product: Lights Out #08
“A perfect partner to my sleep routine. On nights where I need that extra relaxation, I put a few drops of the concentrate into the bath. But my favourite method is to use the inhaler that comes as part of the starter kit. To complete my Trelonk at home ritual, I massage Lights Out #08 topical oil after my evening shower. It’s a pre-blended oil with floral scents of lavender and clary sage which helps me to winddown into a deep and restful sleep.
Contact: pete.whitwam@trelonkwellbeing.com
