About us
What We Believe
Our Story
Living and working in Rarotonga for over 16 years has not only transformed my life but also inspired my approach to aromatherapy. The lush tropical environment of the Cook Islands provides not only a breathtaking backdrop for my practice but also serves as the living canvas where I craft my signature botanical formulations.
As an aromatologist, I’ve found my true calling among the abundant natural resources of this island paradise. My journey began with formal training, but it’s the wisdom of this land and its traditional plant knowledge that has truly enriched my practice.
The island’s unique microclimate fosters ideal conditions for therapeutic plants. This environment enables me to cultivate and wild-harvest exceptional botanical ingredients, which serve as the foundation of my aromatic creations.
– Sylvia Kirsch
My aromatic journey began with my grandmother in France. For every minor ailment I had as a child, she would have a small bottle of something fragrant for me to inhale or apply to my skin. As a mother, I continued this tradition with my own family.
It was only with the onset of Covid, amidst the frustration of lockdown, that I recognized an opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream: to learn about the science behind essential oils, how our bodies assimilate them, and how they can enhance our well-being.
My approach combines traditional knowledge with scientific understanding, supported by comprehensive formal training:
Certificate in Aroma Science from the Aromaflex Academy in New Zealand
Then I pursued my studies at the Tisserand Institute with certificates in:
Essential Oil Safety
Fundamental Chemistry
Essential Oil Kinetics
Molecular Dynamics
Essential Oils for Healthy Skin
AromaPsychology
Then at the School of Aromatic Studies:
Anatomy and Physiology
Aromatic and Menopausal Skincare
Aromatic Formulation: Dynamics of Blending
Essential Oils in Pregnancy
Aromatherapy for the Chakras
My education never ends. Each year, I dedicate significant time to expanding my expertise through continued study in aromatherapy specialisations and, more recently, herbal medicine.
This commitment to ongoing education ensures that my formulations incorporate both time-honoured wisdom and cutting-edge advances in botanical and aromatic therapy.
Philosophy
True wellness arises from a harmonious relationship between people and nature. My work focuses on fostering that connection through aromatic formulations that respect both the scientific properties of plants and their subtle energetic qualities.
I source the essential oils and botanicals in my products from small artisan producers around the world. I maintain personal relationships with these producers, ensuring that their products are organic, wild-harvested, or sustainably produced, and free from pesticides and adulteration. As a result, each harvest exhibits subtle differences. I like to compare this process to winemaking, where each year produces a distinct and unique vintage.
Each product I create is small-batch and personally overseen from plant to bottle. This hands-on approach enables me to maintain exceptional quality while adapting formulations to the seasonal variations in plant materials.
When you apply one of my aromatic creations, you’re experiencing with more than just a pleasant scent or temporary sensation. You’re connecting with the vibrant essence of Rarotonga – its volcanic soil, pristine rainwater, salt-kissed air, and generations of plant wisdom.
I invite you to explore how these island-inspired aromatics can support your wellbeing journey, bringing a touch of paradise into your daily rituals.
– Sylvia Kirsch
Qualifications
At Manongi, every blend and wellness practice is backed by both science and soul. Founder Sylvie Kirsch has followed her passion for natural wellbeing through years of study with some of the world’s leading aromatherapy schools, blending rigorous training with a heartfelt commitment to holistic care.
Sylvie’s path has taken her from the foundations of Aroma Science at Aromaflex Academy in New Zealand, through in-depth studies in Anatomy and Physiology, and into specialized areas such as Essential Oils in Pregnancy, Aromatherapy for the Chakras, and Aromatics for Menopausal Skincare. Each step has added new layers of knowledge and experience, shaping the gentle yet powerful approach Manongi is known for.
Specialised Expertise
To ensure her practice is grounded in the latest research, Sylvie has completed a wide range of advanced professional development courses with the Tisserand Institute, including:
- AromaPsychology (understanding the mind and body connection through scent)
- Essential Oil Safety and Essential Oil Kinetics (safe and effective applications of oils)
- Healthy Skin Formulations (nurturing the body’s largest organ with plant wisdom)
- Fundamental Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics (bringing a scientific lens to natural therapies)
Blending Science with Care
This combination of academic training, advanced science, and holistic wisdom allows Sylvie to create safe, effective, and nurturing aromatherapy experiences. At Manongi, every blend is more than just a fragrance. It is a thoughtful expression of wellbeing, crafted with deep knowledge and genuine care.
