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Essence of Vali began with a deep belief in the power of nature to nurture. Founded in 2000 by certified and award-winning aromatherapist Valerie Bennis, the company grew from the heart of a thriving aromatherapy practice in New York City. Each blend was originally created for individual clients—thoughtfully tailored, plant-based remedies designed to support sleep, relaxation, and balance. What started as one woman’s mission to share the benefits of essential oils has evolved into a collection of exquisite wellness products now featured in 5-star hotels, spas, luxury resorts and specialty retailers around the world.
Our line includes botanical mists, massage and bath oils, roll-on aromatherapy and 100% pure essential oil synergies—each one meticulously crafted to promote wellness safely and effectively. Every formula honors the tradition of aromatherapy while inviting modern rituals of rest and renewal.
More than just products, Essence of Vali is a lifestyle, encouraging you to challenge your mind, honor your body, and celebrate your spirit. Our headquarters and distribution center remain in New York City, where our journey first began—and where every bottle is still crafted with care.
Jessica Claire Wilkins
Essence of Vali is led by Jessica Claire Wilkins, a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, self-care and storytelling.
Jessica’s journey to Essence of Vali was anything but linear. Raised in a small Texas town, her love for beauty and wellness began at just sixteen, when a high school design project asked her to imagine her future career. She created a magazine ad for a beauty and wellness company—a vision that would stay tucked away for years before becoming reality.
Her early career took shape in television, where she worked as a morning show producer. The long hours and sleep deprivation gave her a deep, personal understanding of the importance of rest and restoration. A serious car accident and the transition into motherhood later brought her even closer to the world of natural healing. Through physical therapy, massage, and the use of essential oils, she developed a profound respect for the power of integrative self-care.
In 2019, that passion found a new home in Essence of Vali, a company originally founded by Valerie Bennis in 2000. Valerie, a family friend and mentor, was ready to pass the torch—and Jessica was ready to lead with purpose. On November 1, 2019, Jessica became the new owner of the brand, continuing its mission.
Under Jessica’s leadership, Essence of Vali remains rooted in its founding philosophy: Challenge your mind, honor your body and celebrate your spirit.
Essence of Vali invites you to come back to yourself—one blend and one dream at a time
Valerie Bennis
I am Valerie Bennis, founder of Essence of Vali. In the year 2000, I left my corporate career and launched our line of products. It has been an amazing journey and I am grateful for all of the clients and customers who are enthusiastic users of our blends. I am also grateful for the recognition we have received with industry awards and being highlighted in books on natural healing. The emails and letters I have gotten are heart- warming and affirming.
On November 1, 2019, I made the decision to step away from the day to day operation and take on a consultative role as the Founder of Essence of Vali. I am happy to have passed the torch to Jessica Claire Wilkins who has the passion, energy, creativity and vision to carry on my legacy.
May you always take impeccable care of yourself,
The name of our company is very fitting as my nickname is Vali. Creating blends that smell beautiful and are used in a sensual and healing way are a creative expression of who I am. From an early age, I have loved self care and taking care of others.
In my thirties, I became interested in holistic healing and studied therapeutic touch, Reiki, nutrition, herbs, detox programs, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies, juicing, fasting, and aromatherapy. I loved tinkering at home, making therapeutic formulas as well as creating recipes for my beauty regime. It was always a source of pleasure and fascination for me.
I continued my career in the corporate world and evenings and weekends, continued my other life as an alchemist of sorts. Then I went through some soul searching about my life and my future and decided to follow my heart and focus on an area of holistic healing. That was when I decided to focus on “essential oils” also known as “aromatherapy”. I loved all the ways the essences could be used – therapeutic, medicinal, beauty, and addressing all levels of mind, body, spirit.
Once I made my decision, I found the perfect teacher and studied as an apprentice for an intense six month period. This was followed by a certification program and a diploma program. I became a certified aromatherapist four years after I started my studies. All this time, I was still at my day job, happily making customized blends for individual clients, evenings and weekends. I lived a bit of a double life and people at work used to sneak into my office for advice and for their customized blends.
My recipe book was quickly being filled up with healing formulas. To this day, I still have my original book with the person’s name for whom the formula was created. In the year 2000 I left my corporate life and launched the Essence of Vali line of products. It has been an exciting journey that I am still on.
Beyond the products, we love inspiring people to love themselves, age gracefully and experience a whole new way of life. We believe in challenging your mind, honoring your body and celebrating your spirit.