It's Pride Month and we're celebrating by featuring some of the members of the Queer Community in Kingston.

Helen McGill is a certified aromatherapist and founder of Morphologically, a holistic aromatherapy company based in Kingston! 

Read the full interview below...

What is the story behind Morphologically?

When I landed in New York City, I immediately started working in fashion, prior to that living in Vancouver BC, I worked for an aromatherapy company for a number of years focusing on medicinal blending. The two things intersected in 2013 when I was opening a store in Brooklyn, which was particularly arduous. One of those situations where we just had to push through, it wasn’t about reinventing the wheel  it was just about getting it done.

So I went back to my roots, pulled out some oils and start blending. As a site visit wound down, I left naturally scented candles in all of the office spaces. A few hours later, I got an email saying what magic did you just do to all of us?! That response felt like a call from the wild to pick a new path. I had been heavily involved with meditation and healing bodies as a nutritionist so coming back to how powerful plants and their essences can be, that road became illuminated and cleared into focus. I started developing the Morphologically line then with the goal of entering into the world of layered senses and fragrances with purpose. 

By sourcing each note, and ingredient I aim to provide pleasant experiences with very little negative impact. Minimal packaging, ethical farming practice, strong healthy plants = a harmonious experience. My goal is as a natural perfumer to create memorable complex scents and sensations through exposure. A glowing herbal moment starting from flame or mist enveloping your body and spirit.

How are you involved in the Kingston queer community? 

I’ve been welcomed into such an amazing maker’s community through markets and mixers. Being a part of the vending circuit I’ve been so lucky to meet and support many other Queer artists and crafts people. It’s super cool crossing paths with people’s passions and what place that takes in their lives. 

As a real estate agent, I feel particularly honored to work with people in the community to help them find their permanent nests. Not to be a downer, but I came out in a generation that didn’t fully dream of getting married, having families or forever homes and neighborhoods.  We were told we couldn’t have those things, they weren’t rightfully ours. We weren’t wanted as family members and we weren’t wanted as neighbors. So I work for and champion my community - from finding the perfect home to the right scent to fill it with. 

Can you tell us about how your evolved your personal style in order to feel more like yourself? 

I'm sort of a late bloomer to fashion I really found myself exploring when I first moved to New York City in 2004 in my late 20’s. Spending a lot of time dancing the night away at queer clubs, I found myself heavily influenced by color, pattern smashing and the power and uniqueness behind vintage pieces. My friends and I would pick a theme and dress for the occasion on the weekends. We committed to geometric prints out of style, ridiculous shoulder pads and added in bathing suits and flowing blouses to pull it all together.Particularly items from the 60’s and 70’s when sprinkled in with a good worn in leather jacket, a great pair of boots and excellent denim as staples. Taking wildness from the eve to work the next day. There is a sweetness in wearing well made pieces made original over time with a little history. 

What is your go-to item of clothing and why?

Right now I live in a well fitting pair of 100% cotton blue jeans. No stretch, high waisted and ass hugging goodness. The mythical adage of Levi butts drive me nuts is true at any age.

What's a piece of advice you wish your younger, queer self could hear right now? 

If you have to bend and hide parts of yourself to be loved, that’s a good indicator you’re looking at a love not worth having. Hold your head up high, know your worth and keep it moving. Embrace that you are indeed lovable and will be loved just as much for your imperfections as for your merits.

Oh so very afterschool special sounding yet something the sooner you can learn and embrace the lovelier life becomes.