In April 2026, The Woman Magazine published an interview with Sirin Haksal, founder of DO Botanica, conducted by Crina Ciocian. We are delighted that the publication that gives voice to women entrepreneurs in Romania chose to tell our story.
We have gathered the main ideas here: where DO Botanica came from, why the rose, what an intentional aromatherapy ritual means, and what lies ahead for the brand. You can find the full interview on thewoman.ro, the link is at the end of the article.
From the corporate pace to slower rhythms
Sirin comes from a corporate background, with structure, speed, and performance goals. DO Botanica was not born from a business plan, but from a period when life had become too fast and fragmented.
“DO Botanica emerged from a profound change.” — Sirin Haksal, for The Woman
The change came gradually. First came breathing exercises and mindfulness, then an increasing focus on nature. Botanical illustration taught her to observe plants in detail, while aromatherapy added a sensory dimension. This is how a lifestyle close to what we now call slow living took shape: fewer things, chosen more carefully.
Curator and bridge: what DO Botanica actually is
The name combines “DO”, the story of nature, with “Botanica”, the science of plants. DO Botanica is not seen as a manufacturer, but as a curated space that brings niche brands with the same values to Romania: simplicity, authenticity, and meaningful rituals.
“I see myself as a curator and, at the same time, as a bridge.” — Sirin Haksal
The most important of these brands is Homemade Aromaterapi, founded in 2012 by Aslı Bilgin. The products are made in small batches in a GMP and ISO 9001 certified laboratory in Istanbul. For Sirin, the deciding criterion was trust: complete transparency regarding ingredients, sources, and the process, and a woman who lives the brand's philosophy herself. You can find more about our values on the About Us page.
The rose, the plant that represents her
When asked what plant represents her, Sirin chose the rose. In aromatherapy, the rose is associated with emotional balance and tranquility.
“It has a subtle strength: it does not overwhelm, but subtly transforms the atmosphere.” — Sirin Haksal
If you want to bring the rose into your routine, the simplest options are Rose Roll, a pre-diluted roll-on that you can apply to your wrists, and rose water, for the face or as a refreshing spray throughout the day.
The morning ritual of the founder of DO Botanica
For Sirin, daily rituals are not a luxury, but a gesture of self-care.
“I usually start my day by applying an essential oil or using an aura spray.” — Sirin Haksal
Inspired by her answer, here is a 3-minute morning ritual you can try tomorrow:
- One minute of breathing. Before your phone, take three slow breaths, with a roll-on applied to your wrists.
- An aromatherapy shower. A shower gel with essential oils, like the patchouli and lavender gel, transforms the routine into a moment for yourself.
- The air in your home. A few spritzes of natural room spray in the room where you start your day, not directly on your body.
Slow growth and trust
One of the most sincere ideas in the interview is about the pace of the business. DO Botanica chose to grow slowly, even when economic pressure might have demanded otherwise.
“I learned that things do not need to grow quickly to make sense.” — Sirin Haksal
For her, a product must be honest, made with intention, and in harmony with nature. This means organic essential oils, handmade formulas, and recyclable packaging, even if the journey is longer.
An example of a product made at this pace is the hand care set by Homemade Aromaterapi, handmade and packed in a recyclable box, a natural gift suitable for the cold season.
Less searching, more listening
In the early years, inspiration came from research: brands, aromatherapy studies, natural ingredients. Now it comes from intuition and the way people react to a scent or a natural product.
“It became less about searching and more about listening.” — Sirin Haksal
This listening is best seen at our workshops. Read how the aromatherapy workshop at Galeria enRose in Bucharest was, where each participant created her own body oil.
The DO Botanica woman in 2026
What does the DO Botanica customer look like? Sirin describes her in three words.
“She is conscious, intuitive, and intentional in her choices.” — Sirin Haksal
She chooses essential oils, candles, and aromatherapy rituals based on how they make her feel, not based on trends. She cares about the energy of her home and seeks depth in simplicity. For the long autumn evenings, soy wax candles and the Sleep Blend for the diffuser are a good starting point.
Wellbeing for the whole home, including dogs
Sirin observes a clear change: people are thinking more and more about the well-being of the whole home, including pets. That is why DO Botanica is developing aromatherapy products for dogs with partners.
Until then, our pet series includes a lavender aromatherapy shampoo and a paw balm. One important thing: animals, especially cats, are much more sensitive to essential oils than humans. Use only products formulated specifically for them.
Sirin's advice for readers
In the end, Sirin left a single piece of advice, simple and easy to put into practice: a break, a breath, a small ritual.
“Give yourself a moment.” — Sirin Haksal
If you want to start today, you have a starting point in the DO Botanica essential oil collection or in the Ritual sets, which are also a good natural gift idea.
Read the full interview in The Woman
The full interview with Sirin Haksal, “DO Botanica emerged when I started turning back to nature, to slower rhythms, and to small rituals that bring presence to everyday life,” appeared on April 9, 2026, in The Woman Magazine. Read the interview on thewoman.ro →
Thank you to The Woman team, Crina Ciocian, and Carina Marisa Cichi for the interview.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the founder of DO Botanica? Sirin Haksal founded DO Botanica after a career in the corporate world. The brand brings natural aromatherapy products to Romania from niche brands, such as Homemade Aromaterapi.
Where was the interview with Sirin Haksal published? In The Woman Magazine (thewoman.ro), on April 9, 2026, in the Lifestyle section.
What is an aura spray? A natural room spray, with rose water, salt, and essential oils, used to rebalance the atmosphere of a space. It is sprayed into the air, not on the body.
How do I start a daily aromatherapy ritual? Choose a single product and a single time of day, for example, a roll-on in the morning or a diffuser in the evening. Consistency matters more than the number of products.
Can I use essential oils for my dog? Only in products formulated specifically for animals, and never pure essential oils on their fur or skin. For cats, consult your veterinarian first.
The Woman Magazine Editor
Carina-Marisa Cichi
Loving to tell stories that deserve to be heard through writing, Carina-Marisa Cichi believes that each of us has the duty to give a definition of “success” of our own.
For her, success means having the privilege to live, every day, by and through writing, telling stories: for the publications she writes for, for the brands she creates alongside, and on the platforms through which she communicates.
She wishes to tell a story through her passion for film photography; through the Romanian designers she wears; and, of course, through the interviews she lovingly conducts with remarkable women for The Woman.
Interview conducted by Crina Ciocian · Read the interview on thewoman.ro →
