The story of INXHALE

INXHALE started as a remarkable idea and quickly evolved into a thrilling and dynamic project fuelled by inspired determination and guided by the principles of science.

Founded by Marlborough-based wellness enthusiast Kate Guthrie, and supported by experts in the fields of product development and olfaction, INXHALE was designed and developed to create a product that is accessible, discreet, interesting, and that actually works. Something worth reaching for during the day – for a lift, or to offer calm – using product design and ingredients that are scientifically endorsed, and truly have a purpose.

INXHALE is proudly at the forefront of olfactory wellness, and education is an important part of how we wish to interact with the world. Our website contains information which explains the science behind the products and its ingredients, as well as interesting and fascinating things that sit on the periphery of olfactory wellness. 

As well as plans for products in the future, we are proud to present olfactory inhalers for any person who seeks to support the human experience through a natural, sensory experience, which scientifically has the ability to affect the way the brain reacts in the moment.

More about our founder, Kate

Kate Guthrie is a wellness enthusiast, an innovative entrepreneur, a wife to George, and a mum of two who lives in Blenheim.

“I grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Kurow, South Canterbury, where the wide open spaces and the changing terrain left its mark. I am grounded, I appreciate realness, and I am always up for a challenge. I suppose that’s why I consider myself a resilient and driven person.

I’m married to George, who owns a successful construction business, and I am a mother to Louis and Freda who keep me on my toes as much as I keep them on theirs.

My mind travels in many directions and I’m constantly looking for pathways to improve the quality of people’s lives, which is great because it makes me a forward thinking, practical and open-minded person. I’m driven to challenge the status quo, I’m compassionate and creative, and I’m resourceful and empathetic.

This has definitely contributed to the way I’ve approached life so far. I have a diverse range of passions and past projects including viticulture, organic shop ownership, farming, events, marketing, developing a children's sleeping bag business, and co-developing REAL Workspace in Blenheim - an office environment focused on wellness architecture. 

As a creative person with an entrepreneurial spirit, I felt I could explore something around my passion for wellbeing. That’s why I wanted to make something of the idea I had, which has evolved into INXHALE.

Soon after I had the idea, I went on a wellness retreat at the top of the South Island where I met renowned product designer Stacey Fraser. She and I connected instantly, and after several conversations I realised that there was real potential for this idea of mine to become a reality. Stacey then connected us to Conan Fee - Professor at University of Canterbury and Jess Deacon - brand and communications strategist. All three of these people have been exactly the right team to help bring this project to life. Through research, discussion and good old trial and error, INXHALE has become what it is because of the help of the expertise from these three people.

There came a time in my life when I decided I wanted to focus on surrounding myself with wholesome, kind-hearted people who are real and get on with it without the fluff. It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to work on this project with people who tick those boxes and are on board with my own end goal: to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

I started having conversations with people about what they reach for when they feel they need a pick me up, or something to bring them down. The natural, wholesome, good-for-you kind! And the answers were in some cases varied, but in all cases showed me that there was a real need for something that was handy, did what it said, lasted for a while, and could be used by anyone. Those conversations helped shape the final product.

If you have any feedback about INXHALE - about the inhalers themselves or anything about the brand, I would love to hear from you.”