The story of Incense Route began long before the store itself opened. For founder Rownak Salam, the journey into natural healing started during her childhood.
Growing up in a Bangladeshi household, natural remedies were part of everyday life. When headaches appeared, her mother would gently apply rosemary oil. Guava leaves were used to help keep teeth clean, and neem oil was trusted to treat acne and skin blemishes. These simple but powerful traditions sparked Rownak’s early fascination with the healing power of nature.
Years later, that curiosity evolved into professional training. Rownak studied aromatherapy through institutes in India and Canada, becoming a licensed aromatherapy practitioner and dedicating her career to helping others experience the benefits of natural healing.
When she opened Incense Route in Downtown Los Angeles more than 15 years ago, her vision was clear: to create a welcoming space where people could explore wellness through natural and spiritual practices. She hoped especially to reach younger individuals searching for healthier alternatives to stress, anxiety, and destructive habits.
Today, Incense Route offers a wide range of holistic products—from ethically sourced Palo Santo and sage used for cleansing energy, to fragrance oils, healing crystals, and handcrafted candles and soaps designed to promote positivity, protection, love, and emotional balance.
For Rownak, Incense Route is more than a store. It is a place where ancient traditions, natural elements, and spiritual intention come together to support a healthier, happier way of living.
Her mission continues to be simple yet powerful: to help people reconnect with the healing energy of the earth and discover natural paths toward well-being, clarity, and inner peace.. 🌿✨