In December 2020 I had the pleasure of meeting Shani, founder and creator of Authentically You, the most relaxing, soothing and nervous system cooling bath soak to ever grace the world. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, a vital aspect of having a great night sleep is the wind-down ritual before you get into bed. I can say, hand on my heart, there is no better wind-down ritual than indulging yourself in one of Authenitally You's natural bath soaks. As Shani mentions in the interview, she is committed to providing users with bath soaks made from exclusively natural and organic components enriched with botanicals and essential oils to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Having launched during the pandemic, Shani shares with us her desire to encourage consumers to "become their own healers" by relaxing, meditating and reflecting. This journey resulted in the creation of the most intoxicating, and safe-space inducing bath soaks. Read on to discover how you can become more authentically yourself.
Be sure to read the full interview and then head to Authentically You to find the perfect blend to fit your mood and needs. Even better, for a limited time, Authentically You is allowing you to custom order your bath soaks, so you to choose your prefered base, essential oil and botanical blend. I know that you'll enjoy this xoxo.
Hello Shani, thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions! How are you and how have you been these past few months?
Thank you Charlotte!
I am well, the past few months have literally been a rollercoaster, but I am so thankful that my family and I are in good health.
Can you tell us a little about what it is that you produce and the journey that lead you to creating these wonderful bath soaks?
I launched Authentically You in Spring 2020 with the intention to encourage others to become their own healers and give you the tools you need to create a safe space at home to quieten the mind and work on being the best version of you.
Suffering from anxiety and depression after giving birth I found it hard to reach out for support. I was surrounded by family and friends but felt more alone than ever.
I knew I needed aids to help me, so I created a safe space at home where I could be uninterrupted to journal, meditate, script, listen to sound baths and work with essential oils and salts. Through this, I was able to clear my mind and understand the things that were triggering my emotions and began to listen to my inner voice.
It’s important to me to mindfully use ingredients that nature has given us. This is why I am committed to providing natural and organic products enriched with botanicals and essential oils to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Free from synthetic fragrances, artificial colourants, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulphates, and mineral oils. All products are handmade by me in London in small batches to retain the ingredients' therapeutic properties and freshness.
I love what I do because I enjoy creating environments for spiritual healing and cleansing, and helping others create a safe space in their homes to clear their mind and reconnect with their body.
You launched in 2020, what gave you the courage to launch this and how have you found starting the business whilst dealing with life in a pandemic?
I launched Authentically You in April 2020.
Before Authentically You I was working on care packages where I brought different brands together to create unique packages for people. I loved the brands I was using but I did want to reflect on what I could do. As I was still using my products at home for my own healing, I took a massive leap of faith and began making products at home, trying and testing with essential oils to get every product right.
Starting a business during a pandemic, of course, has been very challenging, but yet so rewarding. I have had a chance to connect with my audience in such an authentic way, sharing stories of self-love and healing.
Can you share with us the production process for how you create such wonderful, relaxing products?
The first thing I do is focus on the intention for the soak, i.e. will this blend uplift, soothe, ground, be powerful or sensual? Next, I work with the essential oils and botanicals to create a blend that resonates most with this intention. Then I add the salts and oils that aid in relaxing your muscles and keeping your skin moisturised.
Your emphasis on working with natural and organic ingredients is extremely attractive to those of us who have sensitive skin, was there a long/ difficult process of creating these products in order to make them as kind to the skin as possible?
Honestly no, due to the fact I myself have very sensitive skin and also suffer from eczema, creating bath soaks was second nature to me as I’ve also had to turn to home remedies to relieve my skin.
As we have all been spending more time at home over the past year due to the pandemic, it can often feel as though our safe havens get too hectic. What rituals have you adopted in order to continue to create a calm and relaxing place at home?
Listening to Audible during the day, to learn and stay inspired.
A weekly declutter of every room and as well as clothes I have been saving for a rainy day.
Dedicating at least 30mins to myself every night. This time is spent in the bath, stretching, meditating, or catching up on a show.
Writing down a few things I would like to focus on or accomplish for the next day
Do you have any advice for people who are struggling to find peace and quiet at home?
Focus on finding peace within, and create your own sacred space. A space that allows you time to relax and reflect, and instantly brings you calm. Your space doesn’t need to be big and could be packed away if need be. It can include pillows, mood lighting, a diffuser and a few candles. Focus on your intention for this space and add anything that feels good for you. This is your space to listen to music, to journal, meditate, to be inspired, and most importantly self reflect.
I have tried your Inner Self Bath Soak and it is truly wonderful. Do you have a favourite bath soak or special ones for certain occasions?
My favourite bath soak would be ELEVATE. Elevate always uplifts my mood, and makes me feel good. I also love pairing my bath soaks with my intention for the evening. So, frankincense when I want to wind down and calm my mind, Eleven Eleven when I’m in the mood for something sweet and sensual and then Healing Journey when it's time for me to reflect and look within.
Something which you offer to be enjoyed whilst people are using your bath soaks is free meditation music on your website. What role does mediation play in your daily life?
Meditation helps me to stay focused and listen to both my body and inner self. For me, meditation helps me begin the day on a high vibration and at the end, the day helps me sleep.
What does being “authentic” mean to you?
Being authentic to me is trusting my inner authority and not looking outside myself for validation. Being honest and true with myself.
Can you tell us about your bath soak ritual?
My bath soak ritual begins by taking a shower before taking a soak.
Filling the bath with warm water.
As the bath fills up, lighting candles and playing relaxing music.
Making a hydrating drink, my favourite lemon and rose tea.
Adding a generous handful of Authentically You bath soak into the bath.
Soaking for about 20-30 minutes, and giving myself time to write and go within.
And finally ending my soak with visualisation. Visualising my energy being renewed and releasing what no longer serves me.
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